Sør-Varanger Utvikling AS (SVU) is pleased to announce the exciting project "GENGREEN - Empowering Green Entrepreneurship for Women in the Arctic. Funded by the European Interreg Aurora program, the project aims to support and develop green female entrepreneurship in the Nordic countries. The project has a total value of 1,012,847 euros, with SVU responsible for a work package worth 280,000 euros. Over the course of the project, SVU will receive approximately 1,400,000 Norwegian kroner.
The GENGREEN project has an ambitious vision to strengthen the role of female entrepreneurs in the green transition while contributing to economic growth, social development, and ecological sustainability. Through close collaboration between regional and international actors, the project will establish five Cross-border Living Labs in Finland, Sweden, and Norway (Kirkenes), and offer four main modules for online training in business operations, sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration.
"Sør-Varanger Utvikling AS is proud to be a partner in the GENGREEN project," states Maja Kruuse, project manager at Sør-Varanger Utvikling AS. "We see enormous potential for green entrepreneurship in our regions, especially among women. GENGREEN will provide women with the opportunity to develop as driving forces for change, create new sustainable businesses, and contribute to the green shift."
The project places a strong focus on ecological, social, and economic sustainability. GENGREEN aims to address environmental challenges, promote viable economic and social development, and create employment opportunities in the Arctic regions. Throughout the project period, various activities, training modules, workshops, and networking will be conducted to support participants in developing and enhancing their green businesses.
The GENGREEN partnership consists of nine dedicated organizations representing various areas within higher education and research. These include the University of Helsinki Ruralia Institute, leading GENGREEN, Karelia University of Applied Sciences (LUAS), Centria University, and Luleå University of Technology (LTU). Additionally, regional and local development agencies such as Into Seinajoki, Liiveri, and ICE Kirkenes are involved, along with the Arctic Economic Council (AEC) and Inari Municipality.
"Sør-Varanger Utvikling AS looks forward to collaborating with our international partners in the project and contributing to creating an inclusive, innovative, and green region," says Kenneth Stålsett, CEO of Sør-Varanger Utvikling AS. "We encourage women in our regions who are interested in green entrepreneurship to participate in the project and take advantage of the unique opportunities that GENGREEN offers. We will also ensure that the project is linked to ongoing activities, maximizing the benefits for the local community and the region. In line with our societal mission, the SVU team demonstrates our ability to attract additional capital, networks, and activity to the municipality. This project will provide significant benefits to all those who wish to get involved, including existing businesses."
Sør-Varanger Utvikling AS will actively work to ensure good communication with stakeholders, the target audience, and project partners. We aim to achieve two-way communication, inviting participation and engagement from the local community," says Maja Kruuse. "We will also work on building networks, creating synergies, and collaborating with other relevant projects and organizations to maximize the project's impact and sustainability. The GENGREEN project represents a significant opportunity for Sør-Varanger and the surrounding regions to promote green entrepreneurship, contribute to sustainable development, and make a positive impact on society. Sør-Varanger Utvikling AS looks forward to leading the local work package for this important initiative and collaborating with our new partners to achieve the project's goals. The work will be carried out under the entrepreneurship brand ICE."
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