This is two umbrella projects that were carried out side by side – North and South – during 2018 to facilitate feasibility studies and provide start assistance. Start Assistance was implemented within intervention area 4 Innovation/New technology/New solutions/Research and could, for example, consist of mobilizing around an idea through village meetings, hiring external expertise for e.g. investigations or process support, developing a website for a community, lectures or similar inspiration. The purpose was also to facilitate for applicants to have good foundational material in cases where they want to proceed with their idea and seek project support from Leader Lake, Forest & Mountain.

One could apply for up to 25,000 SEK through Start Assistance, and one co-financed through voluntary time, voluntary resources or own money.

Approved activities within Start Assistance: https://www.sjoskogfjall.se/beviljade-projekt/paraply_starthjalpen_nord_syd/

LAG board's justification

LAG chooses to prioritize this project within the framework of the intervention area Innovation/New technology/New solutions/Research, as there is a need for a simple way to work with feasibility studies, community plans, and small projects with short project duration. LAG believes that this project will lead to innovative thinking and increase the level of innovation, facilitate new solutions and the implementation of new technologies.