This rural development association grants Leader funding to micro-enterprises and community organisations in the Tornio area and neighbouring municipalities. Business support covers start-up expert services, furniture and small purchases, IT systems and establishment costs. Support rates run from 30% to 40% depending on the area, and central urban parts of Tornio are excluded from business funding.
Applications are made electronically through the Finnish Food Authority's Hyrrä system; paper applications are no longer accepted. The office is staffed by a managing director, an office secretary handling reporting and finances, and a project manager for the Kylhiin uutta virtaa project. Help is available with project planning, finding partners, using Hyrrä and obtaining suomi.fi authorisations.
Have you applied for funding or dealt with the association? Share your experience in the comments for other applicants.