Joutsenten reitti ry is one of Finland's 52 regional development associations, known as LEADER local action groups. It covers four municipalities: Huittinen, Hämeenkyrö, Punkalaidun and the surrounding area. Its aim is to fund grassroots development projects that improve quality of life in rural areas. Funding is available for business investments and development and for starting business activity, as well as for community and association projects. Young people and seniors have separate funding instruments.
Business aid is applied for electronically through the Hyrrä system. Support is meant for small and medium-sized enterprises (under 5 person-years), private entrepreneurs, cooperatives and farms in rural areas. Wholesale, import and retail trade are generally not supported, except village shops, and solar panel and heat pump investments are generally excluded, except in farm diversification. Recipients of EU funding must describe the project on their website and social media with the EU emblem and the text "EU:n osarahoittama".
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