The launch of Ida-Viru Creative Cluster

Ida-Viru has long been a county with low business activity. Based on the data of County Development Centres´ network, Ida-Viru with 43 businesses per 1000 residents had the lowest indicator in Estonia in 2019. Additionally, the population of Ida-Viru county is aging and in decline. The process of Just Transition that started in 2022, will substantially change the established economy of Ida-Viru. For this, training is needed and the entrepreneurship of the local people has to be supported and developed in the region.   -    The project "The launch of Ida-Viru Creative Cluster" reinforces and develops the developing network of creative industries. We support the development of knowledge and motivation of the county´s agents through various trainings and study trips, and will achieve wider increased awareness on the sector through podcasts and Focus Day. We develop the creation of the creative industries network in the county through regular meetings with the county´s current creative industries entrepreneurs and those interested and we will introduce creative industries entrepreneurs from across Estonia as well as from South-East Estonia. Through the practical activities of the project we will also support increasing environmental awareness among the local target group. Through various activities and introduction of best practises we will promote the formation of new contacts within the county, across Estonia and Finland. -    The greatest challenge of the project is the engagement of women, incl through the engagement of the Russian speaking community, providing them with a new clear output and supporting them in becoming creative entrepreneurs. The involvement and empowerment of the community  promotes coherence of the society that as a whole positively affects the image and competitiveness of the region. -    In long term perspective (the wider impact) the project accelerates the small entrepreneurship of Ida-Viru county by diversifying the business environment and established economical model.

The project contributes to the achievement of the programme´s indicator through a variety of activities, improving the quality of the knowledge and skills of entrepreneurs and organizations that, as a whole, helps to strengthen and diversify the entrepreneurial environment of the county. 1. Development of Ida-Viru Creative Cluster and reinforcement of the network through trainings and development activities. 2. At least 50 creative industries companies and NGO-s involved through trainings and development activities for development of Ida-Viru Creative Cluster.