PROJECTNorthborne – Strengthening Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas

About the project

Northborne promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in the rural regions of Västernorrland and Ostrobothnia by developing a cross-border community accelerator for startups, scaleups, and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises.

Businesses in rural areas often face challenges such as limited support services, low visibility, and a lack of networks. This can make entrepreneurship isolating and hinder growth. The project addresses these challenges by creating an open, community-driven accelerator that offers tools, mentorship, and knowledge sharing in a supportive environment.

Northborne will develop and test an accelerator program tailored to rural conditions. The pilot initiatives combine workshops, mentorship, and cross-border meetings to help companies develop their ideas, gain access to expertise, and build long-term relationships.

A structured mentorship program complements the accelerator by connecting entrepreneurs with experienced professionals who can provide guidance, expand networks, and support business development.

The project also engages municipalities and regional stakeholders to increase knowledge about rural entrepreneurship, strengthen local support systems, and foster a more innovation-friendly climate.
 
The goal is to create vibrant, resilient, and future-oriented business environments in rural areas. This is achieved by developing a model for community accelerators that can be replicated in more locations, strengthening cross-border networks, and increasing understanding of the value of innovation in rural areas.

Project partners: BizMaker, Centria, Nykarleby Innovation Center, and Coompanion Västernorrland.

Project period: January 2026 – December 2028
Funding sources: Interreg Aurora, Västernorrland Region.