Development and promotion of the entrepreneurship in Setomaa based on local cultural traditions

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The historical area of Setomaa lies on both side of Estonian-Russian border. The region has succeeded to maintain its specific culture and traditional way of living, which differentiates the area from other regions in Estonia and Russia. At the same time the population of Setomaa is constantly decreasing on the both side of the border, which puts the maintenance of the traditional lifestyle and cultural heritage in danger. The main objective of the project is to develop the entrepreneurship in Setomaa based on local cultural traditions, which will strengthen the cultural identity in Setomaa, especially on Russian side. The sub-objectives of the project are: 1) to develop traditional handicraft skills among inhabitants of Setomaa on both sides of the border; 2) to develop business skills and knowledge among inhabitants of Setomaa on both sides of the border, who wish to make a living with handicraft skills; 3) to promote the handicrafts based on local traditions to the visitors of Setomaa from other regions of Estonia and Russia and from abroad as well as to local inhabitants; 4) to build a cross-border network between the handicraft masters and entrepreneurs from Estonian and Russian sides of Setomaa. The project partners are from Estonian side the Union of Setomaa Rural Municipalities and from Russian side the Administration of Pechory district. Both partners are responsible for the socioeconomic development of Setomaa region. Therefore both partners are interested in development of business activity in the region, which would motivate young people to stay in Setomaa, to find a job and to be active member of local community. The long-term impacts of the project are:1)the fields of local traditional handicraft are saved and developed;2 the business activity in the region is increased(16 new businesses both on Estonian and on Russian side will be created by the end of year 2008);3) Increased awareness and interest among the local inhabitants, incl. children and young people, in the whole region about the traditional handicrafts; 4)Increased awareness and interest among the visitors of Setomaa about traditional handicrafts. The project will also create better understanding and close contacts between local people from different side of the border. Main outputs: 1)research about the development needs and possibilities of traditional handicrafts;2)'Etno-map';3)4 training courses on 4 fields of handicrafts for 40 people;4)6 master classes of handicrafts;5)2 summer schools on handicraft for local children and youngsters in Estonia;6)development plan of traditional handicrafts;7)promotional catalogue;8)Business training program for 40 people;9)2 workshops for the participants of business training; 10)2 closing seminars of the project.;11)workshop for handicraft masters;12)active sellint training for 20 people;13)marketing research metholodolgy;14)Seto handicraft trademark;15)handicraft studio equipped for masters in Estonia

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