The Development projects to support the business environment

Growth by Events The project focuses on developing the events and event collaboration in the Koli tourism area, the municipality of Kontiolahti, Joensuu, and the Pielinen Karelia region. The project aims to strengthen cooperation between tourism and event operators and enhance the region's appeal through high-quality and attractive events. Efforts will be made to create innovative event concepts, improve digital accessibility, and increase event attendance. Key activities include workshops, training sessions, and pilot projects designed to enhance event management expertise and strengthen event communication. The project places special emphasis on sustainable development principles, such as environmentally friendly practices, the utilization of local resources, and the use of ecological solutions in event implementation. The project is managed and primarily implemented by Lieksan Kehitys Oy LieKe , with Kontioloikka Oy serving as a co-implementer. The project's budget is €985,171 (LieKe €607,090, Kontioloikka €378,081), and its implementation period runs from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027 . Further Information: Project Manager: Milka Oksman Email: milka.oksman@lieksankehitys.fi Phone: +358 44 728 4648

The goal of the Lieksa Digital Hub and the associated Lieksa Digital Hub – Investments project is to develop a digital hub that brings together people from diverse backgrounds in an innovative environment where they can learn new digital skills and utilize modern technologies. The projects aim to strengthen the region’s expertise, increase its attractiveness, and promote vitality by providing, for example, remote working facilities and digital hub services that support businesses, education, and community building. A key objective is to establish and solidify the digital hub and remote workspaces by leveraging the Smart Village operational model. The projects, managed by Lieksan Kehitys Oy LieKe , will run from 1.1.2025 to 31.12.2027, with budgets of €672,759.36 (Digital Hub Lieksa) and €95,000 (Lieksa Digital Hub – Investments). For more information contact: Ari Kainulainen, Project Manager +358 44 235 1870 ari.kainulainen@lieksankehitys.fi Pietu Eronen, Business Specialist +358 44 491 5028 pietu.eronen@lieksankehitys.fi

The Lieksa Strategic Ecosystems -project is a development project for the production operations and operating environment of companies in Lieksa's key industrial sectors (bioeconomy, circular economy, food industry, and other production activities). The aim of the project is to turn companies in the region and the research, development and education organisations supporting their development needs into smart ecosystems that operate efficiently and responsibly. The functioning of ecosystems will be developed in the project by strengthening cooperation and network structures, boosting companies' RDI activities and increasing the competence and expertise of operators. The ultimate goals of development activities are to improve companies' business opportunities and sustainable growth, attract new companies and investments, increase jobs, diversify Lieksa's economic structure and increase the attractiveness of the area. The total budget of the project is 498 500,00 €, of which 398 817,00 € is EU-funding. T he implementation period is 1.4.2024-31.12.2026. Additional info: Project Manager Petteri Ryhänen, +358 44 988 3273, petteri.ryhanen@lieksankehitys.fi Head of Investment and Finance Carl Wideman, +358 44 551 4621, carl.wideman@lieksankehitys.fi

The “Northern Lakeland - Profitable Growth of Tourism Companies and Internationalization of Tourism”-project aims to find new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the area of Pielisen Karjala.