The first training cycle of the international project HeritageHunters&Business began with an opening event in Imatra, Finland, from January 29 to February 1, 2026. Over the course of four days, Estonian and Finnish young people, trainers and project partners met to begin a joint cross-border learning journey centered on linking local nature and cultural heritage with entrepreneurship.
12 young people from Avinurme Gymnasium participated in the first training cycle, working together with Finnish youth in an international team. The aim of the opening event was to create a common understanding of the content and objectives of the program, develop the participants' entrepreneurial mindset, and introduce heritage-based entrepreneurship opportunities in both Estonia and Finland.
During the training days:
- they got to know the specific features of the natural and cultural heritage of Estonia and Finland,
- discussed the role of heritage in the economy and community development,
- heard good examples of heritage-based businesses,
- visited companies and heritage sites in South Karelia,
- conducted practical creative workshops, and developed their first business ideas.
Special attention was paid to experiential learning - the program included workshops, company visits, and study tours introducing the nature and cultural sites of Imatra. Young people were able to analyze which heritage resources
could be the basis for new services and products and how to
sustainably develop them.
The project helps support young people in border areas by offering them new
opportunities for self-realization and encouraging them to see the nature and heritage of their home area as a potential business resource.
A total of 72 young people will participate in the HeritageHunters&Business training program over three
training cycles.
The total budget of the project is 637,692 euros,
of which 80% (510,153.60 euros) is covered by the Interreg Central Baltic Programme
2021–2027 through European Union co-financing.
Activity is supported by the project CB0600324 – HeritageHunters&Business, which is co-funded by the European Union by the Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027.
More information about the project:
https://ctc.ee/activities-and-projects/running/heritagehunters-and-business
https://centralbaltic.eu/project/heritagehuntersbusiness/
Ederi Ojasoo, project manager
NGO Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation
ederi.ojasoo@gmail.com
56636264