MILOU-Smart Entrepreneurship

About the micro-support

MILOU- Smart entrepreneurship is a micro grant aimed at smaller companies, companies in collaboration, or individuals who want to start businesses that want to develop their operations in an innovative way. 

What can you apply for support for?

The projects can, for example, involve initiatives that contribute to new local products or services, transformation, new forms of collaboration, new working methods, or increased business professionalism. The initiatives should promote the area, be sustainable, and long-term.

Who can apply for support? 

Applicants can be a smaller company or an individual who wants to start a business operating within the geography of the Coastal Land.

How do you apply for support? 

To apply for support, you must use the application form that you can download via the button below. The application is emailed to us at the address listed on the form. Decisions on support are made by the Coastal Land's decision committee for micro grants, which assesses whether the application meets the criteria and the applicant's need for support. We accept applications on an ongoing basis as long as there is money left to distribute. Please feel free to contact us at the office for guidance and information on when your application should be submitted to be included in the next decision meeting.

In-house production at Ica Nära in Ålem

Within this sub-activity, ICA Nära Ålem will develop a new niche range of in-house produced sandwich cakes, sandwiches, and other fresh products to strengthen the store's attractiveness and competitiveness. The initiative is being implemented to meet the increased competition from larger discount chains while creating conditions for continued service and trade in rural areas. To enable the new concept, energy-efficient refrigerated displays will be installed, and new display materials and branded clothing will be developed to clarify the initiative in the store. The project also includes marketing efforts and direct advertising to increase awareness of the new range in the area. Through in-house production, the store can improve its margins, reduce food waste, and create better conditions for retaining jobs. 

The Kajkalaset in Tyrislöt

Within this sub-activity, an investment will be made that is part of the establishment of a new event and catering company focused on events and mobile food solutions. Through the arrangement Kajkalaset in Tyrislöt, the company sees an opportunity to both kickstart the business and simultaneously create benefits for the area by contributing to a more vibrant archipelago life. The investment is based on collaboration with local associations, where Navet i Havet and IK Österviking, together with the company, participate in the planning and execution of activities during the day. Kajkalaset will be held as a full day for all ages with a market, children's activities, sports activities, food service, live music, and evening entertainment. The purpose is to create increased activity and attractiveness in Tyrislöt and strengthen collaboration between local actors. Through the project, the company wants to build experience, networks, and visibility for future investments in events and catering. 

Increased visibility and skills development

The company Tassa och Trava runs a second-hand store with consignment sales for dogs, horses, and cats, primarily aimed at pet owners in Gamleby, Tjust, and the surrounding area. In addition to the store, coaching and courses in dog behavior are offered, from puppy and young dog courses to anti-hunting training and social skills training. To increase profitability and competitiveness, two initiatives will be implemented within this sub-activity: a marketing campaign on social media, advertisements, and printed press to increase awareness, customer base, and brand recognition; as well as skills development through training to become a therapy dog team, which can rehabilitate dogs' fears and aggressions and develop puppies' and young dogs' social skills, something that is currently lacking in the municipality. The goal is increased competitiveness and economic sustainability.

Popular education in food knowledge

Within the newly started company, Fredrich Frithioff plans to develop a business that combines food experiences, popular education, and digital storytelling with a focus on local ingredients and sustainable cooking. The initiative is based on a strong interest in food and an ambition to highlight alternatives to mass-produced food products. Within this sub-activity, film and editing equipment will be purchased and a mobile food studio will be created, enabling the production of inspiring digital content and the implementation of cooking activities. The idea is to visit local producers and ingredient suppliers, where meetings and activities are documented and transformed into films and other material for dissemination in digital channels. In addition, food events, demonstrations, and pop-up activities will be carried out in collaboration with local actors in the tourism industry. 

Strategic transformation

The company has undergone a restart focusing on a new area of operation and a partially new business model. By leveraging expertise in project management, the business will focus on supporting entrepreneurs with services that encompass the entire process from idea development to implementation and strategic coordination. To create long-term sustainability, reach the right target audience, and ensure that the offerings meet market needs, a well-developed brand strategy is required. Within this sub-activity, an external consultant will be hired to coach the company for twelve weeks in developing a clear strategy, visual identity, and cohesive communication. The work will result in a brand compass that guides the company's continued development.

Development of an experience place

The sub-activity aims to further develop the business Ponduoza into a more vibrant, inclusive meeting place with a café, farm shop, events, and activities for multiple generations. Through new activities and improved accessibility, more visitors will be attracted to the farm, and their length of stay will be extended, especially for families with children, groups, and seniors. The project includes three main measures. A rabbit house with an associated enclosure will be built to create an experience-based activity where visitors, especially families with children, can see and pet rabbits. The facility will be designed according to current animal welfare regulations and with good spaces for the animals' well-being. A pétanque court will also be established to create a social meeting place and activity for adults and seniors. Additionally, an existing toilet will be renovated into an accessible toilet to make the business more accessible for people with disabilities and to better accommodate larger events.

StartPower

GlappKraft AB is a newly established company that helps organizations navigate changes through analysis, training, and practical support. To ensure a sustainable business establishment, they want to build a stable working method, a long-term business model, and a clearer digital presence within this sub-activity. They will seek help from an external consultant in business development and strategic leadership, who will provide support in business logic, prioritizations, target group definition, and clarification of the company's service offerings through regular meetings. Within the sub-activity, they will also develop a website to make the business and services visible. As female entrepreneurs, they also want to gather experiences from other female entrepreneurs in the region during the project period to increase understanding of structural barriers and contribute knowledge to relevant actors. 

Make Textile Quarter Visible

Within this sub-activity, five textile companies will collaborate to make their businesses visible and strengthen them. Despite the strong collective textile competence, the area is currently unclear for visitors. Under the name ”Textile Quarter in Söderköping,” the companies – Sparven, Medisox, Björke Väveri, Jofotex, and Korps – will develop a common graphic profile. The area will receive clearer signage and wayfinding, complemented by a digital platform that gathers information, maps, and links to the companies' own websites. The ambition is to increase the area's visibility, attract more visitors, and thereby strengthen sales for all businesses. 

Sustainable and Innovative Packaging

The company, which specializes in gourmet popcorn, has recently moved its production to Valdemarsvik and plans to launch a new gift packaging with interchangeable sleeves that can be adapted according to the season. The purpose is to develop a sustainable and flexible packaging solution that strengthens both the company's and retailers' competitiveness. Within this sub-activity, they want to create the conditions for the new packaging by developing the technical tools and production solutions required to start manufacturing. By transitioning from hard plastic to soft plastic bags, more efficient production, and reduced transportation, the climate footprint is reduced while profitability increases. 

Local Delicacies

Through a new collaboration with local producers, Odensvi grocery store wants to increase the range of local products in the store. The initiative is part of developing the store, niching the assortment, and attracting more customers. Within the sub-activity, a delicatessen display will be purchased and installed.

Streamline Café Operations

The association runs a grocery store and a gas station in Östra Ryd. In the grocery store, there is a café, which serves as an important meeting and gathering place for the local residents. The café operation is a good complement to the store, but since the business staff also has the responsibility of brewing coffee manually, it has been difficult to maintain a consistent quality. Additionally, it has been challenging to predict the coffee demand, which has led to unnecessary waste when coffee must be discarded. To streamline the café operation, the association will install a coffee machine that can ensure a consistent quality throughout the day and does not require constant supervision or control.

Boden and Lilla Gärdet

Lilla Gärdet has emerged from a strong personal commitment to sustainable cultivation, local community, and locally produced raw materials. In 2023, Ulrika Andersson took over a smaller field in Ringarum, after her father. The land – previously a flat field – has been transformed into a thriving cultivation of vegetables, berries, and flowers through hard work and volunteer efforts. The vision is to develop the place into a vibrant meeting point for local sales, self-picking, events, and flower arranging with a focus on sustainability, locally produced, and community. Within the sub-activity, the business will be expanded and the company established. A shed where berries, vegetables, and flowers can be sold to customers unattended will be built within the project and placed in Kulla. 

Döderhultarn's birthplace opens up

Högetorp, better known as Högatorp in colloquial terms, is the birthplace of the world-famous wood sculptor Axel ”Döderhultarn” Petersson. The farm is located just outside Oskarshamn and has long been closed to the public. Since 2017, it has been owned by Hanna and Simon Leidecker, who are now working to open up the place and give it new life. Today, the farm operates with accommodation rental for tourists, nature and landscape care, and lamb breeding. Now the owners want to take the next step and develop Högetorp into a vibrant meeting place for culture, nature, and local history. Due to the fact that this year marks 100 years since Döderhultarn's passing, they want to open the birthplace to the public as part of the memorial celebration. They also plan to arrange concerts, cultural events, nature meetings, and open a farm café. To accommodate visitors, they will establish a parking area within the sub-project.

Long-term and sustainable relationships

Within the sub-activity, the company will further develop its operations and create conditions to offer talk therapy for both couples and individuals. The company currently offers coaching in areas such as personal development and has identified a demand for couple therapy, which can be offered both physically and online. Through a skills-enhancing training, the company can broaden its service offerings, creating new revenue opportunities and supporting sustainable entrepreneurship.