we rural builders 2020-2023

With We Rural Builders, we wanted to change the image of the countryside in Sjuhärad. Our ambition was to highlight driven entrepreneurs and passionate individuals who show that the countryside is not desolate fields and empty houses – but a place full of life, ideas, and opportunities.

What we did

Over three years, we carried out a series of initiatives that focused on the driving forces of the countryside:

• Eight film portraits of brave entrepreneurs who chose to build their lives and businesses in the countryside.

• Three Rural Builder Galas, where we awarded prizes the Rural Builder of the Year in four categories while also creating meeting places with lectures, local music, and networking. The galas were conducted in various ways – digitally during the pandemic and physically with large audiences in the later years.

• Networking meetings and study visits, including to Skillnadens garden center, Erikson Cottage, and Knaltens organic vegetables, where entrepreneurs could meet, be inspired, and share experiences.

• ”The Future of the Countryside”, where individuals with different perspectives wrote columns about the future role of the countryside.

• Drive-in cinema and live discussions, where we tested new ways to meet and share stories during the pandemic.

We have also created campaign films, short clips, and marketing on social media that together have gained wide dissemination.

Results and effects

The project generated significant media attention and put Sjuhärad on the map as an area where social entrepreneurship thrives. In total, we produced 17 films, held three appreciated galas, and gathered a broad network of entrepreneurs, associations, and organizations.

The voluntary engagement was strong – nearly 1,000 hours were spent by people who contributed to galas, activities, and events. New collaborations and networks emerged, both locally and nationally, and several of the rural builders we highlighted have continued to inspire and drive development in their communities.

The method – to highlight good examples and create meetings – continues in our work. We also hope to continue the tradition of the Rural Builder Gala moving forward.

The board's decision justification

After the submitted application and presentation in LAG, scoring in the selection criteria has shown that the project aligns well with the strategy for Leader Sjuhärad and is expected to meet some of the goals and indicators we have committed to during the program period. The project aims to make the countryside visible through inspiration from good examples of the opportunities that exist, as well as to highlight entrepreneurs in the area.