we rural seers 2024-2026

If you Google the word ”rural” the screen is filled, even today, in 2025, with images of desolate fields and empty houses. Not a single person in sight. We who work with rural development do not recognize ourselves at all in what these images convey. The desolate views are in stark contrast to the exuberant drive and strong commitment that we encounter daily among Sjuhärad’s entrepreneurs. In the project We rural people, which is run by us at Leader Sjuhärad, we have now joined forces with five savings banks and the municipal tourism industry network in Sjuhärad to together change the image of the countryside for the better.

During the project period, we will focus on strengthening the area's social entrepreneurs and creating conditions for new meeting places and collaboration methods. As part of this, we will arrange annual rural development days with a focus on skills development and networking opportunities. Within the framework of the project, we will also arrange an annual Landsbyggare Gala where the award "Landsbyggare of the Year" will be awarded in four categories.

Small, local businesses and also associations are important for the development of rural areas – not only for our area, but also in a national perspective. This project will therefore contribute to "a pat on the back", but also give entrepreneurs and business owners the opportunity to be inspired by others and develop their business further.

We rural people will also showcase the attractive location of Sjuhärad and attract expertise, capital and drive to the area. Together with tourism industry managers, films that attract visitors to our area will be produced and distributed across large parts of our country in a joint marketing campaign. 

The project has its own website and there is already a lot of inspiring material there, as we have carried out a first round of We rural people. Please visit it to get to know some of our rural visionaries and see what's coming up next in the project.

Alexandra Pérez Liberg, Borås TME:

”"By showcasing Sjuhärad's unique attractions and offerings, we hope to attract more visitors and at the same time strengthen the local economy"”

The board's decision justification

The project is well in line with Leader Sjuhärad's strategy by drawing attention to the countryside with its innovative power and drive. The efforts take place during the project period, but not least the films have the potential to be spread and live on even after the end of the project period. The project's activities increase Sjuhärad's attractiveness for both visitors and entrepreneurs.