The Flagship Project ”Sustainable Rural Development” Youth Entrepreneurship Conference October 22 nd and 23 rd, 2013 Some conclusions

Discussions in the Latvian conference What are the five most important things that would make you attracted to settle in a rural area and build your future there? What is your driving force to try to find solutions to a challenge instead of seeing problems? What triggers your entrepreneurial ability? Why are you realizing certain ideas and dreams? What are the support systems for young rural entrepreneurs that you know about in your country?

Personal and subjective reflections There is not one unique or ”right” way of entrepreneurship. There are several We have met with very different entrepreneurs Using resources available, combining them to get some kind of new outcome Different ways in to business Strong but different driving forces

Driving forces ”Making the world a little bit better” Using the fishing culture and products and adding value to devlope more types of income Using the horses you ”happened to buy” to create a business Wanting to be a millioneer before 30 Making a good business from the love of farming Disability to resist the challenge of a problem or unused resource

Ways to business Training from parents, an entrepreneurial or artistical family environment Training by organising parties, sales, events.. Dedication in education with focus on a goal from the start Wanting to live in a rural area and being forced to invent an occupation Finding yourself as owner of some horses

High targets and moderate goals Some have really high, in my perpective (or for me) unreachable goals. Some are developing during the way and maybe raising the targets Some are pleased just when people are happy (more or less)

Support measures There are lots of support systems and funding available in all the countries Search for the information! ”Knock on every door”!

Some quotations Being full of good and innovative ideas and at the same time being critical to all of them, is easier if you are in a team. Good ideas are only 10% but the ability to implement the ideas is 90% of the success The family and the resources we have are some of the most important assets we have. Train an ”elevator presentation” of your business idea “Have no fear of perfection, you will never reach it”

More quotations There are no miracles. It is about hard work and focus Do not do it for the money but for the joy of the children, of your family or other people Be not afraid of failures and mistakes Be honest to your customers and keep what you have promised