About us
Leader Sörmlandskusten is one of 40 prioritized leader areas in Sweden that can grant project support to local development projects in the rural areas of the municipalities of Salem, Södertälje, Botkyrka, Trosa, Oxelösund, and Nyköping.
Leader Sörmlandskusten is a non-profit association that works to develop the countryside in Sörmland through the Leader method. We support projects that promote local development and collaboration between the non-profit, private, and public sectors. Our geographical area includes the municipalities of Nyköping, Oxelösund, Trosa, Södertälje, Botkyrka, and Salem.
During the program period 2023–2027, we have a LAG budget of 35 million kronor, including other public support, to finance projects that contribute to sustainable development in our area.
We encourage associations, businesses, and other organizations with ideas for local development to contact us. Our office offers support in process development, network building, and advice to realize project ideas.
Together we can create a vibrant and attractive countryside in Sörmland.
Board and organization
Leader Sörmlandskusten is led by a board called the Local Action Group (LAG). The board represents three sectors: non-profit, private, and public, and works together to drive development according to our local strategy.
- The board's role: LAG is responsible for assessing and prioritizing project applications, following up on operations, and fulfilling our goals and strategies.
- Composition: The board consists of 18 committed members with geographical spread within our area and with expertise from various sectors. No sector has more than 49% of the votes, ensuring balance and impartiality in decision-making.
- The organization's structure: Our work is supported by a staffed leader office that manages daily operations, offers advice, and assists with applications and project development.
We are proud of our transparent and inclusive organization, which ensures that our resources are used in the best possible way to promote sustainable development in Sörmland.
Partnerships and collaboration
Leader Sörmlandskusten is based on collaboration between the non-profit, private, and public sectors to create a sustainable and attractive countryside. Through our network of local actors, we work to promote dialogue, share resources, and support projects that strengthen local capacity.
Our work is characterized by:
- Cross-border collaboration: We bring together different sectors to create new opportunities and solutions that benefit the entire region.
- Support for local initiatives: We help actors develop their ideas through advice, financing, and network building.
- Quality guarantee: We ensure that all projects we support follow the local development strategy and contribute to our common goals.
- Dialogue and innovation: We create forums for collaboration where new ideas and solutions can emerge.
By working together, we not only strengthen our local communities but also contribute to a vibrant countryside where people, businesses, and associations can develop and thrive.
Membership
Membership in the non-profit association Leader Sörmlandskusten can be obtained by individuals, businesses, project owners, and democratically structured organizations that wish to work for the association's goals and purposes.
Partners such as municipalities, county authorities, regional authorities, or other public co-financers are also counted as members. Each of these appoints a representative to participate in the association's meeting.
The membership fee is 200 SEK per organization.
Members have the right to attend, speak, propose, and vote at the association's meeting and are entitled to ongoing information about the association's activities.
Administration and reporting
Leader Sörmlandskusten operates within the framework of the EU :s rural development program during the program period 2023–2027. We follow the local development strategy approved by the Swedish Board of Agriculture, which is our managing authority. Our task is to support projects that contribute to sustainable development and strengthened local capacity within our geographical area.
The administration includes:
- Project assessment and decisions: We are responsible for reviewing and prioritizing incoming project applications according to approved selection criteria, which ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process.
- Reporting and follow-up: We closely monitor the progress of projects and report regularly to the Swedish Board of Agriculture. This includes financial follow-up, goal reporting, and quality controls.
- Transparency and documentation: All matters are recorded and archived according to applicable regulations. We ensure that the information is available for audits and inspections.
- Coordination with financiers: We collaborate with public and private co-financers to ensure that our projects receive the support they need.
With our working method, we strive to create long-term effects that benefit our entire area and contribute to a sustainable countryside.
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITIES WITH LEADER!
Leader is a proven method for sustainable rural development, where local ideas and initiatives are supported to create positive changes in society. Through collaboration and participation from residents and local actors, we create
the leader method a living and sustainable countryside.
It can be everything from starting a new business to improving existing ones. It is you and your neighbors who know best what is needed here.
Leader is about making our area even better. We want a living countryside with more jobs.
