Umbrella Smart Rural Areas
– Easier support for small, smart and local development ideas
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Umbrella Project Smart Rural Areas makes it easier for associations and entrepreneurs to implement minor development efforts that strengthens rural areas.
Through a simplified application procedure You can quickly test an idea, develop a basis or try a new method that makes your local community more sustainable, inclusive and future-ready.
The project is aimed at the entire Leader Sörmland Coast area:
Trosa, Nyköping, Oxelösund, Södertälje, Salem and Botkyrka.
An umbrella project means that Leader Sörmland Coast is looking for a larger project, and within that, local actors can apply for smaller sub-projects. This means:
faster decision
less administration
simple applications
support for small development efforts
The target group is primarily non-profit associations, village teams, networks, young initiators and small local companies that want to test ideas connected to smart rural areas.
We expect to be able to grant 5–10 sub-projects total during the period 2026-2027
Only so-called other costs are eligible for support, not investments and salary costs.
Decisions are made on an ongoing basis by a working committee within the framework of the umbrella project. selection criteria.
The project is partly funded by the EU.
- Budget 500,000 SEK 81%
🔎 Important within the umbrella project
- Focus on planning, collaboration, knowledge and testing – not large purchases
Small, feasible efforts with clear local benefit
Preferably something that can spread to more villages
Investment not eligible for support
Do you need to invest in a facility, for example through purchases or measures that exceed SEK 24,000 excluding VAT , do you need to apply for a regular Leader project, because investments do not fit within the umbrella project framework for smaller and quickly implementable interventions.
Here's how the process works:
1. Submit your expression of interest
Fill out the form on the page and briefly describe your idea.
2. Feedback from the Leader Office
We will contact you after an initial assessment. Promising ideas will be taken forward.
3. Submit budget (max 5 cost items)
Ni lämnar en enkel budget för ert delprojekt. Stöd ges normalt för 25 000–75 000 kr. Maxtak är 100 000 kr.
4. Decisions & agreements
If the project is prioritized, you will receive a concise agreement with clear terms and conditions.
5. Implement the subproject
You carry out the intervention (2–6 months) and save invoices and proof of payment.
6. Accounting & payment
The support is paid when you have submitted an accounting with invoices and payment documents.
Examples of project approaches
1. Local service development
Testing of unmanned store or delivery point
Coordinated service points in community centers/homesteads
Digital info points or village screens
2. Circular loop solutions
Local recycling hub
Shared machine pool or sharing services
Composting solution or joint cultivation test
3. Digitization & smart technology
An app or digital solution for local collaboration
Technology for the operation of associations (sensors, IoT, booking systems)
Data-driven solutions for energy, water or climate
4. Young people developing rural areas
Support can be given to initiatives where young is a driving force in developing long-term working methods, structures and meeting places in rural areas. This can, for example, involve building up youth-driven activities, testing new methods or local services, or developing environments such as makerspaces, e-sports or cultural initiatives. The focus is on creating activities that live on after the project ends and strengthen young people's influence and involvement in the countryside.
5. Association-driven methods & models
The umbrella project can support associations that want to develop new methods, working methods or forms of collaboration for local development. This can, for example, involve developing local strategies or development plans, testing new forms of association collaboration or testing new operating and organizational models, such as association-driven service.
The efforts may also include: preparatory and structural work for major initiatives, such as investment planning, feasibility studies for business centers, shared business premises or rural housing. The focus is on analysis, coordination and method development – not on the actual construction or investments.
6. Processes for local preparedness/emergency planning
A community centre association can apply for support within the umbrella project for smaller initiatives that strengthen the community centre's role as a local emergency response hub. This could, for example, involve developing a local emergency response plan for how the community centre can be used in times of crisis, developing collaboration with the municipality, associations and voluntary resources, or conducting training and exercises that strengthen local emergency response capacity. The association can also work on mapping local resources and skills, testing the community centre as a safe gathering place in times of disruption, and developing simple communication solutions for crisis situations. The focus is on planning, collaboration and knowledge that provides lasting benefits for the region and can inspire more community centres.
Selection criteria
📍 Local anchoring
The project must be based on a clear local need and have support from the location or target group concerned.
🌱 Contribution to smart rural areas
The initiative will strengthen local service, digital development, circular solutions, social sustainability or youth participation.
💡 Innovative thinking or testing of new methods
The project should try something new, develop a method, model or solution that is not already used in the area.
⚖️ Feasibility and cost-effectiveness
The project should provide good value for money and have a reasonable budget in relation to its scope.
🤝 Collaboration and participation
Projects that involve multiple actors, target groups or local networks are prioritized.
🌍 Environmental and climate benefits
Initiatives that promote sustainability, circularity or energy efficiency receive higher priority.