• Objective 1

    amplify the voice of rural areas to bring them higher on the political agenda
Description

Rural Impact Hub (RIHU) is our commitment to regenerating rural areas through entrepreneurship, social innovation, and community empowerment. Based in Miranda do Douro, a rural cross-border region, RIHU aims to bridge the gap between rural and urban opportunities, ensuring that no one is left behind because of where they live. Our objectives are to attract and retain people and businesses in rural areas, foster inclusive economic growth, and equip local communities with digital, entrepreneurial, and innovation skills. To achieve this, RIHU will implement a comprehensive program including: awareness and networking events; bootcamps for idea generation and project growth; tailored mentorship and training sessions; and continuous impact monitoring. By 2026, we commit to incubating at least 30 projects, engaging 700 participants, and building a resilient ecosystem that strengthens rural Portugal.

Commitment's information

Thèmes
  • Social economy
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Social inclusion
  • Prosperous rural areas
  • Rural-urban linkages
  • Education and training
    • Stakeholder beneficiary(ies)
    • Citizen
    • Non-governmental / civil society organisation
    • Public authority
    Activities
    • Networking activities
    • Capacity Building
    Expected Outcomes

    Key milestones of the Rural Impact Hub (RIHU) include:

    • 2025: establishment of the incubation space, launch of the mentor and partner network, and first community engagement events; onboarding of the first 15 entrepreneurial projects
    • 2026: delivery of the START bootcamp, and initial training programs; integration of 15 additional projects, and full activation of the support ecosystem.
    • 2027: expansion with the GROW bootcamp.

    By the end of 2026, RIHU aims to: incubate 30 sustainable projects, engage 700 direct participants (including mentors, students, and local actors), and generate new employment and investment opportunities in rural areas. The final outcome will be a resilient ecosystem for social innovation and entrepreneurship that strengthens rural communities and ensures their long-term sustainability.

    Main results

    Number of people

    700

    Number of projects

    30

    Organisation/Company information

    Rural Move

    Non-governmental / civil society organisation
    • 11-50
    • National
    TOPICS OF INTEREST
    Education and training, Social economy, Social inclusion, Youth
    État
    Ongoing
    Funding
    Commitment's fund
    EU funds, Regional funding
    EU Fund
    ESF
    Budget
    Estimated budget
    EUR 150 000.00
    Further details
    Scope of action
    Regional
    Beneficiary country
    Portugal
    Type of territories
    Rural area, Inland area