NEWSLETTER
May 2026
LOPPO comes to an end: a lasting legacy for rural green entrepreneurship!
After months of collaboration, learning, and innovation, the LOPPO project has successfully reached its final stage. Following the completion of the online MOOC, the partnership focused on transforming the project’s achievements into practical, long-term resources that will continue supporting green entrepreneurship and rural communities across Europe.
Mapping local
opportunities
Each partner organisation worked closely with its local community to identify valuable resources that could support future entrepreneurs. This mapping process included uncultivated land, business premises available for rent, accommodation options, and citizens willing to participate in international volunteering initiatives. These local assets have become the foundation for creating stronger and more connected rural ecosystems.
Launch of the LOPPO webapp
One of the project’s most significant achievements is the creation of the LOPPO online webapp, a web application designed to connect aspiring green entrepreneurs with opportunities available in rural areas.
Through the platform, users can explore available land and business spaces, search for housing, receive guidance and mentoring, connect with local entrepreneurs and community members, and access information about funding opportunities. The webapp aims to make it easier for people interested in establishing sustainable businesses to settle and thrive in rural territories.
A practical eBook for rural communities
Building on the experiences gathered throughout the project, the partnership developed a comprehensive LOPPO eBook. The publication brings together the methodologies, educational approaches, and practical experiences implemented by each partner organisation, together with the lessons learned from the online training activities.
The eBook serves as an open resource for organisations, educators, and communities interested in promoting green entrepreneurship and sustainable rural development.
Policy recommendations for adult education
To ensure that the project’s impact extends beyond its lifetime, the consortium also produced a Policy Package containing recommendations for regional policymakers and adult education providers.
The manual offers practical guidance on integrating the LOPPO methodology and results into existing adult learning programmes, encouraging the continued development of entrepreneurial and green skills in rural areas.
Resources available in five languages
Accessibility has been a key priority throughout the project. All major LOPPO outputs—including the MOOC, Marketplace, eBook, and policy materials—have been made available in English and the languages of all partner countries: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Czech, and Bulgarian. This multilingual approach ensures that the project’s resources can benefit a wide European audience.
Measuring impact
The partnership carried out a comprehensive evaluation process involving partner organisations, staff members, participants, beneficiaries, and stakeholders. Through online questionnaires, interviews, and practical assessment activities, valuable feedback was collected to measure the effectiveness and quality of the project’s results.
In addition, a dedicated impact assessment was conducted to evaluate how LOPPO contributed to strengthening entrepreneurial competences, supporting rural communities, and promoting sustainable development across the participating countries.
Sharing the results
To maximise its visibility and long-term sustainability, LOPPO concluded with an extensive dissemination campaign combining online communication with local and international events. These activities helped ensure that the project’s tools and results reached educators, public authorities, entrepreneurs, and organisations interested in fostering greener and more resilient rural communities.
Thank you!
The LOPPO consortium would like to sincerely thank all participants, local communities, stakeholders, trainers, and partner organisations for their commitment throughout this journey.
Although the project has officially come to an end, its resources will continue supporting future generations of green entrepreneurs and contribute to building more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient rural communities across Europe.
DECEMBER 2025
The MOOC is complete!
We are happy to communicate that the MOOC on digital and business skills for sustainable rural entrepreneurship is now complete. To ensure that this new training resource truly meets the needs of each territory, we carried out a series of pilot projects in the different countries of the consortium: Bulgaria, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Spain, and Portugal.
In each of these regions, people connected to the rural environment had the opportunity to explore the course, register, and take part in interactive activities designed to encourage reflection on green entrepreneurship and the key role of digital skills in this new economic model. Their active participation has been essential in assessing the usefulness, clarity, and relevance of the content.
Thanks to these pilots, we are gathering valuable feedback through specific forms, which will allow us to refine the MOOC and ensure that it becomes a practical, accessible, and truly transformative tool for future rural entrepreneurs.
LINK TO REGISTER FOR THE MOOC IN ENGLISH:
https://canvas.instructure.com/enroll/9WELB9
LOPPO TPM in Prague (Czech Republic)
The LOPPO partners had the opportunity to meet in person in Prague (Czech Republic). At the end of September, the LOPPO partners held our final transnational meeting there. 
On the first day, we reviewed the progress of the pilot activities carried out in each country and officially launched WP4. The discussions were productive, with a strategic, forward-looking approach and a clear roadmap for the next stages of the project.
On the second day, we travelled to Tábor, where we visited the city’s College and School of Agriculture. The students presented their inspiring green business ideas, and we explored their impressive facilities — including the educational farm, botanical garden, and laboratories — showcasing the potential of hands-on learning and sustainable innovation. 
The LOPPO project thus continues to build bridges between education, sustainability, and community innovation, turning local potential into real and lasting impact. 
JUNE 2025
Galicia and Green Rural Innovation
Across Galicia, rural communities are becoming key drivers of a new green economy. Supported by the LOPPO project, local actors are gaining the tools and skills to transform natural resources into sustainable business opportunities. From organic farming to digital eco-initiatives, these efforts show how rural areas can combine tradition and innovation to build a resilient future.
One inspiring example is the EC4RURAL initiative in Vilasantar, where solar panels are being installed on the municipal sports centre. The project aims to provide renewable energy to 25% of local households, reducing costs and promoting community self-sufficiency. This initiative demonstrates how green entrepreneurship can actively shape rural development.
LOPPO Online Training (MOOC)
LOPPO partners are currently developing an online training course (MOOC) on digital and business skills forrural entrepreneurs. The course, launching soon, will offer practical content to help individuals turn theirideas into sustainable businesses. This new training resource aims to equip rural entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today’s green economy.
The training will include five key modules:
• Introduction to Digital and Business Skills
• Digital Skills for the Agricultural Sector
• Business Skills for Rural Areas
• Sustainable Production Management
• Communication and Networking
This structured approach ensures that future rural entrepreneurs receive comprehensive support to turn their ideas into viable, sustainable projects.
DECEMBER 2024
LOPPO TPM in Ireland
In November, LOPPO organised a Transnational Partner Meeting in Galway, Ireland, hosted by the BIA Innovator Campus. Partners from across Europe gathered to exchange ideas and explore innovative strategies for empowering rural communities, advancing digital skills, and fostering equal opportunities.
The event featured insightful site visits to BIA Campus, Leaf and Root Farm, and Ahascragh Distillery, offering inspiring examples of businesses championing green entrepreneurship. These visits highlighted practical approaches to sustainability and innovation in rural settings.
The meeting reinforced our collective commitment to shaping a sustainable future for rural areas by nurturing green practices and empowering the next generation of eco-conscious entrepreneurs. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more inclusive rural economy.
Continuation of the Social Hackathons
Afterthe summer, Social Hackathons were held in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Ireland, and Portugal to address abandoned lands and create
innovative ideas for revitalizing rural areas.
These events encouraged collaboration between entrepreneurs and local communities. Key competencies identified include Business Mentality (strategic planning, financial literacy, and sustainability), Problem Solving (critical thinking, innovation, and risk management), and Effective Communication (presentation, negotiation, and marketing skills). These hackathons aim to equip participants for successful rural entrepreneurship, especially in agriculture.
Next Step: Online Training
We are currently developing the «Rural Empowerment Training: Building Skills for Rural Entrepreneurship», an online course aimed at empowering vulnerable groups, including women at risk of exclusion, migrants, refugees, NEETs, and adults over 50 with low qualifications.
This comprehensive program includes five modules: Digital and Business Skills, Digital Skills for Agriculture, Business Skills for Rural Areas, Sustainable Production Management, and Communication, Networking, and Marketing.
With a total duration of 60 hours, this training equips participants to turn ideas into concrete actions and drive green entrepreneurship in rural communities.
JULY 2024
About LOPPO
The Land of Opportunity project aims to promote the economic and social development of rural areas by training people in digital and business skills, enabling them to undertake productive activities in the field and generate employment.
Who is LOPPO for:
The project activities are aimed at a wide audience, including both people who already live in rural areas and those who currently live in urban centers but are looking for new opportunities related to sustainable, social and green entrepreneurship.
Survey Results:
A survey completed by > 300 participants within the projects 5 partner countries established the following training needs of people living in rural areas and those aspiring to do so:
1. Entrepreneurial mindset 2. Effective communication 3. Problem Solving
Our Recent TPM:
At the end of May 2024, we held the first face- to-face meeting, which took place in Lugo, Spain, hosted by partners ADR and Ingalicia. This gave us the opportunity to discuss the result of our recent research and to prepare a methodology for the upcoming social hackathons. In addition, we visited swapped land with ecological livestock in Friol which highlighted the potential for green entrepreneurs in rural areas.
Call to Action:
All partners will organize social hackathons during the summer months to create opportunities in rural areas. We would like to bring entrepreneurs together to discuss the challenges facing people in rural areas, what barriers may exist in starting or maintaining a sustainable business and discuss solutions that can benefit everyone in rural communities.
For social hackathon information please contact landofopportunities074@gmail.com
