NEWSLETTER
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
