Vidzeme Creative Beehives (Vidzemes Radošie stropi) invite growth-oriented companies to participate in the international experience economy development program “Tourism Through Experience.”
The program aims to support approximately 80 new, growth-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Estonia, Latvia, and Finland, primarily within the hospitality and creative industry sectors.
The program is based on the innovative Experience Economy business model, which includes four key elements: entertainment, education, aesthetics, and escapism (experience-enriching). Each participating company has the opportunity to find its own balance between these elements. This model allows growth companies to expand by offering unforgettable experiences instead of traditional services. The program duration is approximately 8 months – from autumn 2025 to spring 2026.
Why participate in the program?
Each participating company will receive an individual development roadmap and personalized consultations from tourism and business experts. The program includes regular cross-border networking events, practical workshops, and study trips to other countries. By participating, companies are expected to implement real changes according to their goals and needs – for example, introducing a new business model or reaching new customer segments through modern marketing solutions, etc.
We invite companies that have been operating for no more than 7 years, as well as those planning to expand their scope of activity or introduce additional services in the tourism and hospitality fields. For instance, creative industry companies can develop new concepts for creative camps, workshops, or events. Hospitality businesses can develop new experience-based products and services to reach new customer segments. Food producers can create programs for workshops, tastings, tours, and more.
Who can apply?
We invite small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that:
- Are located in the border municipalities of the Vidzeme region.
- Have been active for no more than 7 years.
- Wish to offer their visitors an unforgettable experience.
- Are ready to participate in events conducted in English.
Program Information
- Applications are open until August 25, 2025.
- We expect up to two active participants from each company; at least one must be from the management team.
- Program duration: 8 months, October 2025 – May 2026.
- Activities: Opening seminar, practical workshops, individual meetings with consultants, study trips to Finland/Estonia/Latvia, and online networking sessions.
Provisional Schedule:
- Opening Seminar: October 2025 (exact date to be announced).
- Individual Consultations: To develop a growth roadmap/action plan (in-person and online): October – November 2025.
- Follow-up Consultations: During the implementation of the roadmap: November 2025 – April 2026 (2–3 in-person meetings, plus online sessions as needed).
- Practical Workshops: November 2025 – February 2026.
- Joint Online Workshops: With companies from Finland/Estonia/Latvia: January – March 2026.
- Monthly Online Networking Sessions: January – April 2026.
- Study Trip to Estonia: October 29–31, 2025.
- Study Trip in Latvia: March 23–25, 2026.
- Study Trip to Finland: May 18–20, 2026.
The final schedule will be announced in September 2025.
- The participation fee is 200 EUR per company (payable in two installments). The fee is non-refundable if the company withdraws. All candidates will be interviewed (online or in person) to assess their suitability and motivation.
Interested parties are invited to fill out the application form by August 25, 2025: https://ej.uz/4kqy
Information prepared by:
Gita Memmēna
Communication Specialist
Association “Vidzemes Radošie stropi”
vidzemes.radosiestropi@gmail.com
Tel. +371 29454466
The development program is implemented within the cross-border project “Scaling Experiences,” funded by the INTERREG Central Baltic Programme.
