Location Development in Östersund’s Nearby Towns to Strengthen Local Businesses

Destination Östersund has been granted project funds to coordinate the feasibility study ”Location Development in Östersund’s Nearby Towns”. The purpose is to explore how smaller towns around Östersund can work on location development to strengthen local businesses’ competitiveness and make the areas more attractive for both residents and entrepreneurs.

Background and Potential

Large establishments are expected in Östersund in the coming years. Approximately 3,000 new jobs are estimated to be created, with an additional 1,500 indirect job opportunities over a ten-year period. This opens up possibilities for increased migration to towns in the surrounding municipalities.

Collaborative Approach

The work involves collaboration between Berg, Krokom, Bräcke, and Ragunda municipalities, along with Fastighetsägarna Mittnord and the Municipal Association of Jämtland Härjedalen. Participating towns include Hackås, Oviken, Krokom, Pilgrimstad, Bräcke, and Stugun. The selection is based on commuting distance to Östersund and ongoing local initiatives and engagement.

Study Objectives

The feasibility study will result in a knowledge base with mappings, action plans, and proposed measures for each town. Additionally, joint experience meetings will be conducted to find potential collaboration forms between municipalities.

Innovative Methodology

The project builds on the internationally proven BID (Business Improvement District) methodology, previously used by Destination Östersund. The goal is to gather local actors, harness their commitment, and create shared future objectives.

”There is already strong engagement in these towns. By bringing together municipalities, businesses, and local actors, we can create a common direction and transform ideas into concrete initiatives. When more people choose to live and work here, it also strengthens businesses’ opportunities to grow and develop – that is precisely the power we want to leverage through this feasibility study,” says Calle Hedman, study leader.