Digital solutions for visitor experience and local community building

A decreasing number of customers choosing local stores, reduced revenues from local companies, competition with digital markets as well as difficulties in developing new markets and addressing new target groups are some of the main challenges for SMEs in the Swedish municipality of Torsby in the county of Värmland. COM3 partners Torsby municipality, Värmland County Administrative Board and Compare join forces with different local and regional actors to develop a concept that helps local companies overcome these challenges. As many several larger public sport and leisure events take place in Torsby every year, the concept will include the development of free WiFi connections coupled to an app that that promotes local shops and provides a better visitor experience for those attending the events by bringing them together with local citizens, companies and voluntary organisations. Furthermore, the pilot will include training and matchmaking for local businesses for more effective use of digital solutions in their economic activities.