Even before the pandemic outbreak, there were major demands for trade to be transformed as a result of globalisation and digitalisation. Now comes the next blow with the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2019 and 2020, the eXpression Future Retail Lab accelerator programme targeted new entrepreneurs and owner-operated companies in retail. The aim was to respond to industry transformation, boost growth and create conditions for sustainable businesses. Today, given the current situation, the need for this type of business development is if possible greater than ever.
For eXpression and Future Retail Lab, the Corona crisis brought changes to the funding of the accelerator programme. The main funders, Svensk Handel and Stiftelsen Köpmannaförbundet, were forced to restructure part of their funding in a short period of time as a result of the pandemic.
In view of the current need for development and conversion work, Umeå municipality has decided to part-finance the accelerator programme through a targeted regional grant. The decision was taken at the beginning of April and includes funds already granted previously, but which are now being redirected towards trade. This means that the programme will not be given nationally, but that the support will be targeted at entrepreneurs and companies in the trade sector in the Umeå region.
The decision is welcomed by Håkan Gustafsson, Vice Chairman of the Swedish Retailers' Association Foundation. Gustafsson has been an important part of the establishment of the accelerator programme and stresses the need for a strong effort for a hard-hit industry.
Small and medium-sized stores, whether physical or digital, are the lifeblood of the Swedish retail sector. Right now it is extremely important that they survive. It requires hard work from the individual entrepreneur but above all, a positive belief in the future. It is important that we now guide companies forward, adding new knowledge and professional business development such as eXpression Fututre Retail Lab, says Håkan Gustafsson, Vice Chairman of the Swedish Retail Federation Foundation.
The change in funding means that the companies offered participation in the accelerator programme will primarily come from the Umeå region. Annakarin Nyberg, programme manager for eXpression Fututre Retail Lab, also highlights the possibility of participation for companies that currently border on the more traditional view of commerce, which also opens up for more companies with a basis in the creative industries.
Now we are again targeting local and regional trade. We are also sensitive to the sectoral shifts that are taking place, which mean that companies at the interface between the retail, hospitality and experience sectors fit in well. This is an important part of the Umeå region's development - it requires support, skills development and a belief in the future to inspire - this is where we are building for the future," says Annakarin Nyberg, programme manager for eXpression Future Retail Lab.
The programme will initially be delivered digitally and, depending on pandemic developments, there will again be the possibility of switching to face-to-face meetings. There is a good level of preparedness for a switch to a digital accelerator programme. Both in the form of developed and already proven digital technology, and in the form of qualified educators and industry experts with long experience in skills development and teaching - digital and analogue.
Starting with 16 new companies in autumn 2020 and running until March 2021, the programme is delivered regionally and locally and is aimed at new entrepreneurs and companies in the sector. Applications for the programme period are open and the programme content and criteria for applicants can be found at www.expressionumea.se/program/future-retail-lab/.
The eXpression Future Retail Lab programme is a joint venture with the Swedish Retail Federation via the Merchants' Association Foundation, Umeå municipality, Region Västerbotten, Umeå University and EU structural funds.
