A financing day was held on April 28, organized by Visit Luleå and Arctic Sweden Visitors Board for tourism businesses in Norrbotten at Kulturens Hus in Luleå. The event was moderated by Monica Wikström-Johansson and gathered 85 entrepreneurs and representatives from banks, investors, and other capital actors. Participants included Sparbanken Nord, Nordea, Swedbank, Norrlandsfonden, Almi, Partnerinvest Norr, and Region Norrbotten.
The purpose was to strengthen knowledge about financial support and improve conditions for growth. Oskar Hederyd, Strategic Partner Manager at Arctic Sweden Visitors Board, opened the event by presenting the current state of the tourism industry in Norrbotten. Presentations were given by Region Norrbotten, Almi, Norrlandsfonden, Sparbanken Nord, and Swedbank on financing opportunities for businesses wanting to invest, restructure, expand, or test new ideas.
How do we want Luleå to be as a destination in the long term? That is what we are laying the foundation for in the efforts we are now implementing.
A panel discussion addressed opportunities and challenges related to financing, and what financiers look at when meeting growth-oriented businesses. The day also included presentations of concrete cases where tourism businesses received different types of financing. After the program, conversations continued over coffee and networking.
Camilla Bondareva, Unit Manager for Visit Luleå, said: "How do we want Luleå to be as a destination in the long term? " Specific outcomes or follow-up actions from the event have not been disclosed.