OPEN CALL: Capacity Building Training for Social Economy Enabling Organisations

We are pleased to announce the opening of applications for the first Transnational Capacity Building Training of the DigAccessAgrotourism project.

📍 Where: Bologna, Italy
📅 When: 21–23 January 2026 or 27–29 January 2026 (assigned session to be confirmed)
🎯 Who: Social Economy Enabling Organisations (EOs) active in rural and agrotourism sector

This three-day training will focus on “Digital Solutions for Accessibility in Rural and Agrotourism Social Enterprises”. It will be orginized in two groups of participants and within two fixed dates: 21st-23rd January 2026 or 27th-29th January 2026. Participants will be informed about their assigned session at a later stage of the recruitment process.

The primary goal of the programme is to provide participating EOs with the knowledge, tools and support they require to effectively assist rural SMEs in improving their activities, strengthening their online presence and optimising the hosting experience for visitors with disabilities. By leveraging the opportunities offered by modern digital technologies, EOs will be able to guide tourism facilities toward more inclusive practices. This will also support the digital transition of Social Economy SMEs.    

The programme will combine:

• Training sessions on digitalisation in rural and agrotourism, accessibility, business models, mentoring, and funding opportunities;
• Best practice examples to inspire meaningful digital transformation, with emphasis on toolkit-based digital solutions for accessibility;
• An outdoor capacity building activity in the Bologna region.

The training is designed for EOs that are ready to play an active role in supporting SMEs in their digital transition and in improving accessibility for visitors with disabilities. Participation also prepares organisations for the upcoming four-month mentoring programme with rural SMEs, planned for 2026.

Financial Support:

Social Economy Enabling organisations selected under this Call for interest will receive financial support of up to EUR 1,163 (per organisation, for one or two participants) to cover travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.

Check the “Call of expression of interest” below to learn more on the financial support. 

Who can apply:
The call is open to Social Economy Enabling Organisations in the rural tourism sector, such as cooperatives, associations, foundations, mutual benefit societies or social enterprises that provide training, resources, advocacy and networking opportunities to SMEs.

How to apply:
Please consult the Call for Expression of Interest for eligibility criteria, application process and deadlines.

APPLY NOW!