Forum, Good for Business, Latvia, Markets and Companies, USA

The Idea Hotel (Ideju Viesnīca) is a group of five Latvian business incubators all located in the Latgale region: Daugavpils, Rēzekne, Balvi, Līvani, and Preiļi. They have been working with Idea Village since last September to strengthen the capacity of their business incubators.

New Orleans Entrepreneurship Week is a conference run by Idea Village that will focus on providing opportunities and resources for entrepreneurs. The conference week will consist of public sessions, keynote speakers, workshops, and networking events for the larger entrepreneurial community, in addition to unique private events, which bring together people in all areas of the entrepreneurship ecosystem. The total cost of this project is 53,900 USD, which is supported by a grant from the U.S. Embassy and the Baltic American Freedom Foundation (BAFF). In addition, members of Idea Village will travel to Latgale in May to work with Idea Hotel and local entrepreneurs. In order to amplify the support for this program, the Baltic American Freedom Foundation has also created a new fellowship, the Baltic American Freedom Foundation Emerging Business Leaders Program.

At the Ale House, media will have the opportunity to meet with entrepreneurial business leaders from the following companies: SIA 5 labas ziņas (publishes magazine “A12 - Ceļš uz Latgali” on economic, cultural and social issues in Latgale region); SIA ArGaumi (produces textiles and fabrics for decorative and household use); SIA EL prod (makes stationery out of plastic and metal, as well as cardboard boxes); SIA Kogibox (has come up with a unique solution for cleaning fish at home); SIA Picu bode (bakes confectionery items and cakes) and SIA Teirs (provides cleaning services for companies and households). The Daugavpils, Rēzekne and Balvi Incubator directors, who are also travelling to New Orleans, will also be in attendance.

The U.S. Embassy invites its Twitter followers and other interested persons to follow the Latvian entrepreneurs’ participation in New Orleans Entrepreneurship Week via the Embassy’s social media platforms. Follow the U.S. Embassy’s Twitter account @usembassyriga to read daily updates and tweets with hashtag #latgaleincubators from the Latvian entrepreneurs in New Orleans.