SLERA derives from the need to overcame the gap between internal rural areas and urban ones. The internal rural areas must be considered full beneficiaries of digital innovation with equal access to emerging technologies, widespread digital literacy and opportunities to acquire more advanced skills: stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas.

In line with this objective, SLERA intends to provide digital skills training to small traders, producers and farmers who, living in internal rural areas, cant’s see future prospects.

For SLERA this individuals become the “social educators” of their businesses, going beyond the direct sale of their products and focusing on building a significant presence on social media, interacting with the public and responding in a relevant way to individual needs.

“Social learning” goes beyond the simple sales of products on social media. It is, in fact, a complex process that involves the creation of valuable content and the establishment of trusting relationship with customers.

During the SLERA project, all partners will conduct focus group and research activities at local level to explore the context, to analyze the use of social media by small traders and investigate needs and expectation for the platform.

In addition, all partners deliver trainings to develop digital competencies and expertise in the social selling and create tools to aid small traders in their learning. The final goal is to develop and create opportunities to allow individuals who living and working in rural contexts to enhance their own businesses.