On the morning of 29th April, over 40 entrepreneurs from Valga municipality gathered at the Valga Culture Centre. They confirmed that promoting the region's economy and living environment can only be achieved through close cooperation. According to Valga mayor Mart Kase, this is a good opportunity for a real dialogue. „Valga municipality can only develop if we do it together. Entrepreneurs have daily, firsthand experience and knowledge that the municipal government can consider as expert opinion and take into account in its plans,“ Kase emphasised. He added that it is precisely this kind of honest discussion that helps the local government make decisions that actually support local entrepreneurship.
The meeting saw an open discussion of both opportunities and challenges. An important focus was on presenting the measures that have received support, such as the "Attractive Regional Business and Living Environment," for large South-East and South Estonia projects, in which Valga municipality is one of the partners. Project activities will take place between 2026 and 2028.
The head of the South Estonia Tourism Cluster, Kanni Kallastu, gave an overview of the directions of the tourism sector and how the joint development of South Estonia as a destination will also bring more customers to entrepreneurs in Valga. One of the driving forces is the funded tourism marketing project for the South Estonia destination, within the framework of which the Valga train station building will be equipped as a southern gateway for tourism, and an tourism specialist will be recruited to work in Valga. The Priimetsa industrial and business area project and support services were presented to entrepreneurs by Asso Uibo, investment consultant at the Valgamaa Development Agency.
The aim was also to kick-start the summer season. Kaisa Kerge, culture specialist at Valga Rural Municipality Government, introduced the municipality's events calendar. Together, they discussed how local caterers, accommodation providers, and service providers could benefit maximally from the buzz of major events and offer visitors an even better experience. Urmas Möldre, head of the construction and planning service at Valga Rural Municipality Government, explained the functioning of construction procedures to the entrepreneurs and reiterated how to submit the necessary applications.
However, the most important part of the meeting was the direct exchange of ideas. The entrepreneurs sharply highlighted the discussion surrounding derelict buildings in the Valga municipality. Together, they discussed what to do and how to proceed. Entrepreneurs were also able to present planned developments. In this context, entrepreneur Ürgo Kard gave an overview of the plans for the old Gomabi property, aiming to create Valga's own “Kristiine Keskus,” a entertainment and shopping complex.
The breakfast table discussions concluded with an open mic, where Pille Mumm, an employer consultant from the Unemployment Insurance Board, reminded entrepreneurs that they are there to assist not only in finding staff but also in offering various training and support measures. Margus Ojaots, the director of Valgamaa Vocational Training Centre, spoke about the changes in the vocational education system and expressed his hope that the state, in its haste to make cuts, would not merge different educational institutions. This would be the only mathematical addition that would not bring a better result but would devalue the worth of all the addends.
The mayor confirmed that meetings with entrepreneurs over breakfast will continue, with the next one scheduled for autumn. Face-to-face meetings have proven to be a beneficial form of cooperation for all parties. This is one way to keep the municipal business community united and to improve cooperation for the development of Valga municipality.