Objectives• Carrying out feasibility study for selection of sustainable business development instruments• Elaboration of common business cooperation program of Leningrad and Riga regions;• Development and implementation of concrete business support instruments;• Ensuring the transfer of competencies, know-how and dissemination of best practice among regional authorities and business support institutions of Riga and Leningrad region on regional development planning and business support;• Implementation of capacity building measures of regional authorities and SMEs support institutions in Leningrad region;• Facilitation of establishment of cooperation between entrepreneurs from both regions Achievements: Expected outcomes• A network of key actors in advancing business development, i.e., regional authorities and business support institutions established and strengthened • Business development strategy for Leningrad region based on thorough analysis and utilizing Riga region's extensive strategic planning experience elaborated• Business cooperation program between Leningrad and Riga regions outlining concrete cooperation fields developed and agreed• Increased access to information on business opportunities for entrepreneurs from both regions facilitated (customs, taxes, regulations)• Joint business projects advanced through facilitation of direct business contacts in preparing and implementation of the Partenariat• The capacity of involved institutions raised on strategic planning and development and introduction of SME support mechanisms and tools