Rural regions are the foundation of success for future generations. Nutritious food, biodiverse ecosystems and inclusive societies are all closely intertwined with the health of the region beyond city borders. But after decades of industrialisation in our food systems, many rural areas have already been transformed into monotonous, mechanised production landscapes – and with only a handful exceptions, the last generation of smallscale farmers who gave soul to these areas, will soon disappear. The Ribeira Sacra region of Galicia, in Spain, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and wine industry. However, the local economy, particularly the rural businesses, is facing exactly this same challenge: young people in rural areas in a context of an ageing population, risking disappearing as new generations don’t take over and sustain the small businesses. Small businesses in Ribeira Sacra often struggle to gain a foothold in the market and establish their brand recognition – a game of economies of scale, which makes it difficult for them individually to access the services and resources they need to improve their competitiveness. There is a remarkable paradox: on the one hand, the senior farmers have invaluable local knowledge on farming practices in balance with nature, but at the same time they struggle to capitalize on modern market demands for authenticity and sustainability. The foundation wants to address these challenges and make the Ribeira Sacra a leading example of how to revitalise the regional economy by bringing together small producers and young entrepreneurs - with a focus on regenerative businesses that are focusing on sustainable growth. Key Findings Report from Youth Business International and BG Group research identifies further challenges which are more specific to rural and remote contexts for young people: - Smaller market size; - Underdeveloped infrastructure, including lack of tarmac roads, electricity supply, mobile phone networks and internet connectivity; and - Increased vulnerability to seasonality and adverse weather conditions. # Lack of supporting materials for young people and youth workers: Even though the subject of entrepreneurship for young people is included in the curriculum in many countries in Europe, lack of supporting material for the young people and youth workers to develop skills and experiences of young people in local level especially focusing on rural entrepreneurship, reveal the challenge on the establishment of successful enterprises and sustainability of the businesses. # Lack of awareness in the community about rural youth entrepreneurship: An awareness of the importance and necessity of rural entrepreneurship among young people has begun to emerge in Europe. Various youth organisations in Europe have started to take measures about rural entrepreneurship trainings. However, there are various difficulties to find local and international platforms that advocate the rural youth entrepreneurship and working with the target of awareness raising of the communities. Connecting Dots for Sustainable Growth Initiative aims to contribute to local, regional, national and transnational rural economic development and sustainable growth by stimulating latent entrepreneurial abilities among young people in Europe by building capacity of youth organisations to establish appropriate support mechanisms for young people in local level. The objectives of the project: - Develop and test an innovative Rural Youth Entrepreneurship Toolbox in order to increase youth enterprise skills and business start rates in rural areas, - Increase capacity of the rural youth organisations and youth workers to establish inclusive and appropriate support mechanisms for young people in local level to create and sustain their businesses by using an innovative and creative online methodologies, - Increase awareness of local communities on rural youth entrepreneurship through awareness raising activities and online portal to facilitate the development and sustainability of more vibrant indigenous businesses in EU.