Valmiera is preparing for one of the most important business events in the region - “Vidzeme entrepreneurs' Day 2026”, which will take place on May 22nd and 23rd. The event will offer an extensive program that ranges from a strategic business forum on export development to an inspiring urban event called “The Art of being an entrepreneur.”
22. MAY: VIDZEME BUSINESS FORUM – THE WAY TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
On the first day of the event, from noon 10.00 to 16.00, the Vidzeme entrepreneurs' Forum will take place at the Valmiera Concert Hall (Pāvila Rozīša Street 10). Its central theme is exports as a strategic growth direction and an essential engine of national development. The forum aims to strengthen the export capacity of companies in the region and promote constructive dialogue between entrepreneurs and public administration.
- Data and facts: Raimonds Lapiņš, head of the Central Statistical Bureau, will provide a data-driven vision of Vidzeme's contribution to the Latvian economy, outlining the region's strengths and potential.
- Political dialogue: The panel discussion “What needs to be done by the state/municipality to make companies even stronger” will be attended by Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, Laura Štrovalde, Deputy Director of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA), Jānis Baiks, Chairman of the Valmiera District Municipal Council, as well as representatives of large companies from the region from “VALPRO”, “Avoti”, etc. The discussion will be moderated by Latvian Trade and industry (LCCI) board member Jānis Lielpēteris.
- Practical experience: Inspiring stories about the road to success will be shared by “Smiltenes piens” and “Madara Cosmetics”, while Miks Balodis, co-founder and chairman of the board of “Design export Alliance”, will tell about the decisive role of design in exports.
- Expert advice and support: Edgars Atlācis, representative of the law firm Atlācis un Partneri, will explain the legal nuances of international agreements, while representatives of the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce (AHK) will make recommendations for successful participation in international exhibitions.
Participants will have the opportunity to attend expert lectures on available business development support tools, effective communication in export markets and principles of intercultural communication. During the event, information stands will operate, where consultations will be provided by specialists from LIAA, the European Business support Network (EEN), LTRK, the financial institution “Altum” and the Valmiera Development Agency.
Signing up for the forum: participation in the event is free of charge, pre-registering on the platform liaa.business.gov.lv until May 20, 2026 at 23.59.
23. MAY: EXHIBITION, MARKET AND STAGE PROGRAM “THE ART OF BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR”
On the second day, “Vidzeme entrepreneurs' Day 2026” will continue at Vecpuišu Park from noon. 10.00 to 16.00 with the event “The Art of being an entrepreneur”. It will show in an engaging and entertaining way how business creates value and what role it plays in the movement of the economy.
The exhibition and the market will feature:
- Companies of the trademark “created in Valmiera region”;
- Participants in the TIT-FOR-TAT support programme;
- REKO market and student learning companies (SMU);
- Stands in Vidzeme municipalities.
In the stage program:
- The role of municipalities in business: a discussion on why municipalities should support entrepreneurship and what tools best help new ideas grow to stable businesses;
- Entrepreneurs' experience stories: personal stories about choices, mistakes and growth, confirming that entrepreneurship is possible right here in the region, despite the challenges;
- Young person – entrepreneur: discussion on the role of SMU teachers and preparation of young people for entrepreneurial development;
- Tourism business discussion: a conversation about the reality of tourism business – seasonality, customer habits, cooperation in the region and opportunities to build sustainable and competitive services.
Vidzeme entrepreneurs' days are organized by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency of Latvia in cooperation with the Valmiera District Municipality, the Valmiera Development Agency and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and industry.