A new project aiming to develop a network of online stores has been kicked off in the Oulu area. The organization Ouluseutu Yrityspalvelut is encouranging businesses and entrepreneurs interested in online retail to contact them.

One of the goals of the project is to turn Oulu into a hotbed of online retail. The project is funded in part by the EU and the total budget is 538,500 euros to be used by the end of February 2012. The project will be going ahead on full steam by the beginning of next February.

A business can jump onboard with an investment of 800 euros. The entrepreneur has to set aside time and resources for marketing to ensure success in the project. All the companies will be educated on the possibilities of online retail and the entrepreneurs will get personal guidance in making a business plan for their online store.

Ouluseutu Yrityspalvelut says companies have expressed a keen interest in the opportunity.