Empowering Local Commerce and Creativity
Fair to Share is an innovative project designed to foster an ecosystem that supports local commerce, artisans, handmade goods, and local professionals in Genova’s Historic Urban Area (HUA). Developed around three core pillars, the project seeks to combine tradition with innovation:
- A shared store for artisans: a physical space where artisans can sell their products.
- An academy for microbusiness innovation: workshops and training on topics like management, sustainability, social media, and creative skills.
- A community of entrepreneurs: a network of local entrepreneurs, startups, and microbusinesses to encourage collaboration.
Engagement and Collaboration
In November 2023, Fair to Share launched its engagement phase by meeting with 30 stakeholders invited to join the Academy. A survey was conducted to understand their challenges and needs. As part of this phase, a series of events titled Ideas at Breakfast was organised, focusing on collaborative solutions to revitalise the HUA. Participants shared ideas and gained insights into local activities, strengthening connections among stakeholders in the neighbourhood.
The Fair to Share Academy
The Academy provided 15 masterclasses and meetings to help participants develop and expand their activities. Covering a range of key topics, the programme was tailored to microbusiness needs:
- Initial assessment
- Taxation and legislation
- Digital tools and AI for microbusinesses
- Communication strategies
- Economic management
The Academy attracted 20 participants, offering them the knowledge and tools needed to innovate and grow their businesses.
The Pop-Up Market: A Showcase for Artisans
The Fair to Share pop-up market offered artisans a platform to create and sell unique, sustainable products. Artisans were provided with temporary corners to display their work, engage in workshops and labs, and access professional advice.
The market was hosted in the Gio Batta Grimaldi Palace, a Rolli Palace typically closed to the public. The space was furnished with creatively recycled materials provided by the Design Department of the University of Genova through a previous EU project, Surpluse. Each weekend in May 2024, from Friday to Sunday, the palace welcomed visitors to the Fair to Share pop-up market. Twenty-four microbusinesses showcased their products alongside events such as:
- Urban regeneration discussions
- Creative workshops and labs
- Family-friendly activities
- Professional business advice sessions
Fostering Community and Innovation
The relationships built with local stakeholders—shopkeepers, associations, artisans, and professionals—were essential to strengthening social networks and enhancing community cohesion. The project also helped promote historical landmarks, blending cultural heritage with contemporary innovation.
Fair to Share established a social enterprise of the same name to ensure the project’s sustainability. This step ensures that the initiative will continue to drive community collaboration, innovation, and support for local commerce well into the future.
Find out more about the regeneration of Genova’s historic urban area here!
