Næringshagen i Ryfylke AS

What Næringshagen i Ryfylke AS does

Næringshagen i Ryfylke AS is a regional business incubator and innovation company founded in 2010 and headquartered in Suldal (Sand), Norway. It operates within SIVA's national næringshageprogram as a publicly chartered instrument for rural economic development, co-owned by Suldal kommune, SIVA, and regional private shareholders. The company serves startups, established SMEs, agriculture and food entrepreneurs, tourism operators, and youth/early-career individuals across the Suldal, Sauda, and Hjelmeland municipalities of Rogaland, and operates from three physical offices (Suldal/Sand, Sauda, Hjelmeland) plus digital delivery channels.

Its service portfolio is organized into seven core service lines: starting a business, project realization, business development, local food entrepreneurship, tourism and destination development, recruitment support, and early career programs. These are complemented by programs including DigitalVekst (digitalization leadership), DigiFab (manufacturing digital transformation with Rogaland Ressurssenter), Matskattar frå Suldal (agritourism, 2023-2025), and the NDBR national sustainable tourism network (50+ destinations). Course offerings include Vekstprogram Marked (priced at 40,000 NOK per company or 10,000 NOK for Målbedrifter), Proff presentasjon (1,500 NOK per person), Etablerer Introduksjonskurs, DigiDrøs seminars, and digital hospitality courses (Suldalsstandarden, Ryfylkeverten, Heivverten, BerekraftAkademiet) delivered via the third-party Motimate learning platform. Advisors are certified in the VekstSporet methodology and GrowthWheel advisory tool.

The revenue model blends three streams: municipal service agreements (Suldal, Sauda, Hjelmeland), development-agreement fees from approximately 45+ target companies (Målbedrifter) providing access to discounted innovation services and up to 75% innovation funding for development projects, and SIVA national program funding layered with paid course and event fees. The 6-person team (CEO Laila Steine plus 2 business developers/project leaders, a project manager, a tourism/communications specialist, and a trainee) delivers services via one-on-one advisory, workshops, courses, and direct project management, including joint initiatives such as the Ryfylkedagane festival with Suldal Næringsforening.

Name

Næringshagen i Ryfylke AS

Legal name

Næringshagen i Ryfylke AS

Website

https://nhryfylke.no

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Næringshagen i Ryfylke AS is a SIVA-affiliated regional business incubator founded in 2010 in Suldal, Norway, delivering advisory services, programs, and courses to startups, SMEs, tourism operators, and youth across Suldal, Sauda, and Hjelmeland municipalities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Business Incubation Services

NAICS

Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Cooperation, Capacity Building & Policy Advisory Programs (BPADABAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Training Delivery Services (Onsite/Virtual Instruction, Workshops, Coaching) (BPAEANAN), Education Systems & Skills Technical Assistance (BPADAEAI)

Keywords

• Business incubation services
• Entrepreneurship advisory
• Business development programs
• Rural innovation support
• Tourism development services

Headquarters

HQ city

Suldal (Sand)

HQ country

Norway

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Municipal Service Agreements: Contract revenue from Suldal kommune for providing free advisory services to entrepreneurs and businesses in the municipality. Also includes collaboration agreements with Hjelmeland and Sauda municipalities.
2. Target Company (Målbedrift) Program Fees: Development agreements with small and medium enterprises (Målbedrifter) that provide access to Næringshageprogrammet resources at discounted rates. Companies pay reduced fees for innovation services, with innovation support covering up to 75% of project costs.
3. SIVA National Network Funding: Part of the national Næringshageprogram owned by county councils and the Ministry of Local Government, providing access to national resources and frameworks.
4. Course and Event Fees: Revenue from paid programs such as Vekstprogram Marked (40,000 NOK per company, 10,000 NOK for target companies), Proff presentasjon course (1,500 NOK per person), and other training programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Næringshagen i Ryfylke AS is a regional business incubator that provides advisory services, business development support, and training programs to entrepreneurs, startups, and established small and medium enterprises in the Ryfylke region of Norway. Its core offerings span seven service areas: startup assistance, project management, business development, local food entrepreneurship, tourism and destination development, recruitment support, and early career services. The company also delivers paid courses (e.g., Vekstprogram Marked, Proff presentasjon, Etablerer Introduksjonskurs), digital hospitality courses (via Motimate), and specialized programs such as DigitalVekst, DigiFab, Matskattar frå Suldal, and the NDBR national tourism network.

Product overview

Næringshagen i Ryfylke AS is a regional innovation and development company that operates as a business incubator providing a portfolio of interconnected advisory services and programs. The core offerings consist of seven main service areas: Start a Business (Starte bedrift), Realize My Project (Realisere mitt prosjekt), Develop My Business (Utvikle mi bedrift), Local Food Entrepreneurship (Lokalmat-entreprenørskap), Tourism and Destination Development (Reiseliv og reisemålsutvikling), Recruit to My Business (Rekruttere til mi bedrift), and Early Career (Tidleg karriere). These services are complemented by specialized programs including DigitalVekst (digitalization competence program), DigiFab (digital transformation for manufacturing), Matskattar frå Suldal (local food and tourism cooperation), and NDBR (national tourism network). The company also organizes regular training courses such as DigiDrøs seminars, Vekstprogram Marked (growth program), Etablerer Introduksjonskurs (startup introduction), and digital hospitality courses through the Motimate platform. Companies can join the Næringshageprogrammet as 'Målbedrifter' (target companies) to receive discounted innovation services, development support, and access to the broader SIVA national network. The company operates primarily in Suldal, Sauda, and Hjelmeland municipalities in Rogaland, Norway.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Starte bedrift (Start a Business) Business startup consulting and support services including idea clarification, market assessment, access to financing options, regulatory guidance, and connections to potential partners. Free advisory hours available for Suldal municipality residents.
• Realisere mitt prosjekt (Realize My Project) Project management and implementation services where Næringshagen acts as project leader, administrator, or participant in project groups across business development, tourism, event development, recruitment, and town center development.
• Utvikle mi bedrift (Develop My Business) Business development services providing strategic partnership for enterprises, including developing new business models, improving existing products and services, identifying new markets, and finding the right expertise and technology to strengthen competitiveness.
• Lokalmat-entreprenørskap (Local Food Entrepreneurship) Support services for agriculture-based entrepreneurs developing supplementary businesses, including farm tourism, product processing, sales, business development, and promotion. Connects local suppliers with regional tourism networks.
• Reiseliv og reisemålsutvikling (Tourism and Destination Development) Tourism development services supporting new and existing tourism businesses, including destination development in Suldal, establishment of the Visit Suldal brand, and coordination of the national sustainable tourism network (NDBR).
• Rekruttere til mi bedrift (Recruit to My Business) Recruitment services connecting businesses with future workforce through programs in collaboration with secondary schools, upper secondary schools, and other job seekers, aimed at creating win-win situations between industry and younger generations.
• Tidleg karriere (Early Career) Early career support services helping young people learn about job opportunities in the region, including job application assistance, interview preparation, and the 'ArbeidsKraft i Ryfylke' newsletter with job tips and available positions.
• Næringshageprogrammet (Business Incubator Program) A national program providing access to resources, expertise, and tools for growth and development in business. Companies participate by signing a development agreement, receiving a dedicated contact person, discounted innovation services, and access to VekstProgram, VekstSpor, VekstPartner, and other business development programs.
• Vekstprogram Marked A growth program for small and medium-sized businesses wanting to strengthen their market position and create growth. Consists of four sessions covering market understanding, business model and positioning, marketing strategy and sales practice, and presentation and implementation. Price 40,000 NOK per company (10,000 NOK for target companies).
• Proff presentasjon An intensive 3-hour course in oral presentation and meeting leadership developed in collaboration with Speaklab. Covers engaging audiences, creating authority with voice and body language, structuring messages effectively, and managing nerves and stress. Price 1,500 NOK per person (50% discount for target companies).
• Etablerer Introduksjonskurs (Entrepreneur Introduction Course) A three-hour course covering essential topics for business establishment including choice of company form, business registration, name and trademark selection, business idea development, business plan preparation, marketing, networking, and available support schemes.
• DigiDrøs Regular digital seminars held monthly covering topics like economic outlook, workplace requirements, and digital business topics. Available digitally with 8:30 AM start times.
• Digitalt vertskapskurs (Digital Hospitality Courses) Digital hospitality courses developed in collaboration with various partners, including Suldalsstandarden (knowledge about nature, culture and business in Suldal), Ryfylkeverten (regional hospitality course), Heiverten (mountain area stewardship), and BerekraftAkademiet (sustainability education). Hosted via the Motimate digital learning platform.
• NDBR - Det nasjonale reiselivsnettverket (National Tourism Network) The National Tourism Network, initiated by Næringshagen i Ryfylke in 2022, bringing together over 50 destinations covering more than 150 municipalities and representing over 5,000 member companies. Provides shared initiatives for accessible tourism, AI and technology in tourism, and sustainability education.
• Yrkes- og utdanningsmessa (YUM) An annual career fair where approximately 700 young people from Sauda and Suldal meet local businesses and educational institutions. The fair includes a digital career and education portal (utdanningiryfylke.no) and is held each November, rotating between Sauda and Suldal.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90,000+ Christmas trees delivered annually by target company Norsk Juletreservice
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature2 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• SIVAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSIVA is the national owner of the Næringshageprogram. Næringshagen i Ryfylke is part of this national network providing access to resources, frameworks, and tools for regional business development across approximately 40 business incubators in rural Norway.
• Suldal kommunecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary municipal owner and partner. Maintains service agreement providing free advisory services for entrepreneurs and businesses in Suldal municipality. Provides ongoing operational and project support.
• Sauda kommunecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner with office presence available several days per week. Collaborates on business development, recruitment, and tourism initiatives in Sauda municipality.
• Hjelmeland kommunecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner with office presence available several days per week. Collaborates on business development initiatives in Hjelmeland municipality.
• Innovasjon NorgemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational innovation agency providing funding, expertise, and support programs. Collaborates on the 'En vei inn' (One Entry Point) service for entrepreneurs and provides innovation support for target companies.
• Rogaland fylkeskommunemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty council providing regional funding and support for business development projects. Supports initiatives like Matskattar frå Suldal and other regional development programs.
• Norges ForskningsrådmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch Council of Norway providing access to research-based innovation support and funding programs for businesses.
• Suldal NæringsforeningmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal business association and key collaboration partner. Joint projects include Ryfylkedagane festival, Matskattar frå Suldal, and various local development initiatives.
• Næringshagane i Norge (NHNett)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational network of Norwegian business incubators providing peer learning, best practices sharing, and collaborative opportunities across the ~40 member organizations.
• ValidèminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional development organization providing expertise and support for business development in the region.
• RyfylkealliansenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional alliance in Ryfylke working on regional development and business support initiatives.
• Reisemål RyfylkemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional tourism destination organization. Collaborates on tourism development, the Ryfylkeverten hospitality course, and regional marketing initiatives.
• Sauda VekstminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal development organization in Sauda. Collaborates on recruitment initiatives and manages the education portal utdanningiryfylke.no.
• Haugaland Vekst IKSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional development organization serving the Haugaland area. Part of the broader regional business support network.
• Nordic EdgeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation and startup ecosystem organization. Provides access to broader innovation networks and expertise.
• Ryfylke IKSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional municipal cooperative organization in Ryfylke.
• Skape.nominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness support and advisory organization providing expertise and resources for entrepreneurs and businesses.
• MerkurminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational program supporting business development in small municipalities and rural areas.
• SpeaklabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresentation and communication training organization. Collaborates on the Proff presentasjon course for business professionals.
• Næringshagane i RogalandmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional network of business incubators in Rogaland county. Collaborates on programs like Vekstprogram Marked and shares resources/expertise.
• NOFIMAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood research institute providing expertise for local food entrepreneurs and the Matskattar frå Suldal project.
• Matregionen RogalandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional food network in Rogaland supporting local food production and marketing initiatives.
• Innovasjon Norge ReiselivmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational tourism organization operating the Berekraftig Reisemål (Sustainable Destination) certification scheme. Næringshagen leads the national network NDBR in partnership with Innovasjon Norge.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Antler: Global early-stage investor and incubator operating programs in multiple geographies. Comparable in running structured cohort-style growth programs for founders, although targeting venture-backable startups.
• Y Combinator: Global benchmark for business incubation with a startup advisory model. Different scale and venture orientation, but a useful reference point on incubator business-model design and program structure.

Others

• Impact Hub: Global network of innovation hubs and incubators, with a Nordic presence, that run programming for entrepreneurs and SMEs. Comparable ecosystem-building and programming model, though not a direct competitor in Norway.

Broad incumbents

• Menon Economics: Norwegian research-based consulting firm specializing in economic analysis, management consulting, and innovation policy for public and private sector clients across Norway.
• Innovasjon Norge: Norway's national innovation agency, which co-funds the 'En vei inn' entry-point service, supports Målbedrift innovation projects, and partners on the NDBR tourism network. Comparable mandate at national scale.
• SIVA: SIVA is the state-owned industrial development company that owns and operates the national næringshageprogram of which Næringshagen i Ryfylke is a member incubator. Same mission, broader mandate, national scale.

Direct peers

• Haugaland Vekst IKS: Inter-municipal business development company serving the Haugaland region neighboring Ryfylke. Listed as a partner in the regional business-support network and runs a comparable SME advisory mandate.
• Validé: Regional innovation and business development organization based in Stavanger, Rogaland. Direct partner in the Ryfylke ecosystem and serves a comparable SME/innovation mandate in an adjacent regional market.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SuldalVekst
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/n%C3%A6ringshagen-i-ryfylke-as

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Næringshagen i Ryfylke AS