In December 2004, the "e-Karelia" project was launched to be realized in the territory of Karelia, the main goal being promotion of economic growth and competitiveness through the development of accessibility to up-to-date information and communication technologies for small and medium-sized businesses of the republic, as well as support to ICT increased use.

The project is to provide support to SMEs in promotion, training, marketing, and efficient use of advanced information technologies, in the development of ICT-based international business relations, and is expected to be an integral part of informatization process in Karelia.

The "Portal for Small and Middle Business of the Republic of Karelia" was developed within the framework of the project.