The Sisu Business is a communication project that promotes and supports entrepreneurshipand wellbeing in Northern Central Finland. The project aims to increase awareness of new business models, digitalization, sustainable development, and rural entrepreneurship’s special characteristics.
Background and need for the project
In the area of Leader Viisari which covers nine municipalities in northern Central Finland (Kannonkoski, Karstula, Kinnula, Kivijärvi, Kyyjärvi, Pihtipudas, Saarijärvi, Viitasaari ja Äänekoski), a need to support entrepreneurship and promote networking has been identified. Residents of the area are worried about fewer services, and those planning to become entrepreneurs may not find people interested in the same topic in their municipality or help in considering their entrepreneurship.
Project target group and beneficiaries
The target group of the Sisu Business project is all persons interested in entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs who are starting their businesses, students, and immigrants living in the Viisari ry area or having ties to the area. During the project, various coaching and events will be organised to support entrepreneurship and promote networking locally, nationally, and internationally.
Benefits of the project for people interested in entrepreneurship
With the help of the project, those interested in entrepreneurship will receive information and support for the reflection phase of their own business in group coaching. Coaching and events provide an opportunity to learn new skills, network with other entrepreneurs, and get inspired by entrepreneur stories. In addition, the project pays attention to the well-being of entrepreneurs, which is strengthened through coaching and information sessions.
Project objectives
- Supporting entrepreneurial identity: The project supports the building and strengthening of entrepreneurial identity, increasing entrepreneurial activity, and developing the capacity of start-up entrepreneurs in sparsely populated rural areas.
- Promoting new business opportunities and models: The project will raise awareness of new business opportunities and models, sustainability, and digital opportunities in entrepreneurship.
- Immigrant entrepreneurship: The project raises awareness among immigrants about entrepreneurship in sparsely populated rural areas and promotes their participation in local communities.
- Well-being and resilience of entrepreneurs: The project improves the social sustainability and resilience of companies by increasing entrepreneurs’ well-being and providing concrete tools for well-being.
- Networking and cooperation: The project promotes networking and collaboration to develop tools and networks to support rural entrepreneurship.
Project promoters and measures
Northern Central Finland Vocational College (POKE) and Startup Refugees:
The Journey to Entrepreneurship coaching, aimed at those considering entrepreneurship, focuses on building an entrepreneurial identity and identifying opportunities locally, nationally, and globally. The training includes four separate events, and a company visit. In addition to Finnish, events are organised in Ukrainian or English. The training takes place in Karstula, Viitasaari, Pihtipudas, and Äänekoski.
Äänekoski entrepreneurs:
The project organises events that promote the well-being and networking of entrepreneurs. The participants had the opportunity to try different sports, such as bowling, squash, and ice swimming. In addition, three small well-being groups will be organised, which will meet several times for networking and peer learning. The project will also implement a well-being handbook for entrepreneurs, and it is important to highlight the well-being perspective already when considering entrepreneurship.
Leader Viisari ry:
The project will implement a draft operating model in Northern Central Finland by the Startup Village concept, which will consider the special characteristics of entrepreneurship in sparsely populated rural areas. A Startup Village is a small place or community, or a network of them, that embraces innovation and ambitious entrepreneurial initiatives as the core of its operations. It provides a framework for rural areas to exploit their local resources and create a favorable environment for growth-oriented businesses. The model consists of cooperation between community spaces and different stakeholders, including a pedagogical process that guides startup thinking.
Objectives for the year 2025
The Sisu Business project aims to broaden and deepen the project’s impact:
- Strengthening networking: The project focuses on promoting networking both locally and internationally. The aim is to create connections between different actors and make use of digital platforms, such as the networking and discussion groups of the rural network.
- Training and workshops: During the project, 3 separate coaching modules will be organised, focusing on strengthening entrepreneurial identity, developing new business models, and promoting sustainable development. These events are planned in cooperation with local partners in Northern Central Finland.
- Expansion of the Startup Village model: The project will continue to develop and expand the Startup Village model. The aim is to implement information from the model into the first phase of startup entrepreneurship. This includes mapping and creating community spaces and intensifying cooperation with stakeholders through international networking.
- Utilization of digital tools: The project focuses on the use of digital tools and platforms in communication and networking. This makes it possible to reach a wider range of participants and share information more efficiently.
- Supporting well-being: The well-being of entrepreneurs will continue to be supported through various measures, such as well-being groups and sports events. The aim is to improve the resilience and coping of entrepreneurs.
Implementation time and financing
The implementation period of the project is 1.4.2024-31.12.2025. The Sisu Business project is co-funded by the European Union through the Centre for Economic Development, Transport, and the Environment of Central Finland. The total funding of the project is 246,097.85 euros.
Author: Ilona Ukkonen
