Entrepreneurship

For new residents

General information on starting and running a business in Finland (company registration and obligations such as taxation, accounting and insurance, residence permit for entrepreneurs, social security for entrepreneurs, as well as employer responsibilities):

• InfoFinland.fi
• Start‑up Guide for Entrepreneurs

For Jobseekers

If you are unemployed, please contact your personal coach before starting a business, as entrepreneurship will affect your unemployment benefits. Please note that providers of delivery services, such as Wolt and Foodora couriers, are also considered entrepreneurs. You can also get information about trial entrepreneurship from TyöLakeus.

• TyöLakeus

For students

If you are interested in entrepreneurship, please contact the study counsellor at your educational institution.

Business advisory services for students at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences:

• Y-Zone

For New Business Founders

Advice on practical matters related to starting a full‑time or part‑time business (such as business establishment procedures, company form and registrations, taxation), as well as assistance in preparing a business plan and financial calculations:

• Uusyrityskeskus Neuvoa-Antava

For Business Development

Who is your target customer? What are your products or services? What makes customers choose your company? What is the market potential? What is the company’s cost and revenue structure? How will you finance the start‑up? Advice is available for developing a new business idea or an existing business:

• Into Seinäjoki

All the above‑mentioned services are free of charge and confidential.

Information on Funding Opportunities

• ELY Centre development grant
• Start-up grant
• Leader funding
• Finnvera loans and guarantees

10 steps to starting a business:

1. Prepare a business plan (customers, products, services, etc.).
2. Analyse customer demand, competition and pricing levels.
3. Calculate how much sales is needed for the business to be profitable.
4. Ensure sufficient financing for starting and running the business.
5. Check whether any permits are required and obtain them.
6. Arrange accounting services, invoicing tools and a business bank account.
7. Take care of insurance for the company and employees, as well as occupational safety.
8. Register your business and secure a domain name and social media accounts.
9. Ensure that accounting and tax payments are always up to date.
10. Make your business visible and remember to market it.