GrowthBASE is a free startup coaching program that helps you run your business more effectively and build scalable operations. You’ll gain clarity, prioritize your actions, and turn your ideas into a concrete, actionable plan.

Benefits of the Startup Coaching

  • Clear priorities – know what to focus on and in what order
  • Scalable business model – build a business that can grow
  • Actionable plan – create a clear, prioritized roadmap
  • Expert support – guidance from experienced mentors and Business Joensuu coaches
  • Peer support and learning – learn with other startup founders
  • Real opportunities – access pilot projects with leading companies
  • Funding readiness – strengthen your ability to connect with investors and funding opportunities 
  • Free of charge – high-value coaching at no cost

What You'll Work On

  • Breaking down your startup into key growth drivers
  • Making smarter and faster strategic decisions
  • Applying tools directly to your startup’s daily operations
  • Identifying what matters most and what can wait
  • Building and refining a clear growth plan

Coaching Content and Themes

  • IPR & Ownership – how to protect your ideas and build a solid foundation for your business
  • Team & Skill Building – how to find the right people and build a strong, complementary team
  • R&D – how to develop your product or service in a structured and efficient way
  • Business Law – the legal essentials every founder needs to understand
  • Founding a Company – what to consider when setting up your business
  • Brand & Marketing – how to build a brand that stands out and attracts customers
  • Go-to-Market – how to launch and acquire your first paying customers
  • Developing & Managing Operations – how to run and scale your day-to-day business
  • International Capabilities – how to prepare your business for global markets
  • Building Resilience – how to navigate uncertainty and grow sustainably
  • Strategy & Action Plan – how to turn your vision into a concrete roadmap

Who It's For

This Startup Coaching program is for you if:

  • You’re a motivated startup founder, team, or spin-off ready for goal-oriented growth
  • You want to understand startup fundamentals and make smarter strategic decisions
  • You want clarity on priorities and next steps
  • You want to move from ideas to execution with a clear plan and timeline
  • You’re aiming for scalable, profitable, and international growth
  • Your company is located in the Business Joensuu area or planning to relocate to the region

How the GrowthBASE Coaching Works

For startups ready to focus on growth, GrowthBASE brings clarity, structure, and direction to your journey. The program runs in English. 

  • Structured process – step-by-step clarity on what to do next
  • Hands-on approach – apply knowledge and skills directly to your startup’s daily operations
  • Continuous support – coaching from mentors and experts
  • Peer group – learn alongside other startup founders
  • Real opportunities – access pilot opportunities with leading companies

Apply for GrowthBASE Coaching

The GrowthBASE Startup program lasts six months and includes a total of 12 sessions, held approximately twice a month from September 10, 2026 to February 24, 2027.  Times: 12:00–16:00 (first and last sessions), 13:00–16:00 (other sessions).

The coaching takes place at Business Joensuu (Tiedepuisto, Building 3B, 4th Floor, Länsikatu 15, Joensuu) 

Valmennus
Coaching sessions are held on 10.9., 24.9., 8.10., 21.10., 4.11., 18.11., 2.12., 16.12., 13.1., 27.1., 10.2., 24.2. Times: 12.00 - 16.00 (first and last sessions), 13.00 - 16.00 (other sessions).
Joensuu
Startup growth, Scalable business, International growth, Funding readiness, Peer support and networking

Contact Us

Kari Pulkkinen
Kari Pulkkinen
Fund Manager & Growth Coach
Start-up Fund Joensuu, corporate financing, business development, development of board work
kari.pulkkinen@businessjoensuu.fi
kari.pulkkinen@businessjoensuu.fi
Pinja Konttinen
Pinja Konttinen
Business Specialist (Joensuu)
Services for startups and new entrepreneurs
pinja.konttinen@businessjoensuu.fi
pinja.konttinen@businessjoensuu.fi

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Kari Pulkkinen Fund Manager & Growth Coach

Start-up Fund Joensuu, corporate financing, business development, development of board work

+358 50 406 8716 +358 10 419 8038

Pinja Konttinen Business Specialist (Joensuu)

Services for startups and new entrepreneurs

+358 50 452 1597 +358 10 419 8009