Business Whisperers supporting businesses in Joensuu

Release August, 21, 2024

We aim to make Joensuu the most business-friendly city of its size in Finland, where companies can easily be heard, operate, develop, and grow. This fall, the Business Whisperers will once again reach out to Joensuu-based companies to discuss their current situations and the services available to them. At the same time, they will relay feedback and suggestions from businesses to the city for further actions.

The campaign, starting in week 35, aims to support local businesses free of charge at various stages of their business operations. The Business Whisperers assist with growth and development, recruitment and employer-related matters, product and service development, issues related to the business environment, entrepreneur well-being, training needs, and ownership changes. Listening to entrepreneurs’ challenges, wishes, and concerns is not enough – the Business Whisperers also aim to find solutions and appropriate services.

- Businesses will be approached in advance via text messages and during the campaign by phone. Companies can also contact the Business Whisperers directly to arrange a meeting. They will also be present at various events throughout the fall, says Satu-Minna Piiroinen, Business Expert at Business Joensuu.

The Business Whisperers are a team of experts who reach out to companies at the initiative of the City of Joensuu. The campaign is supported by Business Joensuu Oy, Joensuu City Employment Services/Luotsi Joensuu, and the North Karelia TE Office. Partners at the events include Joensuu Entrepreneurs Association, Pyhäselkä Entrepreneurs Association, Pielisjoki Entrepreneurs Association, and Riveria.

Last fall, the Business Whisper campaign reached over 800 companies in Joensuu. The Whisperer teams are selected based on the specific needs of the companies, and the meetings are informal yet focused discussions that truly listen to the needs of entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs can also directly contact the Business Whisperers and find more information about the campaign. 

Business Whisper Campaign schedule:

• Week 35: Eno, Uimaharju, Pyhäselkä, Reijola, Tuupovaara, Kiihtelysvaara, and Heinävaara
• Week 40: Joensuu city center, industrial area, and Science Park vicinity (postal codes 80100 and 80110)
• Week 45: Other areas of Joensuu.

Events During Business Whisper Weeks 35, 40, and 45:

Week 35:

• Thursday, August 29, 2024, 8:00–9:30 AM: Morning Coffee – AI in Business
  Location: Pyhäselkä ST1, Meeting Room (Vanha Valtatie 6, Reijola). Register here.
• Friday, August 30, 2024, 9:00 AM–2:30 PM: Public Procurement Clinic: Individual coaching sessions available from 9:00–10:00 AM, 10:30–11:30 AM, 12:00–1:00 PM, and 1:30–2:00 PM.
  Location: Business Joensuu, Meeting Room Energy (Science Park, Building 3B, 4th floor, Länsikatu 15). Book a session here.

Week 40:

• Thursday, October 3, 2024, 7:30–9:00 AM: Morning Coffee – AI in Business
  Location: Business Joensuu, Meeting Room Coaching Park (Science Park, Building 3B, 4th floor, Länsikatu 15). Register here.
• Friday, October 4, 2024, 9:00 AM–2:30 PM: Public Procurement Clinic: Individual coaching sessions available from 9:00–10:00 AM, 10:30–11:30 AM, 12:00–1:00 PM, and 1:30–2:00 PM.
  Location: Luotsi Joensuu, Meeting Room Pooki (Kauppakatu 29). Book a session here.

Week 45:

• Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 5:00–7:00 PM: Looking for Skilled Workforce?
  Location: Luotsi Joensuu, Middle Floor (Kauppakatu 29). Register here.
• Thursday, November 7, 2024, 7:30–9:00 AM: Morning Coffee – AI in Business
  Location: Luotsi Joensuu, Middle Floor (Kauppakatu 29). Register here.
• Friday, November 8, 2024, 9:00 AM–2:30 PM: Public Procurement Clinic: Individual coaching sessions available from 9:00–10:00 AM, 10:30–11:30 AM, 12:00–1:00 PM, and 1:30–2:00 PM.
  Location: Luotsi Joensuu, Meeting Room Pooki (Kauppakatu 29). Book a session here.

Businesses can also register for Business Whisper Weeks and other Business Joensuu events at: businessjoensuu.fi/tapahtumat.

For more information about the Business Whisper campaign:

Employment Coordinator Marjatta Rummukainen
Joensuu City Employment Services, Luotsi Joensuu
+358 50 478 0795, marjatta.rummukainen@joensuu.fi

Business Specialist Satu-Minna Piiroinen
Business Joensuu Oy
+358 400 287 787, satu-minna.piiroinen@businessjoensuu.fi