Grow and develop your company with the Business Whisperers in Joensuu

This autumn, Business Joensuu will once again carry out the Business Whisperers campaign during weeks 35, 40, and 45. Throughout the campaign, Joensuu companies will be approached personally to discuss business development and the everyday life of entrepreneurship.

Joensuu aims to be Finland’s easiest and most business-friendly city – a community where entrepreneurs quickly receive support and solutions, and where companies can easily operate, grow, and thrive. The Business Whisperers campaign supports this vision in practice by:

• strengthening the conditions for companies’ success and growth
• offering Business Joensuu’s experts as approachable partners for everyday challenges and development
• enhancing dialogue between entrepreneurs, the city, and developers – listening to entrepreneurs’ needs and carrying them forward.

Companies of all sizes, as well as those interested in entrepreneurship, are welcome to join the discussion and benefit from free support. The Business Whisperers provide a low-threshold opportunity to be heard and to find solutions that support business operations.

What kind of help do entrepreneurs receive?

- The Business Whisperers are Business Joensuu’s experts, who provide concrete, free, and confidential support for different stages of business. Sometimes a single conversation or meeting can reveal a new direction, a solution, or an important contact, says Development Manager Satu-Minna Piiroinen.

Topics for discussion may include:

• developing a new business in its early stages
• clarifying goals and direction for the business
• strengthening and scaling operations
• product and service development
• recruitment support and employer branding
• staff and competence development
• leadership and supervisory skills
• financing opportunities for investments
• digital services and the use of AI
• change of ownership
• collaboration and growth networks in Joensuu and internationally
• premises and facilities

How to reach the Business Whisperers – by phone, text message, meetings, and events

Companies will be contacted in advance via text messages, and during the campaign by phone calls and company visits in different parts of Joensuu as follows:

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

Companies can also take the initiative and contact the Business Whisperers by:

• replying to the Monday morning text message sent to companies in the focus area of the week
• submitting a contact request
• calling +358 10 419 8011 (Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00)

In addition, the Business Whisperers will be present at various events during the throughout the autumn.

- The meetings are relaxed yet purposeful conversations that focus on listening to entrepreneurs’ needs, encourages Satu-Minna Piiroinen.

Events in Joensuu during the Business Whisperers campaign

Links lead to event details and registration:

Weeks 35–36

• Rural Business Support – Financing Evening, Aug 28, 16:30–18:00
• Customers Online! – free coaching, Sept 2, 12:00–16:00
• Buy a Business – Become an Entrepreneur! – Start Workshops (identical content, choose a suitable time):
  • Sept 2, 16:30–19:30
  • or Sept 5, 9:00–12:00

Weeks 38–40

• Small Entrepreneurs’ Finance Evening, Sept 16, 17:00–19:00
• Y-Business Forum: Sales & Export Without Bullshit!, Sept 17, 17:30–20:00
• Nordic Business Forum – Livestream @JOENSUU, Sept 24–25
• Entrepreneur Morning Coffee, Oct 3, 7:30–9:00 

Weeks 44–45

• Customers Online! – free coaching, Oct 30, 12:00–16:00
• Entrepreneur Morning Coffee, Nov 7, 8:00–9:30

See all upcoming Business Joensuu events.

Results from last year

In autumn 2024, the Business Whisperers campaign reached 516 Joensuu-based companies and highlighted key needs to support business development. One conversation may be enough to bring new ideas, solutions, and valuable contacts to your company – don’t hesitate to get in touch!

More information about the Business Whisperers campaign:

Business Whisperers

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