How are companies? – Business campaign supporting entrepreneurs in Tohmajärvi, Kitee and Rääkkylä

The How are companies? business campaign by Business Joensuu connects experts with entrepreneurs in Tohmajärvi, Kitee, and Rääkkylä throughout February and March. The campaign offers entrepreneurs a valuable opportunity to discuss their experiences, share their needs, receive practical business development support, and access information about free business services.

The campaign seeks to gain insights into the current state of businesses in the region, identify service needs and growth opportunities, and support new entrepreneurs and those considering starting a business. During the campaign weeks, Business Joensuu experts will contact companies via phone and text messages and conduct on-site business visits. Representatives from the North Karelia Employment Region will also join these visits, offering guidance on workforce availability and practical advice on utilizing employment services. Municipal representatives will also take part in the business visits.

Support for growth and development

The campaign supports businesses exploring development and growth opportunities. They are offered tailored services, such as the V!rtaa – short group coaching for small entrepreneurs, a three-week program starting in March in Kitee, and the Grow² – growth coaching designed for SMEs, which will be held from March to May in Joensuu.

New entrepreneurs will also benefit from expert guidance in refining their business ideas, as well as support in drafting business plans and financial projections —key steps for successfully establishing a business.

Hands-on support for businesses

Previous How are companies? campaigns have engaged hundreds of businesses, covering key topics such as financial management, funding opportunities, recruitment, business succession, and public procurement. Business Joensuu offers free expert support at all stages of business operations, from startup and expansion to long-term development.

How are companies? Campaign schedule and events

Throughout the campaign, Entrepreneur Coffee events will be held, providing entrepreneurs with a relaxed setting to connect with experts from Business Joensuu, VisitKarelia, and the North Karelia Employment Region. These gatherings offer a great opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights into business development.

• Tohmajärvi – Week 7 (February 10–14, 2025)
  Register for Entrepreneur Coffee: Thursday, February 13, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Ravintola Kotipirtti (Talluksentie 26)
  
  
• Kitee – Week 9 (February 24–28, 2025)
  Register for Entrepreneur Coffee in Kesälahti: Monday, February 24, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Olgan lounaskahvila (Poroniementie 2b)
  
  Register for Entrepreneur Coffee in Kitee: Monday, February 24, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Sisustus-Kahvila Wilhelmiina (Kiteentie 9–11)
  
  
• Rääkkylä – Week 11 (March 10–14, 2025)
  Register for Entrepreneur Coffee: Wednesday, March 12, from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM at Kotileipomo Anu Hyttinen (Kauppatie 8)
  
  
  For more information about the campaign:
  
  Campaign coordination:
  Satu-Minna Piiroinen, Development Manager, +358 400 287 787,
  satu-minna.piiroinen@businessjoensuu.fi
  
  Tohmajärvi:   
  Timo A. Hartikainen, Business Specialist +358 50 341 9449, timo.a.hartikainen@businessjoensuu.fi
  
  Kitee: 
  Katariina Eskelinen, Business Coach, +358  40 140 7505, katariina.eskelinen@businessjoensuu.fi
  
  Heli Hirvonen, Business Specialist, +358 400 956 178, heli.hirvonen@businessjoensuu.fi
  
  Rääkkylä: 
  Timo Hartikainen, Business Coach, +358 50 468 5492, timo.hartikainen@businessjoensuu.fi