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Path to sparring your business idea and to entrepreneurship

New entrepreneur sparring

We provide support for the early stages of entrepreneurship from the moment the company is still a dream, idea, hope or hobby. Our free service for new entrepreneurs is intended for everyone considering entrepreneurship and setting up a business in the Business Joensuu operating area. 

 

What kind of help can I get?

  • Information about entrepreneurship
  • Coaching for business ideas
  • Assistance with creating a business plan and financial statements
  • Coaching for financial planning

This service is suitable for me when:

  • I am interested in entrepreneurship
  • I want to establish a company
  • I want to develop my already functioning business (0 - 3 years).

Personal Business Coaching

Feel free to book a free one-on-one Business Coaching session with our business coach, Heli Saario, who offers English-language sparring sessions in Joensuu. You can book your session for Tuesdays directly through Heli’s calendar. For appointments on other weekdays, please contact Heli Saario directly by phone at +358 45 880 0343 or by email at heli.saario@businessjoensuu.fi

Business coaches in Heinävesi, Ilomantsi, Kitee, Outokumpu, Polvijärvi, Rääkkylä and Tohmajärvi also assist those interested in entrepreneurship in these areas. You can also contact them by leaving a contact request here.

Sign up for the Business Idea Sparring

Are you thinking about entrepreneurship, but not sure where to start or how to move forward with your plans?

Business Idea Sparring is a free, low-threshold group session for anyone who wants to explore entrepreneurship in a relaxed and supportive setting together with others in a similar situation.

You don’t need a finished business idea or any prior experience in entrepreneurship. All you need is an interest in entrepreneurship and a willingness to clarify your thoughts. You’ll gain new perspectives, peer support, and a clearer understanding of what entrepreneurship could mean for you — and maybe even a spark to take the next step.

In the group, we’ll have relaxed discussions about topics such as:

  • what entrepreneurship really means

  • how you could develop your business idea further

  • how entrepreneurship could fit into your everyday life

The goal of the session is not to sell entrepreneurship to you, but to provide a safe and encouraging space to reflect on your next steps at your own pace. You’re warmly welcome to join the conversation, listen, and get inspired.

Business Idea Sparring Group Sessions 2026

Sign up by choosing a session that suits you and completing the registration form.
Location: Business Joensuu, Coaching Class or Coaching Park room (Joensuun Tiedepuisto, Building 3B, 4th floor, Länsikatu 15, 80110 Joensuu).

  • Thursday 29 January 2026 at 13.00 - 15.00. Location: Business Joensuu, Coaching Class room.
  • Friday 27 February 2026 at 13.00 - 15.00. Location: Business Joensuu, Coaching Class room.
  • Wednesday 25 March 2026 at 9.00 - 11.00. Location: Business Joensuu, Coaching Class room.
  • Friday 24 April 2026 at 13.00 - 15.00. Location: Business Joensuu, Coaching Class room.
  • Friday 29 May 2026 at 13.00 - 15.00. Location: Business Joensuu, Coaching Class room.
  • Thursday 25 June 2026 at 9.00 - 11.00. Location: Business Joensuu, Coaching Class room.
Path of entrepreneurship Plus sign

Starting a business may seem challenging, and starting entrepreneurs are often concerned about similar things, such as finding customers, securing their livelihoods and imposter syndrome. However, the only way to succeed and overcome challenges is to try - that's why your courage and determination will lead you to a world of real opportunities. A start-up entrepreneur has a lot of new questions, which is why it is a good idea to discuss them with others. Following your dream may seem hopeless - which is why the most important characteristics of an entrepreneur are self-belief, courage and goal-orientation. 

Sparring your business idea  Plus sign

In addition to directing entrepreneurship in the start-up entrepreneur service, we assess your business idea, its potential risks, the profitability of the business, and funding opportunities. We help you get your business ideas on a clearly marked path from the start.

Help for personalised entrepreneurship Plus sign

Every entrepreneur is different, and in the future, different forms of entrepreneurship supporting employment will become more common. This is why we want to help you find the way to entrepreneurship that best suits you. You can become an entrepreneur through several different routes, and it can be your full-time or part-time job. For example, your path to entrepreneurship can begin little by little as a student or light entrepreneur or as a hybrid career that combines paid employment and entrepreneurship. Becoming a full-time entrepreneur is often a natural continuum on the path to entrepreneurship. 

We support different forms of entrepreneurship and want to help you find the right way for you based on your business idea, personality and life situation. Our business coach answers questions that are on your mind, helps you find a path to entrepreneurship personalised for you, and gives you ideas on how to plan your business activities. 

Support network for entrepreneurs Plus sign

Other entrepreneurs are important members in the support network of start-up entrepreneurs. From the first contact with us, you will start growing your entrepreneur network where you can share information, ideas and peer support with entrepreneurs interested and experienced in entrepreneurship. Come participate in the events organised by Business Joensuu and join us in networking with other entrepreneurs. Our events provide versatile information and coaching from different areas of entrepreneurship. 

Business coaches at Business Joensuu help everyone interested in entrepreneurship and starting a business personally in our area of operation in the Joensuu region and Central Karelia.

Entrepreneurship during studies  Plus sign

We cooperate with the Riveria University of Applied Sciences, Karelia University of Applied Sciences, the University of Eastern Finland, the Eastern Finland Sports Institute and the Joensuu Conservatory in entrepreneurship studies. We also train and coach at various events and happenings. Please contact us if you want us to talk or coach at your event!