Startup Joensuu for Companies at Pre-Seed Stage

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. 

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

Start-up company coaching will help you strengthen your entrepreneurial skills and receive guidance, insights and tools for goal-oriented planning and launching of business activities. During start-up company coaching, we help you create the official documents - business plan and calculations - around your future business idea that you will need when applying for start-up grants and funding. You will also have access to the necessary everyday tools of entrepreneurship.
The coaching program lasts for 6 weeks. It consists of 6 group coaching days and 2-3 individual coaching days:

• The intensive period is approximately 6 weeks
• Group sessions and individual sessions
• Clarifies your business idea, and you’ll create a high-quality business plan and calculations
• New ideas and sparring
• Networking with other entrepreneurs
• The coaching is free for participating companies.
• Topics in group meetings:
• Objectives and business plan elements
• Taxation and basics of finances
• Pricing
• Resources and time management
• Risk management and reverse planning
• The elevator pitch

Since 2000, Start Me Up has played a key role in identifying growth entrepreneurs and businesses in North Karelia, solidifying its position as one of Finland's most significant business idea competitions. With over 2700 ideas submitted to the competition, many have grown into successful businesses both domestically and internationally. Annually, significant efforts are invested in promoting the competition through various media, and it is organized by Business Joensuu in collaboration with its partners.

The Start Me Up business idea competition aims to find innovative and commercially viable business ideas that promote entrepreneurial growth and startup culture in North Karelia, as well as nationally and internationally.

Start Me Up serves as a hub for developing and evaluating business ideas. The competition offers a unique opportunity to test and refine ideas, secure funding for growth, and launch and expand business operations.