Events and workshops

An event for those interested in entrepreneurship, those considering entrepreneurship, and service developers

Time: 20.8.2026 January 10.00 from 12.45 am to XNUMX pm
Place: DEFINE Hub, Riihimäki
Registration: Register here (zef.fi)

What support does an immigrant need in the early stages of entrepreneurship? How can services be found more easily? What is the clear path from an idea, expertise or company to the next?

Your Idea – A Common Path brings together those interested in entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs, business service experts, training providers and other actors in the region. The event aims to strengthen a common understanding of how the Riihimäki region can support the path towards entrepreneurship, especially for international experts and people considering entrepreneurship.

The event is part of the Entrepreneurship Service Ecosystem for Immigrants project, which develops clearer service pathways, support that strengthens entrepreneurial capabilities, and regional cooperation. The event will feature entrepreneurial stories, discussions, and work together to find practical solutions.

Who is the event intended for?

This event is suitable for you if:

• you are interested in entrepreneurship or are considering starting your own business
• you are considering a business name, light entrepreneurship or selling your own expertise
• you are already an entrepreneur and want to develop your operations or find new networks
• you work in business services, education, employment services or integration
• You want to be involved in developing a clearer and more accessible entrepreneurial service path for the Riihimäki region.

Why participate?

By participating, you will have an impact on the development of entrepreneurial services in the Riihimäki region. You will also gain information about the services in the area, meet other actors, and share your own experiences, needs, and ideas.

The event offers an opportunity to build new connections and strengthen a common goal: that a good idea, expertise or interest in entrepreneurship does not remain alone, but that there is a clear next step for it.

The Program

10:00–10:30 Coffee and networking

A relaxed start where participants can get to know each other and tune in to the day's themes.

10.30–10.35 From idea to experiment – ​​from experiment to path
Integration Manager Juha Hiltunen
Juha is a brave innovator who experiments and tests new operating models to promote integration and internationalization.

10.35–10.55 Where did courage come from?
Entrepreneur Sarah Nieminen, SBN Cleaning Services
Sarah would have liked to go straight to work when she arrived in Finland. Her enthusiasm was not dampened by bureaucracy and language learning. Work and contacts led her to run her own business alongside her paid job.

10.55–11.15 Entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence and the courage to make decisions
Partner, emotional intelligence coach Pavel Maksimenko, Adeptus
A story of growth from an errand boy to a leader, from a leader to an entrepreneur and an advocate for emotional intelligence

11.15–11.45 Panel: From a spark to your own path
Where does the spark of entrepreneurship come from, what kind of obstacles does an immigrant face in the early stages of entrepreneurship, and what kind of support helps them take the next step?

Workshop

Workshop 1: Awakening and coaching entrepreneurial identity

Come and discuss the hopes and challenges of entrepreneurship among immigrants. How can immigrants be inspired to become entrepreneurs? How would you like to receive information and coaching about entrepreneurship in Finland?

The workshop is suitable for you if you are interested in entrepreneurship, are considering a business name, light entrepreneurship or selling your own expertise, or you already have a company whose operations you would like to develop.

The workshop will consider what a clear and functional service path for an entrepreneur who has immigrated to the country would look like. Themes include personal advice, access to financing, and the development of a new idea competition.

The workshop is in Finnish.

Workshop 2: The service path of an international startup entrepreneur in Finland

Are you interested in startup entrepreneurship? Do you have experience in starting a startup in Finland? What services would you like to support your entrepreneurship or business?

Come and share your thoughts on what the best possible service path for an international startup entrepreneur would be.

We will also tell you how you can participate and influence our project, including mentoring, events and competitions.

Workshop 2: Services for International Startup Entrepreneurs in Finland

Are you interested in startup entrepreneurship? Do you have experience founding a startup in Finland? What services would you like to see to support your entrepreneurship and your company?

Join us to share your thoughts on what the best possible service pathway for international startup entrepreneurs might look like.

We will also tell you how you can participate in and influence our project's activities, including mentoring, events, and competitions.

Workshop 3: Service path for employing sectors

What kind of practical support is needed to start a business, choose a business name, become a light entrepreneur, or develop an existing business? How does a customer get directed to the right service?

The workshop will focus on entrepreneurship in particular in employment sectors and how services can support the initial stages of entrepreneurship in the most practical way possible.

Joint demolition and continuation

12.45 Closing of the event

Registration link: Register here (zef.fi)

Places are limited, so we recommend registering early.

International experts as a resource for corporate growth – Sitra's national dialogue series discussion

Aika: September 3rd 9:30-11:30
Place: Riihimäki Library

How can companies find, hire and retain international talent? What does labor migration mean for local companies in everyday life – in terms of opportunities, challenges and new types of growth? And how can Riihimäki be a more welcoming city for employees, entrepreneurs and their families?

On Entrepreneur's Day, an open discussion event will be held at Riihimäki Library, where the perspectives of entrepreneurs, the city, employment and integration services, and business networks will be heard. The goal is not to argue, but to increase understanding and find concrete observations about what is worth doing next in Riihimäki.

The program will be finalized in early August.