Entrepreneurship service ecosystem for immigrants

Project information

Project	Entrepreneurship service ecosystem for immigrants
Duration	1.5.2026-30.4.2028
Partners	City of Riihimäki, Hyria and HAMK
Funders	The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) The national funding: Economic Development Centre of Central Finland
Budget	163 745 €

We build a clear and accessible pathway to entrepreneurship for people with an immigrant background. We bring together regional business services, education and networks into a coherent service model that supports starting and growing a business.

In South Häme, we develop entrepreneurship support ecosystem in collaboration with municipalities, educational institutions and business service providers. We offer accessible information on entrepreneurship, training and individual guidance. These support the development of an entrepreneurial identity and help make entrepreneurship a realistic and viable pathway to employment. At the same time, we clarify the overall business service network in the region. This makes it easier for people considering entrepreneurship to find the right services and support.

We develop two service pathways: one leading to entrepreneurship in traditional sectors and another focusing on startup entrepreneurship. Both pathways combine business advisory services, mentoring, community-based activities and networks. The aim is to lower the threshold to entrepreneurship, strengthen entrepreneurial competences and increase the number of new businesses in the region.

HAMK is responsible for developing and implementing the startup entrepreneurship service pathway. We provide individual mentoring to support the development of business ideas and build a community-based startup environment where participants can network, test their ideas and find partners. In addition, we organise events, coaching sessions and idea competitions that support entrepreneurial growth.

Target group

The project targets:

people with an immigrant background interested in entrepreneurship
immigrants at the early stages of entrepreneurship
entrepreneurs with an immigrant background
organisations, service providers and networks that support entrepreneurship in the region

Operating area

The project is implemented in the South Häme employment area, particularly in the municipalities of Riihimäki, Hausjärvi, Loppi and Janakkala.

Project activities

The project consists of four interlinked work packages that support each other:

WP1: Awakening and strengthening entrepreneurial identity through an entrepreneurship support service model
We increase awareness of entrepreneurship and support orientation towards entrepreneurship by offering training, guidance and easily accessible information.

WP2: Mentoring support, matchmaking and community-building for startup entrepreneurship as part of the service ecosystem
We provide individual mentoring, support the development of business ideas and build a community that fosters networking and entrepreneurial growth.

WP3: Service pathway for employment-oriented sectors and entrepreneurship
We develop clear service pathways that guide people with an immigrant background towards entrepreneurship and employment in ways that fit their individual situations.

WP4: Implementation of the service model and dissemination of entrepreneurship promotion
We integrate the developed service model into practice and promote its wider use among different stakeholders.