On Friday 27 March, Startia organized a breakfast event at Startup Factory in Vaasa, focusing on risk management in business. The participants included both aspiring and established entrepreneurs who wanted to gain a clearer understanding of what to keep track of when running a business.

To start a business, you need to secure adequate funding, but where do you start looking for this funding and how can you make sure you will get the support you need to start and run your business?

Light entrepreneurship has become an established way in Finland to work and sell one’s expertise without setting up a traditional company. A light entrepreneur can invoice clients through a service provider and focus on their work without the bureaucracy of accounting and administration. For this reason, the model is especially attractive to freelancers, experts, part-time entrepreneurs and others considering starting a business.

Entrepreneurship is full of decisions, reflections, and moments when an outside perspective can make a real difference. A business mentor offers exactly that: a trusted and free sparring partner with whom you can discuss your company’s direction, challenges, and opportunities.

Bankruptcy statistics in Finland show a worrying trend: According to the Finnish Tax Administration, there were 57% more bankruptcy filings in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year. Small businesses, sole proprietors, and service sectors are especially affected.

Running a business requires much more than just passion and a great idea – understanding finances is one of the key factors for success.

Opening a restaurant or café is a dream for many, but before welcoming customers, it’s crucial to ensure all necessary permits and notifications are in order.

A good inventory is very important for a business. Business advisor Antti Alasaari reminds small business owners to remember a few key rules:

From the beginning of 2025, the reduced VAT rates will change, and it is important for entrepreneurs to prepare for these changes.

Starting from the beginning of 2025, there will be significant changes to VAT rules for small businesses, based on the EU's SME Directive. The aim of these changes is to reduce administrative burden and promote international trade.

Christmas music during the festive season lifts the spirits and can speed up sales. Quiet background music helps a massage client relax and enjoy, perhaps even book another session. Playing music indirectly benefits the entrepreneur economically by creating a pleasant atmosphere in business premises where products or services are sold, or where visitors are otherwise meant to feel comfortable.

The global situation with pandemics and wars in Europe has shown that businesses can no longer turn a blind eye to even the most frightening scenarios.