Business development
There is a wealth of information, e-tools, expertise and support available to help you develop your business. For more information, contact a business adviser. The suomi.fi/companies service also provides information on business development.
The Growth Entrepreneur Service (in Finnish)is a free service for companies with more than 5 employees, provided by the Entrepreneurs of Southwest Finland. The service helps companies to develop, grow and manage their business.
The City of Loimaa became a member of the Finnish Business Co-operatives Association (in Finnish) 2018. With this membership, our entrepreneurs can benefit from the godparent network free of charge. Sponsorship is based on voluntary and confidentiality. Entrepreneurs can get help from our gums to develop their business or to solve challenges, for example.
The Entrepreneur’s Financial Assistance helps and advises businesses in financial and payment difficulties, free of charge and in confidence. Tel. 029 502 4880.
The Entrepreneur Support Network is a free nationwide service for all entrepreneurs. In Southwest Finland, you can also chat confidentially with an expert, tel. 02 275 7112.
The Caring for a Farmer project is a free and confidential service for farmers (in Finnish).
Business support
Whether you are just starting a business or developing your existing business, you should discuss your business plans with a business adviser well in advance. It could make it possible to get some money’s worth of support! The basic advice is free and confidential.
Start-up and developing SMEs in Loimaa can apply for business support from the Rural Development Programme of Mainland Finland. This European Union EAFRD programming period started in 2023 and will end in 2027. The application will open in 2023 and you can apply for support from the ELY of Southwest Finland or the local Leader action group. The Southwest Finland Riverbank Partners activate and finance the development of rural micro-enterprises through a range of business support schemes.
Business Finland offers a variety of business development grants for tangible and intangible investments and other development measures (e.g. energy support).
Corporate finance
For information on financing options (loans and guarantees), see suomi.fi/company.
Pension insurance company buy-backs. Companies have a statutory right to draw down TyEL back loans against security. The TyEL refund loan granted by pension insurance companies is long-term and at a fixed interest rate.
Internationalisation of the company
WTC Turku also serves companies in Lomaa that are internationalising and considering internationalisation, from large companies to sole proprietors. Please contact Heidi Saaristo, WTC Turku’s Operations Manager, who will also be happy to visit your company in Loimaa.
World Trade Center Turku
Heidi Saaristo
heidi@wtc-turku.fi
In the Internationalisation Database you will find planning tools, Business Finland’s services and other top experts in the field.
Change of ownership
For basic initial advice, contact your business adviser.
The Southwest Finland Entrepreneurs’ Change of Ownership Service offers support and assistance in matters of change of ownership for all entrepreneurs – whether you are buying or selling!
Exchange of Ownership Coordinator Jutta Wirén: etunimi.sukunimi@yrittajat.fi, tel. 040 776 3640.
The Business Transfer Advisory Service is a nationwide low-threshold service network for sellers and buyers.
Education
Training the entrepreneur and staff also helps to develop the business. Business advisers can also be contacted to find suitable training.
The Southwest Finland Technical Assistance Office organises training for entrepreneurs and staff. Training is available for start-up entrepreneurs, staff for various needs and recruitment needs.
Novida – a vocational college and upper secondary school offering a range of undergraduate, vocational and specialised qualifications, as well as upper secondary school studies. Novida also offers licensing card training (in Finnish). Vocational education and training includes work-based learning, either through a training contract or an apprenticeship. If necessary, Novida’s apprenticeship office can also provide theoretical training for an apprenticeship from another educational institution. It is also possible for a self-employed person to study under an entrepreneurial apprenticeship.
You can study at Turku University of Applied Sciences, Häme University of Applied Sciences, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences or the University of Turku.
Business organisations and the Chamber of Commerce also organise various training courses for their members.