Developing Youth Business Ideas – Second HHB Country Meetup Held in Imatra

The second country-specific meetup for students participating in the entrepreneurship training
programme of the HeritageHunters&Business (HHB) project was held in Imatra on 15 October 2026.

The event brought together students, youth entrepreneurship support organisations and
local entrepreneurs for an inspiring afternoon focused on business development, funding
opportunities and motivational entrepreneurial success stories.
The event began with a lively discussion on the students’ progress in the training programme
and the development of their business ideas. Participants were reminded of the mentoring
opportunities available through the HHB project. As part of the programme, students can work
with an experienced mentor who provide guidance, feedback and practical support throughout
the business development process.
The programme continued with presentations highlighting entrepreneurship opportunities for
young people in both the Imatra and Lappeenranta regions. A representative of Leader Kärki
introduced their services and funding instruments available to young people and start-up
entrepreneurs. In addition to funding opportunities, Leader Kärki also supports young
entrepreneurs in developing project management skills, as many funding schemes are project-
based.
Salme Muurikka, one of the EduSampo teachers involved in the HHB training programme,
presented various funding options and support services available for developing business
ideas. She also introduced entrepreneurship pathways such as the NYT entrepreneurship
programme.
During the afternoon, participants visited Vuoksen Kalastuspuisto (Vuoksi Fishing Park), a
family-owned tourism business in Varpasaari, Imatra, now operated by the third generation of
the family. The owner, Toni Kainulainen, shared the company’s journey from its beginning to its
current stage of development and future plans.
Before presenting the story of Vuoksen Kalastuspuisto, Kainulainen emphasized the
importance of networking, cooperation and word-of-mouth marketing. According to him,
success is never achieved alone but through collaboration with others. He also reminded of
Imatra’s significant role in the history of Finnish tourism and encouraged the students to pursue
their ambitions with: “Towards your dreams – Unelmia kohti!”
The participants also heard an inspiring entrepreneurial story from Jussi Honka, founder of
Saunalautta (Sauna Boat), who described how he transformed his hobbies and passions into a
successful business. Honka encouraged the students to dream big and to be ambitious when
developing their ideas. His advice to the students, maybe the future entrepreneurs, was simple:
“Do what you enjoy and believe in, and make things happen.”
These real-life examples and entrepreneurial experiences provided valuable inspiration for the
students. To conclude the event, participants analysed the strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats of their own business ideas, applying the insights they had gained
throughout the afternoon.

Tytti Lankinen

Municipality of Imatra