Supporting Youth Entrepreneurship – HHB Country Meetup Held in Imatra

The country-specific meetup of the HeritageHunters&Business project was held on Monday, 27 April 2026, in Imatra, bringing together students, youth entrepreneurship support organizations and local development actors for an afternoon focused on mentoring, business development and regional opportunities.

The event began with a session on mentoring within the HHB project, led by Petri Katajarinne (Humak). During the session, participants were introduced to the mentoring model available in the project. In this training programme, students have an opportunity to work one-on-one with a mentor for up to one hour per student, receiving support, sparring and feedback while developing their business ideas.

The program continued with presentations highlighting youth entrepreneurship opportunities in the Imatra region. Representatives from KEHY – Business Services in the Imatra Region, Leader Kärki, and Kaakonkulman 4H introduced the services and funding instruments available to young people and aspiring entrepreneurs.

KEHY Oy, the regional business development company funded by the municipalities of Imatra, Ruokolahti, Rautjärvi and Parikkala, presented its free services for entrepreneurs. These include support for starting a business, business planning and financial calculations, growth and development services, ownership changes and succession planning, funding guidance, training events, and company location services. KEHY also works closely with young entrepreneurs, while minors are typically guided towards 4H entrepreneurship pathways.

4H organizations from the South Saimaa region presented their model for youth entrepreneurship, which enables young people aged 13–28 to establish a 4H enterprise after completing entrepreneurship training. The 4H model offers young people early work experience, business guidance, educational credits and opportunities to build local vitality.

Leader Kärki introduced its youth-focused funding instruments, including “spark funding” (kipinäraha) of 100–500 euros to support youth-driven activities and early-stage entrepreneurial ideas. For more advanced needs, Leader also offers small-scale development and start-up grants. All funding is supported by the EU Rural Development Fund.

Later in the afternoon, participants visited a local small company Päivi Angervo, who produces small-scale, handmade products using natural ingredients such as berries, herbs and mushrooms. The visit provided a concrete example of local entrepreneurship and value-based business rooted in nature and craftsmanship.

The day concluded with a hands-on workshop on developing one’s own business idea, held at Vuoksen Kalastuspuisto. During the workshop, participants were encouraged to refine their ideas, reflect on feasibility and receive peer and mentor feedback.

The Country Meetup in Imatra demonstrated the strength of regional cooperation in supporting youth entrepreneurship and highlighted the wide range of mentoring, training and funding opportunities available for young people interested in starting their own businesses.

Tytti Lankinen
Project Manager
tytti.lankinen@imatra.fi
tel. +358 20 617 1122
CITY OF IMATRA
Tainionkoskentie 14
FI-55100 Imatra
www.imatra.fi