I want to start my own business

Ensimetri provides free and confidential business counselling for all Tampere residents. In-person appointments with Ensimetri business advisors will guide you towards well-structured business management. If you are planning to set up a business or wondering if you have the makings of an entrepreneur, Ensimetri services are there to support you. Making an appointment does not mean you have to set up a business. Ensimetri business advisors will help you to weigh your options, however, the final decision is up to you.

Learn more on the Ensimetri website

You can start a business while you are an unemployed job seeker. No assessment will be made as to the part-time or full-time nature of your business for the first four months of entrepreneurship. You will therefore qualify for the first four months for an unemployment benefit, which will be adjusted according to your possible business income.

After the first four months, your business will be assessed depending on whether you run a full-time or a part-time business. If your business is deemed to be a full-time business, your right to unemployment benefits will cease. If, however, your business is deemed to be a part-time activity, you may continue to receive unemployment benefits.

Remember to notify the TE Services in advance of starting your business on the e-services.

Read more about starting a business while unemployed on the Työmarkkinatori - Job Market Finland website.

Light entrepreneurship is an increasingly popular approach to work. Sometimes it is the easiest way to start testing your business ideas and may be a good option if starting your own business is not financially viable. In other words, a light entrepreneur does not need a business ID.

As a light entrepreneur you can for instance

• test your ideas and try entrepreneurship
• run a small-scale business
• work as a part-time entrepreneur

As a light entrepreneur you put a price tag on your work, choose your customers and decide your own working hours. Anyone can be a light entrepreneur. However, whether you are unemployed, working or a student may have an effect on your benefits and allowances.

Ensimetri light entrepreneur counselling service answers all your light entrepreneurship-related questions. The light entrepreneur counselling service will assess your need for services and answer your quick questions. On the same visit you can book an appointment for Ensimetri continuous counselling where you receive advice and help for furthering your idea.

For more information on light entrepreneurship counselling, see Ensimetri website.

Entrepreneurial Boost is a free service to all Pirkanmaa residents, both for those planning to start a business and for those who have already started one as a full-time entrepreneur within the past 12 months. The service consists of skills and competence boosting entities of which you can choose the ones best suited for you. 

At the Entrepreneurial Boost service, you can have group or individual coaching, online or in person. Entrepreneurial Boost is a project promoted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment with Pirkanmaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment and Pirkanmaa TE Office. To participate in Entrepreneurial Boost you have to register as a client at the TE office.

Apply to Entrepreneurial Boost at palvelualusta.fi

The startup grant is a form of support for new entrepreneurs. It is intended for new full-time entrepreneurs with the aim of providing secure income at the beginning when income from the business is still limited. 

The City of Tampere is in charge of providing startup grants to people, whose municipality of residence is Tampere and who belong to the target group of the local government pilot on employment.

Read more about the startup grant on the From Idea to Business web page.

Tribe Tampere is building a local entrepreneur and start-up ecosystem by connecting entrepreneur-spirited individuals, start-up entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship-supporting organisations to work actively and build a flourishing community - together. Start-up entrepreneurs and those aiming to become one will be integrated into services, events, mentoring and networks. Tribe will act as a gateway for entrepreneur-spirited individuals to entrepreneurial services and the start-up world.

More information on Tribe web page.

Are you planning to start your own business, but you are unsure where to start or what services there are to help you get started? We can guide you to the right services that will help you on your entrepreneurial path.

Guidance to Entrepreneurship Services is a one-time online consultation for internationals planning to start or grow their existing business in Tampere. International House Tampere Business Coordinator will help you to identify which entrepreneurial path is suitable for you and what kind of entrepreneurial services and information channels are available.

We also give consultation for startup teams overseas. We can help you with questions regarding relocation as an entrepreneur or moving to Tampere, Finland with your family.

Read more about the service and book a time at Guidance to Entrepreneurship Services - International House Tampere.