One of the reasons we moved to Hämeenlinna was the support available through Linnan Kehitys, which runs free training and programs for entrepreneurs on everything from marketing to internationalization. Earlier in the year, we were accepted into their growth-focused KIIHDYTYSsarja program — monthly sessions on topics like board structure, marketing, and sales, each paired with a personal mentor.
That program culminated in a regional final where a handful of companies pitched for a €50,000 prize. We weren't among the finalists, but it was a genuinely useful day — good networking, a look at what other local businesses were struggling with (outdated websites, SEO, finding technical help, multilingual marketing), and a clearer sense of our own direction going forward.
