Services for startups – BusinessOulu

Oulu is home to over 120 startups and known for its strong expertise, particularly in the technology sector. BusinessOulu offers startups practical support for launching and growing their businesses.

BusinessOulu supports startups and teams aiming to become startups in Oulu throughout the company’s various growth stages. We offer business consulting, training, events, and networking opportunities from the idea stage all the way to international growth.

During the idea phase, you will receive support for evaluating your business idea, launching your business, and planning your first steps.

Walk-in consulting for those planning to start a business on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at BusinessAsema

The “From Idea to Startup Entrepreneur in 100 Days” programme: Startup Express Pre-incubator

Leverage AI in developing your startup! The 9-month AI-Incubator programme

BusinessOulu’s business services experts offer free advice. See the experts and their areas of expertise here. Feel free to contact us by phone or email!

OYSTER Incubator, an incubator programme for startups in the health technology and life science sector
During the growth and development phase, support focuses on business development, financing, networking, and the prerequisites for international growth.

Peer support and networking at the Startup Mastermind Club’s monthly low-threshold meetings. The Mastermind Club returns in March – more details coming soon!

You can find a wide variety of training and coaching sessions on topics such as marketing, pitching, digital service development, and business development in the BusinessOulu event calendar.

Polar Bear Pitching is your startup’s chance to pitch to a panel of investors (from an ice hole!), compete for the €10,000 grand prize, and gain significant international media attention.

Financial advice

Internationalisation

Sector-specific business consulting and cluster activities

BusinessOulu’s business services experts offer free advice. See the experts and their areas of expertise here. Feel free to contact us by phone or email!
In Oulu, every startup has the opportunity to be part of a unique, active startup community. The StartupOulu ecosystem is an operating environment that offers shared spaces, events, and networks.

BusinessOulu’s experimental Studio environment offers startups the opportunity to experiment with and produce content, such as photography, videography, and podcasts. Ask for more information: veera.mahlakaarto@businessoulu.com

The Startup Database compiles all Oulu-based startups known to BusinessOulu and highlights the region’s startup players.

The StartupOulu ecosystem connects startups, companies, investors, universities, and other players into a shared Oulu startup network. Read more: startupoulu.com

The free FabLab workspace offers the opportunity to experiment with prototyping using, for example, a 3D printer and various other tools.

Why is Oulu a good place for a startup entrepreneur?

Oulu is one of Finland’s strongest startup cities, home to an internationally recognised startup ecosystem.

There are approximately 120 active startup companies in Oulu, and the number of new startups has tripled in recent years.
Oulu is the only Finnish city besides Helsinki to be included in Startup Genome’s international assessment.
According to Startup Genome’s assessment, the combined value of Oulu’s startups is approximately $2.7 billion, which is a significant achievement given the city’s size.
In the Startup Blink ranking, Oulu has been rated as Finland’s second-best startup ecosystem.
Oulu has been named Europe’s fourth-best startup ecosystem in the health technology sector.