Promoting Good Business in Lapland
Social Enterprises are changing the world while running profitable businesses.
There is room for more social entrepreneurship in Lapland—hence the RYHTI project!



What is Social Entrepreneurship?
The RYHTI project started from a business idea that did not fit the traditional business model. This idea led to the realization of a project to provide practical knowledge and skills on social entrepreneurship to people in Lapland.
Social entrepreneurship is a form of business where the primary goal is to create positive societal change. The objective may relate to, for example, environmental protection, sustainable development, regional vitality, culture, education, or workforce inclusion.
However, social entrepreneurship is not charity — social enterprises are, first and foremost, businesses. To have a societal impact, their operations must be financially viable. Instead of distributing most of the profits to owners, social enterprises reinvest them to solve their chosen societal challenges. They also adhere to principles of transparency and democratic decision-making.
Social entrepreneurship is not a new phenomenon. One of Finland’s most well-known social enterprises is the Linnanmäki amusement park, which is operated by the Children’s Day Foundation to raise funds for child protection.

Why Do We Need More Social Enterprises in Lapland?
Solutions to Our Unique Challenges
Lapland has its own specific challenges, which we as locals are experts at navigating. These include long distances and uneven access to services.
Lapland-based social enterprises can help address these needs alongside public services and NGOs — or even create entirely new solutions where they are currently lacking.
Sustainable Entrepreneurship
A sustainable business operates responsibly in terms of the economy, environment, and people while following good governance practices.
There is demand for problem-solvers tackling social and environmental issues! Social impact can provide businesses with a competitive advantage while fostering sustainable economic growth, employment, and well-being.
Everyone Should Be Interested in Social Entrepreneurship
We believe it is essential to increase awareness of social entrepreneurship among the people of Lapland. To achieve this, our project serves the following target groups:

Job seekers and students
University and vocational school students and graduates, including immigrants.

Teachers
Teachers in vocational schools and universities in Lapland.

Business developers and advisors

Authorities, decision-makers, regional developers, and financiers

Aspiring entrepreneurs
Sharing Knowledge and Skills
We provide diverse information on social entrepreneurship through various means and channels:
Study Modules
Podcasts, Videos and Webinars
We interview interesting experts and organize webinars and podcasts covering various aspects of social entrepreneurship.
Guides
Events
We organize events that explore social entrepreneurship from different perspectives. The project will culminate in an international social entrepreneurship event.
Networking
Social Media
Follow us on Instagram! @vaikuttavalappi
The RYHTI Project: Advancing Social Entrepreneurship in Lapland

The RYHTI project shares knowledge and expertise on social entrepreneurship in Lapland. Our goal is to make starting a social enterprise in Lapland easier.
The project is implemented by the University of Lapland (coordinator), Lapland University of Applied Sciences, and Vocational College Lappia. The project duration is from October 1, 2023, to April 30, 2026.
The project is co-funded by the European Union. The funding from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) has been granted by the North Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. The total project budget is €469,251, with €375,398 provided by the EU and the Finnish government.


Hanketiimi



Eeva Erkinjuntti
Project Manager,
University of Lapland
Paula Kassinen
Startup and Innovation Specialist,
University of Lapland
Anzelika Krastina
Senior Lecturer,
Lapland University of Applied Sciences
Sari Nisula
Specialist,
Lapland University of Applied Sciences
Karoliina Pietikäinen
Entrepreneurship specialist,
Lappia Vocational College
Want to know more?
Contact us!
Leave us a message to stay informed about our upcoming events and participation opportunities. Welcome aboard!