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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.

RYHTI-hankkeen tunnus, jossa lukee: RYHTI, rakenteet yhteiskunnalliselle yrittäjyydelle Lappiin

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

Business development professionals who support new and established companies.

Authorities, decision-makers, regional developers, and financiers

Individuals and organizations influencing the business environment.

Aspiring entrepreneurs

Working-age residents of Lapland interested in entrepreneurship and exploring various employment options.

Sharing Knowledge and Skills

We provide diverse information on social entrepreneurship through various means and channels:

Study Modules

We design free educational modules on social entrepreneurship. These can be integrated into entrepreneurship courses at different educational institutions.

Podcasts, Videos and Webinars

We interview interesting experts and organize webinars and podcasts covering various aspects of social entrepreneurship.

Guides

We publish practical guides on starting and developing a social enterprise.

Events

We organize events that explore social entrepreneurship from different perspectives. The project will culminate in an international social entrepreneurship event.

Networking

We support networking among those interested in social entrepreneurship on a regional, national, and international level.

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.

Logo: Co-funded by the European Union
Ely-keskuksen logo

Hanketiimi

Tunnus: Lapin yliopisto
Tunnus: Lapin ammattikorkeakoulu

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!

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