The times are challenging, but from the Kasvu Open perspective, the hunger for growth is huge. Over the years, 3 450 Finnish SMEs have participated in the sparring organised by the Kasvu Open, and this year hundreds more applied.
- Every year, more companies apply for sparring than we can offer a place for. What makes the number of participating companies exceptional is that the vast majority are looking for strong growth in the coming years, says Jaana Seppälä, CEO of Kasvu Open.
She points out that Kasvu Open Carnival is an exception to the national business events, as most events are held in the capital region. More than half of the participants come from outside Central Finland.
- We are proud that the cornerstone of Kasvu Open has been laid in Jyväskylä, by passionate and forward-thinking people and networks. That's why Jyväskylä is a natural place for the carnival, says Seppälä.
A total of 29 companies from Central Finland were involved in this year's Growth Paths sparring sessions, the highest number after Uusimaa.
"Kasvu Open has provided us with plenty of networking opportunities"
Oili Eronen, CEO of KeyPoint, one of the top 60 companies, says that Kasvu Open has provided KeyPoint with a host of lessons in service productization and internal process refinement, as well as networking opportunities.
- For instance, we've gained ideas on which of our products can be scaled up for e-commerce. We have clarified our strategy and core competencies: what we focus on and what we abandon to make our business as efficient as possible. Throughout the Kasvu Open process, we have been challenged to think about our core competitive advantage, and this has helped a lot in clarifying our service," says Eronen.
Oili Eronen (on the left) particularly likes the opportunity to make short appointments and network at the Carnival. Photo: Taija Lappeteläinen
Silta Education offers a digital training programme for brainworkers to improve concentration and productivity. Here's Seppo Noso, the company's sales manager, with a tip for all brainworkers: "When you're in a Teams meeting, don't do anything else. If the meeting doesn't concern you, leave. Multitasking will reduce your productivity for the day and when you come home after a day like that, you'll be really stressed." Photo: Kasvu Open / Matias Ulfves
GoByBike was awarded the title of Growth Company of the Year 2024. Photo: Kasvu Open / Matias Ulfves
Kasvu Open´s team has already rolled up its sleeves to build for the upcoming year. “Sparring is free of charge for businesses and is made possible by partners. Right now, we're putting together a team of partners, so that in the coming year, more and more growth-minded businesses can get sparring for their growth dreams”, says Jaana Seppälä. Photo: Kasvu Open / Matias Ulfves
Kasvu Open´s judges lined up: Lennu Keinänen, Katriina Anttila, Simo Kajaste, Merja Rahkola, Unna Lehtipuu & Vesa Riihimäki.
