Employment services for entrepreneurs
Employment services for entrepreneurs overview
The Finnish public employment services (TE-palvelut; employment services moved from the state to municipalities on 1 January 2025, and jobseekers register via Job Market Finland) offer significant support for people looking to start their own business. The most notable benefit is the startup grant (starttiraha), which provides income support during the first months of entrepreneurship.
- Startup grant (starttiraha) provides up to 12 months of financial support
- Free business plan guidance and entrepreneurship training are available
- You must apply before starting your business to be eligible for the startup grant
Startup grant (starttiraha)
The startup grant is designed to support new entrepreneurs during the critical early phase when the business may not yet generate sufficient income.
- The grant amount is EUR 37.21 per day (2026 rate, same as the basic unemployment allowance), paid for up to 12 months
- It is taxable income and paid in arrears based on reporting periods
- You must be unemployed or transitioning from employment/studies to entrepreneurship
- The grant is applied for from your municipality's employment services before starting business operations
Business plan support
Municipal employment services provide guidance to help you develop a viable business plan.
- Free business advisors help evaluate your business idea's feasibility
- Guidance on market analysis, pricing strategy, and financial planning is available
- A viable business plan is required for the startup grant application
- Enterprise agencies (uusyrityskeskus) often partner with employment services for advisory
Entrepreneurship training
Employment services fund various training programs for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs.
- Free entrepreneurship courses covering business basics, taxation, and marketing
- Training can be attended while receiving unemployment benefits in many cases
- Topics include bookkeeping, digital marketing, export, and legal requirements
- Some programs offer mentoring and peer support networks
Eligibility and application
Understanding who qualifies for entrepreneur employment services and how to apply.
- You must be registered as a jobseeker with your municipality's employment services (Job Market Finland) to access most benefits
- The startup grant requires that your business is assessed as viable (full-time operation)
- Side business while employed generally does not qualify for startup grant
- Applications are submitted through Job Market Finland (tyomarkkinatori.fi) or your local employment services office
Key considerations
Important points about employment services for entrepreneurs.
- Apply for the startup grant before starting your business, retroactive grants are not given
- Employment services moved from the state to municipalities on 1 January 2025 - contact your municipality's employment services or Job Market Finland
- Combine employment services support with advice from Enterprise Finland and local enterprise agencies
- Keep records of your business development as you may need to report progress