Who do you want to see receive one of the most important entrepreneurial awards of the year? – Nominate your favourite!

Has a business owner or company impressed you this year? Now you can nominate them for one of the most important entrepreneurial awards of the year.

We are once again looking for nominees for our national entrepreneurial awards.

Suomen Yrittäjät, the Finnish SME association, has presented national entrepreneurial awards with the insurer Fennia since 1968. The National Entrepreneurial Award is a significant and valued recognition of an outstanding entrepreneurial career.

The National Entrepreneurial Award highlights the value of daring, driven and risk-taking entrepreneurs for the Finnish economy, raising appreciation for entrepreneurs as a whole. Last year, we presented the Award to Karelia Ikkuna Oy, Laitex Oy and Nellim Wilderness Hotels & Safaris Oy.

The Solo Entrepreneur of the Year Award highlights the important value of solo entrepreneurship for society, raising appreciation for solo entrepreneurship. Last year, the Solo Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Sebastian Westberg.

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award is Finland’s most prestigious award for entrepreneurs aged 36 and below. When choosing the winner, we pay attention to particular achievements related to the entrepreneur’s industry, innovation and attitude. Last year, the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Taneli Ristmeri.

The Migrant Entrepreneur of the Year Award puts migrant entrepreneurs and their significance to Finnish business front and centre. The chosen winner will be an entrepreneur who inspires others through their success. Last year, the Migrant Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Juulia Voronova.

You can nominate someone for the Migrant Entrepreneur of the Year Award in English

“Once again, we are looking for nominees who are inspiring single business owners, or pairs or teams, who have several years’ experience of successfully running a business, regardless of their cultural background or language skills,” says Sonja Antosalo, who coordinates the migrant entrepreneur committee at Suomen Yrittäjät.

The Award highlights the significance of migrant entrepreneurs to Finnish society and makes their entrepreneurial contribution visible.

“We need exemplary stories that inspire people and get them to believe in themselves. It’s important to remember that in addition to the usual challenges, migrant entrepreneurs also have to have strong adaptation and learning skills. That ought to be rewarded.”

You can nominate your favourite in the award categories between now and 23 March here.

The National Entrepreneurial Awards, the Solo Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Migrant Entrepreneur of the Year Award will be presented at the National Entrepreneur Days in Tampere in October.

Award criteria

National Entrepreneurial Award

the business has an original mission or product idea
the business constantly develops its operations, products or services
the business is growing
the business is capable of operational and financial renewal, including when competing on international markets
the business is significant in its own operating and market areas
the business’s production and people management are in step with the times and the goals set by society
the company has established operations

Solo Entrepreneur of the Year

The entrepreneur has worked primarily as a solo entrepreneur for at least five (5) years
The company has established and profitable operations
The entrepreneur has acted in an exemplary fashion, and others can learn from their example
The solo entrepreneur’s operating method or business idea is original and innovative in their field
The entrepreneur is not on the employer register and works alone for most of the year
The entrepreneur is not a member of the board or a committee of Suomen Yrittäjät
The business is a member of Suomen Yrittäjät.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

The entrepreneur turns no older than 36 in the award year
The entrepreneur’s business has been operating for at least three years by the end of the award year
The entrepreneur can also be a young successor to a business who, following a change in ownership, has successfully run their business for at least three years by the award year
A pair or team of entrepreneurs may also be nominated as awardees
If the business has several owners, the young entrepreneur must own at least 50% of its shares
The business must have the requirements for continued success and have its finances in order
The entrepreneur is not a member of the board or a committee of Suomen Yrittäjät
The business is a member of Suomen Yrittäjät.

Migrant Entrepreneur of the Year

The entrepreneur was not born in Finland
Their native language is not Finnish, Swedish or Saame
The business is registered in Finland
The business and entrepreneur have an impeccable reputation
The business must be capable of continued success and be in good financial standing
The entrepreneur has run the business for at least three years by the end of this year
A solo enterprise, pair or group of entrepreneurs may be nominated for the award
The entrepreneur is not a member of the board or a committee of Suomen Yrittäjät.