Startup Refugees

20/10/2026

So apparently, some jobs are playing hard to get. 🙄
And no, we are not talking about those entry-level positions requiring five years of experience. 😅

Luckily, International House Oulu's Job Hunting Trilogy is here and we are joining the action! So for those in Oulu, here is a great chance!

Three free workshops with very real job-search struggles. And some practical ways to tackle them:

🔎 28 October | Understanding the Hidden Job Market with our very own Rima Depo. Learn how to spot opportunities before they hit the job boards, get employers to notice your skills, and make LinkedIn and AI work for you. Because endlessly clicking “Apply” can't be the whole strategy. ➡️ https://tapahtumat.businessoulu.com/fi-FI/page/6acccdffefcd98049f026996?count=24&sort=creationDate&reverse=true

🧘 4 November | Wellbeing During the Job Search. Because job hunting can feel like a full-time job, just without the salary. ➡️https://tapahtumat.businessoulu.com/fi-FI/page/6acccea7f38e5d048642c997?count=24&sort=creationDate&reverse=true

🎤 11 November | Preparing for a Job Interview with our very own Minna Jarva. Because a little preparation can turn those interview butterflies into confidence.🦋
➡️https://tapahtumat.businessoulu.com/fi-FI/page/6acccf78e59569048affa4c8?count=24&sort=creationDate&reverse=true

The job market may be challenging, but you don't have to figure it all out alone! 🫶

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19/10/2026

Vuosaari, meet us at Nuorisotalo Rastis! 👋

Who says you need to visit an office to meet Startup Refugees? Sometimes we come to you! 😎 This Saturday, we are joining Perheiden iltapäivä (Family Afternoon) at Nuorisotalo Rastis in Vuosaari!

Come enjoy the family event, say hello to our team and find out how we can support you with employment, career development or entrepreneurship.

We are there as part of Naapurustoallianssi (Neighbourhood Alliance), our collaboration with the City of Helsinki supporting multilingual residents of Vuosaari (00980), Itäkeskus–Marjaniemi (00930) and Mellunmäki (00970).

📅 Saturday, 24 October | 13:00–17:00
📍 Nuorisotalo Rastis, Ulapparaitti 6, Vuosaari
🗣️ Come chat with us

No need for a CV, an appointment or a perfectly polished career plan. Just come say hi! 👋

See you in Vuosaari! ❤️
***

15/10/2026

“Passionate professional. Results-driven. Team player.” Sounds impressive. But what does it actually tell us about you? 👀 Spoiler: Not much.

Qualifications, experience, expertise… but does your LinkedIn profile actually tell that story? That was one of the questions we explored with highly educated international jobseekers in Finland during our recent workshop in Oulu. 💻

We went beyond profile pictures, polished headlines and the usual “open to work” advice:

✨ The Finnish job market: Why networking, referrals and the famous hidden job market matter.
✨ Your LinkedIn profile: How to turn your headline, About section, experience and skills into something that actually tells your professional story.
✨ The buzzword detox: Goodbye, “motivated and dynamic team player.” Hello, actual skills, achievements and personality!
✨ Professional identity: Not just what have I done? but what do I bring to the table, and how do I communicate it?

Because here's the thing:
✨ Your LinkedIn profile shouldn't just be a CV with a profile picture.
✨ It should make people curious enough to click, interested enough to keep reading and comfortable enough to start a conversation.

And here's a little challenge for everyone scrolling through LinkedIn today:
If we removed your name and photo from your profile, would anyone still be able to tell what makes you, YOU? 😉

A big thank you to Ladislav Sedlák for a practical and insightful session!

***
📸: Adelina El Yadini / Startup Refugees

13/10/2026

Got a business idea? A half-baked plan? Or just a little voice saying, “What if I started something of my own?” 👀

Starting a business in Finland can feel like a puzzle. Where do you begin? Who do you talk to? What do you need to know? And does anyone have a map? 🗺️

Good news: Pathways to Entrepreneurship is here to help you connect the dots!

Join us in Tikkurila 26th of October for an afternoon of practical advice and valuable connections. Whether you are still in the “what if'' phase, exploring self-employment or already taking your first steps as an entrepreneur, there's something here for you. 🫵

What’s in it for you?:
💡 Get answers to your entrepreneurship questions.
🤝 Meet people who know the Finnish business landscape (and others figuring it out, just like you!).
✨ Discover opportunities, support and resources to help get your ideas off the ground.

When & where?:
📅 Monday, 26 October 2026
🕛 12:00–16:00
📍 Original Sokos Hotel Vantaa, Hertaksentie 2, Tikkurila
🌍 Language: English
🎟️ Participation: it's FREE. Because your entrepreneurial journey shouldn't have to start with an invoice. 😉

Register here ➡️ https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EventParticipation/EventPublic/20053af6-ce6c-4e16-8b45-793c8706bbc2?displayId=Fin3733627Pathways_to_Entrepreneurship.docx

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🤝: In collaboration with Business Vantaa, Business Helsinki, Startup Refugees, Business Espoo, Suomen Yrittäjät ry & Mikro- ja yksinyrittäjät ry

12/10/2026

Give people a fun problem and see what happens 👀

That was the idea behind our latest mentoring hackathon with Sharetribe and Tieto, where participants worked on a real company challenge. 🧩

Very relatable problem: how could buyers find pre-loved fashion more naturally on an online marketplace? Because people do not necessarily think in categories, colours, prices and six different filters. They think more like: “a cozy vintage denim jacket under €60 for rainy days.” 🛍️

This is why we love hackathons. A CV tells you what someone can do. A real case lets them show it.

A big thank you to Sharetribe for bringing the case, Tieto & Netlight for mentoring collaboration 🫶 And of course, thank you to everyone who took part and brought their ideas, skills and competitive spirit into the room.

& of course big congrats to our winning team Vikram Babu, Hamad Ullah, Hashanthi Gamagedara & Mohammad Khlouf 🥳✨

***

09/10/2026

WE WERE AT ITIS 💛 And apparently so were lots of others ;)

More than 200 people stopped by our Neighbourhood Alliance kick-off last week to meet employers, talk jobs, discover local entrepreneurs, try Muay Thai, get henna and generally make Itis a lot more lively than your average Thursday afternoon. 😗👌

We had great conversations, a very busy team and exactly the kind of crowd we were hoping for. So yes, we are calling that a pretty good start!

HOWEVER! We are not disappearing after one big event 👀 From now on, you can find us in Itäkeskus every Friday by appointment with occasional pop-ups at Mellunmäki and Vuosaari as well! How to get an appointment you may ask?

If you live in Itäkeskus (00930), Mellunmäki (00970) or Vuosaari (00980) and could use support with work, studies, entrepreneurship or figuring out what on earth your next step should be, register here:
💌 https://naapuri-ilmoittaudu.diakonissalaitos.fi/public.html

Our team will contact you and take it from there 📞

Basically, we said we were coming closer to you. Now we ACTUALLY are right there! 💛

***
📸: Camilla Hanhirova
🤝: Neighbourhood Alliance: Diakonissalaitos / Helsingin työllisyyspalvelut/ ARFFMAN / Kuntoutussäätiö / S-Pankki / Live-säätiö

29/09/2026

YOU HAVE LITERALLY JUST A FEW DAYS LEFT TO APPLY!? 🚨

Applications for the Startup Refugees Entrepreneurship Awards close on 4 October, and this year the awards are dedicated entirely to refugee and migrant women building businesses in Finland. 💜

You could receive:
✨ €5,000 to €10,000 in funding
✨ Tailored mentoring and strategic support
✨ Access to powerful networks
✨ An invitation to our Awards Ceremony on 3 December

Whether you are ready to finally bring your business idea to life or take an existing business to the next level, this is your sign to stop thinking about applying and APPLY now 🫵

If you have lived in Finland for 10 years or less, check the criteria and send in your application before the deadline.

⏰ Deadline: 4 October 2026
🔗 Apply here: https://startuprefugees.com/entrepreneurship-awards-2026/

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Women building businesses in Finland, roll call 📣✨

Happy Entrepreneurs’ Day! 🎂 Are you a refugee or migrant woman building something of your own? We want to hear from you!

This year, the 5th Startup Refugees Entrepreneurship Awards, in collaboration with The Foundher Table, are dedicated entirely to you. 🫵

Whether you have been waiting for the right moment to turn a brilliant idea into reality, or you already have a clear plan to grow your existing business, we want to help you take that next step.

Thanks to the support of OP Uusimaa, Relex Foundation for a Better Future and Saber Kordestanchi, the Co-founder and CSO of Hostaway, as well as a Startup Refugees’ board member, we are offering:

✨ Funding: 3 to 5 awards of €5,000 to €10,000
✨ Support: Tailored mentoring, powerful networks, and strategic guidance
✨ Celebration: An invitation to our Awards Ceremony on 3 December to celebrate your hard work with the community!

If you have lived in Finland for 10 years or less, this is your moment to shine 🪩

🗓️ Applications are open: 5 September to 4 October 2026
🔗 Ready to move your business forward? Read the criteria and apply here → https://startuprefugees.com/entrepreneurship-awards-2026/

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📸: Mitro Härkönen

28/09/2026

CV’s and self-pitching with a side of pizza?🍕 From Dreams to Career Paths is up and running again!

This group is mainly for young people aged 15 to 22. The wider project supports young people aged 15 to 29 with a migrant background who are not currently in education, employment, or training. As well as their parents, guardians, and other close adults. 💁✨

So far, our group has grown to nearly 20 participants. AND we are still welcoming new people to join!

What have we been up to?
📄 CVs, cover letters and creating first profiles on Match
💬 Practising self pitches and talking about skills with confidence
🧠 Real stories about resilience and building a life in Finland
🤝 One on one support based on individual goals and needs
🍕 And, naturally.... a pizza party in between

Next, we will focus more on well-being, family centred activities and workshops that bring young people and the adults close to them together. 🧩

The project is about much more than sharing information. It is about helping young people build confidence, connections and a sense of belonging while finding their way in Finland. And just as importantly, the support is available in their mother tongue and delivered through a trauma informed and family centred approach. 🫶✨

There is still room to join the group! 👀 You know where to go:
https://forms.gle/jTVp6tBnDouiU5119

***
📸: Adelina El Yadini
💛: thank you to Pohjois-Pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue Pohde, MIELI ry, Yökoris, OSAO TUVA, Vamos Olohuone & Nuorten Reitti

25/09/2026

What if being a great home cook could become an actual business? 👀🍜
That idea is at the heart of Zestii Kitchens Kallio & Zestii Oulu.

Zestii Kitchens started in Oulu with a simple idea: connect talented home cooks, local suppliers and hungry customers.

Today, the company has grown beyond where it started, bringing together food entrepreneurs, different cuisines and customers who want to discover something new. 🌍🍴

The menu keeps changing, which means different cooks, cuisines and flavours get their moment to shine. One visit can look completely different from the next.
And there is another important ingredient: sustainability. 🌱 Zestii focuses on local sourcing where possible and creating a food business that supports both entrepreneurs and the local economy.

In this video, one of the founders and Startup Refugees alumni Minaë Tani-LaFleur shares their journey from an idea in Oulu to building and growing a food business in Finland. Good food, entrepreneurship and community all on the same plate. 💡

Check out the video for an inspiring entrepreneurship journey or simply for a great lunch tip in Helsinki! 👨‍🍳💋

📍 You can visit Zestii Kitchens at Kaarlenkatu 15 in Kallio, Helsinki.

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24/09/2026

MEET US AT ITIS 1ST OF OCTOBER! 💛

The Neighbourhood Alliance Kick-Off is a relaxed event for the whole family, built around an easy-to-approach mini recruitment fair.

Meet our team and partner companies, hear about real job opportunities and get practical tips on how to land them. 👀 You can also discover products from migrant entrepreneurs in our network and enjoy activities for families and youngeons throughout the afternoon. ✨

📍 Itis Shopping Centre, Central Square
📅 Thursday 1 October 2026
⏰ 15:00–18:00

WHAT’S HAPPENING?
🌍 Get multilingual support for job search and entrepreneurship
🛍️ Discover products from Startup Refugees entrepreneurs from art and illustrations to fashion, jewellery and sweet treats.
✨ Free henna art
🥊 Try Muay Thai with Romeo Ouni & tatami from Menestyksen tekijät
🎤 Startup story with Hostaway co-founder Saber Kordestanchi
💼 Meet employers and recruiters and hear about job opportunities - check who you'll meet in the comments ⬇️

Come to look for opportunities, meet people, bring the family or simply see what’s happening. Maybe you’ll find your next opportunity just around the corner 💛

Read more ➡️ https://itis.fi/tapahtumat/startup-refugees-naapurustoallianssi-kick-off-1-10-2026-klo-15-18/

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🤝: Diakonissalaitos, Helsingin työllisyyspalvelut ARFFMAN , Kuntoutussäätiö (Rehabilitation Foundation), S-Pankki Live-säätiö