Pirjo Pystykoski-Sopanen, chairman of the business division and a long-time entrepreneur, has seen up close how the received funding can be a significant incentive for entrepreneurship. The business division is part of the business implementation of Liiver's strategy, and its task is, among other things, to inform, activate and evaluate business projects and business subsidies. The division acts in an expert role when assessing the impact of business subsidies on the competitive situation.
Pirjo emphasizes that even though the sums of the business ideas evaluated by the business division may seem small, they can encourage people to try new things.
- Such subsidies can be the initial impetus that leads to permanent entrepreneurship. It's great to see how even a small amount of money can encourage people to try and try something new.
Need-based subsidies
The low-threshold financing instrument often finds rural development ideas for which financing is not available elsewhere.
- This is a down-to-earth way of supporting necessary services and products that are clearly needed in rural areas. I am amazed how this money can achieve really good results.
Pirjo believes that even part-time business activities offer a valuable learning experience that can also be useful in future challenges, even if an individual company does not grow large or survive for a long time.
At the business division meetings, Pirjo says that he sees many interesting and innovative business ideas.
- It is rewarding to see that we can help entrepreneurs or those who intend to become entrepreneurs.
Expert and efficient operation
Pirjo appreciates the fact-based nature of the assessment and reasoned solutions. He emphasizes that the business division's advice is based on expert knowledge and careful consideration. This professional and thorough way of working increases the reliability of decision-making and helps to make the right decisions.
- These business developers, from the new business center and elsewhere, they mirror those business ideas to this entire business field, what kind of companies are being founded, what projects are there, and they know very well, among other things, how to evaluate the competitive situation as well.
Pirjo believes that the financial decisions made through the expert role of the business division are better justified and support the development of business activities in the region.
Good group dynamics make working easier
Good group dynamics and expertise are key to the business division's operations. The business division's work is smooth and well organized. Good cooperation between team members, open communication and appreciation of each other's skills create a favorable framework for high-quality and effective work. This ensures that the business division is able to offer expert and convincing advice to support decision-making.
- On Liiver's side, the meetings have been carefully prepared, and the cooperation works excellently. We have active members who are invested in business ideas and bring valuable insights to support decision-making.
According to Pirjo, among the companies there are such gems that in the future can give rise to extensive international business activities. Especially in the development of health and safety services, Pirjo sees a lot of potential and necessary insights that can bring significant improvements to the availability and quality of services.