Coaching and Funding for New Business Ideas

The IDEA Series supports the development of new business initiatives. Do you have a business idea that needs funding and expert sparring? Test and refine your idea in the free IDEA Series coaching sessions of Linnan Business Turnajaiset — and you can win a €2,500 development grant. The best ideas secure a place in the Linnan Business Turnajaiset final to compete for the €10,000 grand prize.

Best of all, the programme is completely free for selected participants.

The IDEA Series is a service provided by the City of Hämeenlinna for companies and aspiring entrepreneurs with a new business concept.

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Register for the IDEA Series, rolling admission.

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Who is the IDEA Series for?

• You have an idea but no company yet — or you are a new entrepreneur or an existing entrepreneur looking to innovate.
• You can join even if you’re in the early stages. You’ll test the viability of your idea, discover what works, and gain stronger support for taking your idea forward.
• You may want to test a new product or strengthen your product development or marketing. You’ll be supported by growth experts.
• Over the years, the IDEA Series has included ideas ranging from app development and ecological children’s clothing to wellbeing services and marketing training.

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Content of the IDEA Series Round

Coaching Session 1

In the first session, we focus on the most essential question: Why would customers buy from you?
We refine your idea, develop your product or service, and explore its business potential.
Coach: Antti Mikkola, Hämeen Uusyrityskeskus.

Coaching Session 2

Prepare to convince the jury! This session provides concrete tips and tools to polish your pitch and ensure your message is heard.
Coach: Toni Pienonen, Crazy Town.

Pitch Day

Each IDEA Series round culminates in Pitch Day, where participants pitch their ideas to a jury. This is your chance to prove why your idea deserves the €2,500 grant.

Digital Assessment Every participating company receives an individual digital assessment focusing on developing digital channels, increasing online visibility, and applying the learnings from the coaching to business operations.
Coach: Ville Viholainen, Linnan Kehitys

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IDEA Series 2026 Schedule

All events take place at PARKKI Business Park
(Raatihuoneenkatu 21–23, 13100 Hämeenlinna)

Round 1

The first round is organised in hybrid format, and the main language of the sessions is English. However, participants may ask questions, discuss and pitch their idea in either Finnish or English — whichever they prefer.

• Coaching Session 1, Tue 17 Feb, 9:00–11:30
• Coaching Session 2, Tue 3 Mar, 9:00–11:30
• Pitch Day, Tue 17 Mar, 9:00–12:00
• Digital assessment scheduled individually

Round 2
Main language: Finnish

• Coaching Session 1, Wed 13 May, 9:00–11:30
• Coaching Session 2, Tue 26 May, 9:00–11:30
• Pitch Day, Tue 9 Jun, 9:00–12:00
• Digital assessment scheduled individually

Round 3
Main language: Finnish

• Coaching Session 1, Tue 15 Sep, 9:00–11:30
• Coaching Session 2, Tue 22 Sep, 9:00–11:30
• Pitch Day, Tue 6 Oct, 9:00–12:00
• Digital assessment scheduled individually

25 November 2026 — Linnan Business Turnajaiset Final
The programme culminates in the Linnan Business Turnajaiset final at Verkatehdas.

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How to Apply

1. Submit your application to one of the three IDEA Series rounds held each year. Your idea does not need to be final — you can develop it during the coaching.
2. Participate in the coaching and work on your idea with the experts at Parkki Business Park. Each round culminates in Pitch Day, where the jury awards €2,500 development grants to selected participants. The 1–2 best ideas from each Pitch Day qualify for the IDEA Series final of Linnan Business Turnajaiset.
3. Attend the Linnan Business Turnajaiset Final on 25 November 2026 and compete for the €10,000 grand prize.

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Criteria and Rules

Ideas are evaluated based on three criteria. At the application stage, ideas can still be at an early stage. During the coaching, your idea will be refined before the final pitch to the jury on Pitch Day.
To qualify for Pitch Day, participation in both coaching sessions is required.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Novelty: The idea and its implementation offer a fresh and innovative perspective.
2. Competence: The individual or team has credible capability to build sustainable business based on the idea.
3. Growth Potential: The business built around the idea shows clear opportunities for growth.

Individuals whose home, workplace or place of study is registered in Hämeenlinna, Hattula or Janakkala may apply to the IDEA Series. Companies with a business ID (y-tunnus) registered in these municipalities are also eligible. Please note that only companies with a Hämeenlinna-registered business ID are eligible to receive the €2,500 grant. The grant can be awarded on behalf of a company that is in the process of being established, but it will only be paid if the company is officially founded during 2026.

A company cannot receive the grant in two consecutive years, even if the idea presented is new.

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Get in touch!