Bulletin March 30, 2020

More than 300 companies have sought advise due to coronavirus

KEUKE PROVIDES ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE CRISIS 

Two weeks ago, Keski-Uudenmaan Kehittämiskeskus Oy (Keuke) established a dedicated crisis helpline and set up rapid-response counseling sessions that can be booked online by companies suffering from the impact of the coronavirus epidemic. In the past two weeks, more than 300 companies from Central Uusimaa have sought help to pull through the crisis. Help has particularly been needed with economic and personnel-related issues. 

– Approximately 45 percent of the companies turned to us for advice on funding and 40 percent had questions regarding financial matters. We have provided advice related to personnel matters to 20 percent of the companies seeking support during the crisis, says Elina Pekkarinen, the CEO of Keuke.

Keuke is now preparing to assist entrepreneurs in submitting development aid applications to the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, in addition to the aid granted by Business Finland. Companies employing 1–5 people can begin to submit their applications for the aid provided by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment on Tuesday, March 31. 

–Support measures for self-employed sole traders are still being prepared by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Applications for the crisis aid intended for sole traders will be submitted to the municipalities. 

– We have ramped up our communication efforts and will continue to provide information about all support opportunities and their scheduling to the entrepreneurs operating in our region as they become available. 

HOW CAN KEUKE HELP?

Keuke has opened a dedicated crisis helpline that accepts calls each weekday from 9:00 to 16:00. Entrepreneurs can also contact their business developer or book a meeting using the online calendar. Advice is provided on the phone and in online meetings. 

– We help entrepreneurs to formulate an overall view of the situation of their company, and to list necessary measures, such as payment rescheduling. Additionally, we estimate the situation in terms of personnel as well as finances and funding. In other words, we assess whether companies have enough monetary resources or if additional funding is required. And we of course help the companies to find and apply for the correct special subsidies, says Elina Pekkarinen. 

– Our message to entrepreneurs is that you are not alone with these questions. Things will become clearer if you go through them with a specialist. Good planning will allow you to face the crisis more confidently and get through it. 

Keuke's page for crisis advice and booking appointments electronically: www.keuke.fi/kriisineuvonta
 Keuke's crisis helpline is open on weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00 at 050 523 8897

Additional information: Keuke's CEO Elina Pekkarinen, telephone +358 (0)50 549 2213. www.keuke.fi. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.