Growth-oriented Companies Chosen for the Uusimaa Growth Path

ONE THIRD OF THE PARTICIPANTS COME FROM CENTRAL UUSIMAA

The traditional Uusimaa Growth Path for the Kasvu Open competition was launched once again after Easter. A total of 92 companies from the Uusimaa region applied for the growth sparring competition, of which 35 were chosen to participate. Of the chosen companies, 11 come from Central Uusimaa.

– We were very happy with the number of applications received. And we are of course even more delighted by the fact that such a large portion of the companies with growth potential came from our region. The companies chosen for the program have a genuine desire to grow and develop, says Elina Pekkarinen, the CEO of Keski-Uudenmaan Kehittämiskeskus Oy (Keuke).

Pekkarinen also chairs the panel of judges for the Uusimaa Growth Path. The other members of the panel include Tom Gammals from Novago, Jutta Westerlund from Posintra, Petri Graeffe from Uudenmaan Yrittäjät, and Niclas Tåg from the Employment and Economic Development Office of Uusimaa.

– With the chosen companies, we evaluated their market potential, the team, the ability to grow, and their previous performance. The desire for growth was one of the most important criteria, says Pekkarinen.

– We are living in an unusual and challenging time, but development is always needed. This competition could provide a great platform for building new growth in the post-coronavirus time.

FOCUS OF GROWTH CHANGED IN AN INSTANT, BUT THE DESIRE FOR GROWTH REMAINS

Tuusulan Autohuolto Oy, which specializes in servicing heavy vehicles, is looking forward to the information and experiences the sparring partners can share on pulling through the previous downturns. The company remains optimistic and steps on to the growth path expectantly.

– When we signed up to the competition, our intention was to expand our operation. As a result of the current crisis however, we are rather looking for solutions to maintain our current market position and cash flow, says managing director Atte Takkinen.

Anna Uusiheimala, an entrepreneur from Järvenpää, was just about to launch her new Onnenkeksi product before the coronavirus crisis erupted. The sales and marketing for Onnenkeksi was designed primarily for hotels, tourists, events, restaurants, weddings, and corporate applications. All the various events that had been planned around the launch had to be cancelled.

– When the coronavirus situation hit, my first thought was to withdraw from the whole competition. After the initial shock however, I decided that we just have to adapt to the situation somehow. Now, I am primarily looking for help and new perspectives for launching a product in the changed situation.

The first sparring event for the companies in Central Uusimaa will be organized April 21, 2020. As an exception, the sparring will be provided through a digital learning environment. The following companies are participating in the competition: Fysiotuki Oy (Järvenpää), Into Health & Care Oy (Järvenpää), JTK-Sähkö Oy (Kerava), Lemigo Oy (Tuusula), Marrow Oy (Kerava), MTJ-Sportmaalarit Oy (Kerava), Nordqvist Oy (Nurmijärvi), Nurmijärven Muurarit Oy (Nurmijärvi), Onnenkeksi Oy (Järvenpää), Smart Advice Oy (Järvenpää), and Tuusulan Autohuolto Oy (Tuusula).

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.