Youth Summer Entrepreneurship in Helsinki

Youth Summer Entrepreneurship offers Helsinki residents aged 15-29 the opportunity to try entrepreneurship over the summer with support. No experience needed.

Youth Summer Entrepreneurship in brief

The Youth Summer Entrepreneurship programme allows you to test out your own business idea during the summer in a safe and guided way. The aim is for you to learn the basics of entrepreneurship, try out sales in practice and gain experience in running a business.

The programme can also be used as part of your studies. If you wish, you can check with your guidance counsellor or teacher in advance.

During the programme you will receive:

  • business training
  • personal support from an entrepreneurship coach
  • a business voucher of €300 towards the start-up costs of your business.

The support will allow you to try out entrepreneurship without having to commit to long-term business operations.

Could you become a summer entrepreneur?

The Youth Summer Entrepreneurship programme could be right for you if:

  • you are 15–29 years old and live in Helsinki
  • you are interested in entrepreneurship as a summer job or as an alternative to working a conventional job
  • you want to learn how your business idea can generate income
  • you can commit to the programme between May and August.

Timing and duration of the programme

The Summer Youth Entrepreneurship programme starts in May and continues until the end of August.

You can participate in the programme if you are 15–29 years old and live in Helsinki. You should be interested in entrepreneurship and willing to take part in the initial training, develop your own business idea and participate in the summer pilot period and guidance sessions.

You can participate even if you do not yet have a ready-made business idea. The most important thing is your interest and willingness to try entrepreneurship. You are expected to participate in the initial training, prepare your own plan and follow the programme guidelines.

The service provider is responsible for the application process, processing applications and selecting participants. The programme is organised annually from May to August and includes initial training, a summer pilot period and guidance throughout the programme.

Initial training

The programme begins with initial training, where you will learn the basics of entrepreneurship. You will develop your own business idea and create a simple business and marketing plan based on it. After successfully completing the initial training, you may receive a summer entrepreneurship voucher worth €300 to cover expenses related to testing your business idea, such as supplies or other start-up costs.

Pilot period

During the summer, you will have the opportunity to test your idea in practice. The activities take place as part of the programme, and you will receive guidance throughout the process. You will not be doing this alone, you will have support during the entire programme. You will be offered at least three mentoring meetings where you can discuss your plans, progress and possible challenges together with a mentor.

Summary and next steps

At the end of the programme, you will review together what you have done and what you have learned. At the same time, you can consider what you would like to do next, such as continue with entrepreneurship, apply for jobs or continue your studies. If needed, you can also be referred to Business Helsinki’s business advisory services for further support.

Application to the programmes and service providers

The Helsinki Youth Summer Entrepreneurship programme is delivered by two service providers: Y4 Works and Oppimo Oppimiskeskus & Kohti yrittäjyyttä group. Explore their programmes and apply for the option that suits you best.

The application period is open from 4 to 15 May 2026, or until the programmes are full.

After you register, the service provider will contact you. At the beginning of the programme, your situation will be reviewed and your participation and next steps will be agreed together.

Service providers

Frequently asked questions about the Youth Summer Entrepreneurship

Yes. Summer entrepreneurship for young people is an alternative to conventional summer jobs. You can participate in the programme even while working during the summer.

No. The programme is aimed at young people who may not have previous experience of entrepreneurship. You will receive guidance and support throughout the programme.

You can use the business voucher of €300 for initial business costs such as materials, equipment or services. More detailed conditions will be provided during the programme.

The programme can be used as part of your studies. We recommend that you check with your guidance counsellor or teacher in advance.

Check out the programme options offered by the City of Helsinki (Y4 Works or Oppimo), choose the one that suits you best and apply according to the service provider's instructions.

Contact us

For more information, please send email nuortenyrittajyys@hel.fi 

We respond to questions weekly.