The Entrepreneur's Day event featured presentations by Matti Pesonen, founder of The Other Danish Guy, co-owner of Kontula Oluttehta and multi-functional entrepreneur, and Laura Andelin, CEO of ONIT Sport, psychotherapist and start-up entrepreneur. A recording of the event can be found at the end of the article.
On Tuesday 5 September 2023, an Entrepreneurs' Day event was held at Järvenpää Hall, where local entrepreneurs had the opportunity to listen to thought-provoking business stories and speeches, and network with each other. The event was organised by Business Järvenpää and Järvenpää Entrepreneurs.
The event was opened by Mayor Iiris Laukkanen, who recognised local entrepreneurs for their achievements.
- I think you are the people who don't enjoy problems for long, but go out to develop solutions to them. In addition to services and tax revenue, you bring your own contribution to the city community and create the culture of the city. At the same time, Järvenpää is an easy place to make a go of it, and here in the northern centre of the metropolitan area we are creating growth for the whole of Finland.
Keys to success
The keynote speech of the Entrepreneur's Day event was given by Matti Pesonen, founder of The Other Danish Guy, partner and multifunctional entrepreneur of Kontula Beer Factory.
Matti Pesonen, an entrepreneurial all-rounder, explained the background of the corporate brands he has been involved in. Photo by Ari Minadis.
In his speech, Pesonen highlighted his own business philosophy and told his own story of entrepreneurship. He also told the story of the Fairy Beer, Concrete Skeleton and Käyrä Grill Sausage, which he launched in collaboration with his business partners, and other businesses he has been involved in.
Pesonen muistutti kaiken olevan yrittämisessä myymistä. ”Tuotteessa tai palvelussa ei välttämättä tarvitse olla uutta innovaatiota, vaan se voidaan tehdä kiinnostavaksi muutenkin.”
Laura Andelin , CEO of ONIT Sport, psychotherapist and start-up entrepreneur, also talked about her growth as an entrepreneur. Andelin works on strengthening the mental skills of children and young people, and she points out that versatile mental skills are the most important asset for the future.
Laura Andelin, start-up entrepreneur at ONIT Sport, giving her keynote speech. Photo by Ari Minadis.
At the same time, Andelin shared his thoughts on entrepreneurship.
- Regardless of the sector or product, entrepreneurs encounter very similar phenomena along the way. Successes can be far fewer than failures. You need good failure skills, great networks, strong passion, craziness, humour and a passion for your work," Andelin points out.
A spirit of working together and a new way of doing things
Business Järvenpää's Business Services Manager Susanna Aramo presented the new Business Unusual concept and operating model launched on the basis of the Business and Economy Programme 2023-2030. It reflects a bold and practical way of working, involving broad and diverse cooperation locally, nationally and internationally.
- We also need businesses and stakeholders to get involved. We are growing fast, we have a business mindset in the city and our location in Järvenpää is unbeatable. The city is now also home to four growth networks: food, trade and services, real estate and construction, and industry. This all makes up our Business Unusual brand and the way we do business.
Business Unusual is Business Järvenpää's new concept and operating model.
Roope Lehtoranta, Chairman of Järvenpää Entrepreneurs, encouraged entrepreneurs to be bold and do their own thing, and to avoid unnecessary modesty and humility.
- We have as many entrepreneurial stories in Järvenpää as we have entrepreneurs. Tell us a story about what made you become an entrepreneur and what kind of customers you have served.
The master florist of Järvenpää Flower Shop, Saija Sitolahti, who is currently representing Finland at the World Flower Arranging Championships in Mancherter, also sent her greetings via the screen.
- Entrepreneurs in Järvenpää are the doers.
The event was summarised by Harri Palviainen, the City's Director of Urban Development and Acting Director of Business and Economic Services.
- It's great that we have entrepreneurs in Järvenpää who see different opportunities. The five T's that stood out the most from the day's presentation were emotion, productisation and branding, repetition, luck and team. We are the same team, supporting and enabling each other's successes and learning from any failures.
Recording of the event
Watch the recording of the Entrepreneurs' Day event on Järvenpää's video service Quickchannel. You can choose the presentation you want from the list of songs, which you can access directly by clicking on the title.Entrepreneurs' Day event on 5.9.2023.
See also the Järvenpää Business and Economy Programme short video on - Growth