Together, growth knows no limits

Growth begins with a shared vision, a spark of ambition, and the courage to take bold steps. It’s about breaking barriers, embracing fresh ideas, and finding momentum that fuels itself. But even the strongest visions need allies—trusted partners ready to help you rise to the challenge.

Proudly value-driven,
wholeheartedly non-profit

Kasvu Open is a non-profit, limited company owned by

• Central Finland Chamber of Commerce (51%)
• Innovestor (25%)
• City of Jyväskylä (14%)
• Aava & Bang Oy (10%)

Kasvu Open exists for companies. We are driven by our values and a genuine passion for assisting entrepreneurs and SMEs to do better business. We share our values with our owners and partners.

” Our vision is to help every growth-oriented small company in Finland to achieve their ambitious dreams. “

At Kasvu Open, our work is firmly rooted in our values.

• Courage to Dream
  We believe in the power of big dreams and the courage to pursue them.
• People Behind the Growth
  We recognize that people are the key to success, and we value their contributions.
• Joy of doing
  We believe that an authentic desire to work with a positive attitude can fuel growth.

Sparring is the dynamic
core of our services

Since its founding in 2011 as a growth path program, Kasvu Open has provided free sparring services for entrepreneurs and small businesses striving for growth.

This unique opportunity is made possible by Kasvu Open’s partners and a dedicated network of volunteer experts from diverse fields. Today, our community of over 1,600 professionals shares a passion for giving back by offering their expertise pro bono. This network continues to expand each year, fueling a culture of collaboration and support.

Through our sparring programs and events, small and growing businesses receive tailored guidance, helping them overcome challenges, refine their strategies, and unlock their full potential.

Honors and milestones of Kasvu Open

In November 2018, Kasvu Open was honored with the President’s Internationalization Award by the President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to helping businesses expand internationally. (Kasvu Openille Tasavallan presidentin kansainvälistymispalkinto)

In 2018, Kasvu Open was recognized at the European Enterprise Promotion Awards, an event organized by the European Commission. The award celebrated Kasvu Open’s significant efforts in supporting the internationalization of businesses.

In 2022, Kasvu Open’s commitment to its values and principles was acknowledged through membership in the Finnish Labour Union. That same year, Kasvu Open was awarded the Social Enterprise Mark by the Finnish Social Enterprise Association, a distinction that highlights its successful integration of business excellence with meaningful social impact.

Thousands of businesses,
sparred for success

The initial concept of Kasvu Open is built upon the growth path model created by Marko Seppä, a former growth entrepreneurship professor at the University of Jyväskylä (2007–2011). The model was first implemented through the Central Finland Chamber of Commerce.

In November 2016, Kasvu Open officially became Kasvu Open Oy, a non-profit social enterprise.

The primary shareholders of the organization included the Central Finland Chamber of Commerce, the Jyväskylä regional development company Jykes Oy, Aava & Bang Oy, and Kasvun Roihu Oy.

Uljas Valkeinen, who had served as the CEO of the Central Finland Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years, became the first CEO of Kasvu Open. After his retirement in 2019, Jaana Seppälä took over as the managing director. Kasvu Open continues its mission as a sustainable social enterprise, dedicated to supporting and guiding SME businesses on their growth journey.