Successors – Becoming an Entrepreneur through Ownership Transfer Expertise

Project period

1.8.2026 - 30.12.2028

Project funding

ESR 2021-2027

A New Path to Entrepreneurship

Becoming an entrepreneur can also mean continuing an existing business. Taking over an established company offers many aspiring entrepreneurs a lower-risk alternative to starting a new business from scratch. Existing businesses often already have a customer base, effective processes, and established revenue streams, providing a solid foundation for further development and growth.
Entrepreneurs who enter business ownership through a business transfer can also benefit from the outgoing owner's experience and tacit knowledge, making the transition smoother and increasing the likelihood of success in their new role.

In Päijät-Häme and across Finland, the number of business transfers is expected to increase significantly over the next decade. Approximately 200 ownership transfers already take place annually in the region, yet finding suitable successors remains increasingly challenging for many businesses.
The Jatkajat Project is developing a training programme designed to strengthen participants' professional and business competencies while improving their employability by offering an alternative pathway to entrepreneurship through business succession. The project focuses on companies operating in Päijät-Häme, but individuals living outside the region are also welcome to participate if they are interested in taking over a business located in Päijät-Häme.

The project is implemented by LAB University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with the regional business succession network, local companies, and industry experts. The project is funded by the ELY Centre for Southeast Finland. Participation in all training sessions and workshops is free of charge.
Register now or request further information: [email protected]

Continue. Develop. Grow.

Who Is the Training Programme For?

The programme is suitable for anyone interested in business succession, entrepreneurship, or new career opportunities. Participants may come from diverse educational, professional, and personal backgrounds.

The training is especially valuable for individuals who have already identified a potential business acquisition opportunity but need additional knowledge, support, and confidence to successfully complete the ownership transfer process.

What Does the Training Include?

This three-month programme provides participants with a practical understanding of business acquisitions, ownership transfers, and taking over an existing company.

Each participant receives personal coaching and prepares their own 100-day plan, which runs alongside the training modules. The plan helps identify strengths, areas for development, and next steps, as well as build a clear route toward ownership of an operating business.

100-Day Plan = Personal Coaching + Route Toward a Business Acquisition

The training consists of:

Five coaching sessions
Independent study and assignments
Personal mentoring and sparring
Peer support from fellow participants

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Competence, which may later be recognised as part of a university of applied sciences degree.

Each training group is limited to 15 participants. Register now or request further information: heli [dot] rantanenlab [dot] fi

Strong Involvement of Experts and Businesses

The programme is designed and delivered by experts from the Jatkajat Project together with the Business Unit of LAB University of Applied Sciences. Key regional experts in business succession also contribute to the training sessions.

Support for Business Owners Planning an Ownership Transfer

The project also organises workshops for entrepreneurs who are planning to transfer business ownership. The objective is to facilitate successful and smooth ownership transfers while creating opportunities for outgoing business owners and prospective successors to connect.

Training Schedule

Round 1

Workshops for business owners planning an ownership transfer

20 January 2027, 14:00–16:00
2 February 2027, 14:00–16:00

Successor Training

10 February 2027
24 February 2027
10 March 2027
24 March 2027
15 April 2027

Round 2

Workshops for business owners planning an ownership transfer

1 September 2027, 14:00–16:00
15 September 2027, 14:00–16:00

Successor Training

22 September 2027
6 October 2027
20 October 2027
3 November 2027
24 November 2027

Round 3

Workshops for business owners planning an ownership transfer

19 January 2028, 14:00–16:00
2 February 2028, 14:00–16:00

Successor Training

9 February 2028
23 February 2028
8 March 2028
22 March 2028
12 April 2028

Meet the Project Team

Come and meet us and learn more about the project:

14 October, 09:00, Lahti Employment Services Morning Coffee Event: Becoming an Entrepreneur Through Business Succession
5 November, 07:30, Entrepreneurs' Morning Coffee Event in Heinola