Successors – Becoming an Entrepreneur through Ownership Transfer Expertise

Project period

1.8.2026 - 31.12.2028

Project funding

ESR 2021-2027

Entrepreneurship can also begin by taking over an existing business. For many aspiring entrepreneurs, becoming a business successor offers a lower-risk alternative to starting a new company from scratch. An existing business often comes with an established customer base, proven processes, and stable revenue streams, providing a strong foundation for further development and growth. Through a business transfer, a new entrepreneur can also benefit from the experience and tacit knowledge of the outgoing owner, making the transition smoother and increasing the likelihood of success in the new role.

In the Päijät-Häme region and across Finland, the number of business ownership transfers is expected to increase significantly over the coming decade. Approximately 200 ownership transfers already take place in the region each year, yet finding suitable successors remains a growing challenge for many businesses.

The Jatkajat project offers a free training programme that provides a practical introduction to business succession and ownership transfers. During the programme, participants develop their business, entrepreneurial, and employability skills while gaining a comprehensive understanding of business acquisitions, ownership transfer processes, and taking over an existing company. Participants will have opportunities to meet local entrepreneurs and experts, learn from real-life business cases, and explore businesses currently available for sale in greater depth. Through these experiences, participants can assess entrepreneurship as a career option and build the knowledge and networks needed to become successful business successors.

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 training is designed and implemented by the experts of the Jatkajat project, with participation from key business succession experts from the region.

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, 17.30 – 19.30 (Mukkulankatu 19, Starthub) Sign up.
2 February 2027, 17.30 – 19.30 Sign up.

Successor Training

10 February 2027 2–5 PM
24 February 2027 2–5 PM
10 March 2027 2–5 PM
24 March 2027 2–5 PM
15 April 2027 2–5 PM

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 2–5 PM
6 October 2027 2–5 PM
20 October 2027 2–5 PM
3 November 2027 2–5 PM
24 November 2027 2–5 PM

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 2–5 PM
23 February 2028 2–5 PM
8 March 2028 2–5 PM
22 March 2028 2–5 PM
12 April 2028 2–5 PM

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
Hollola – Entrepreneurs' Morning Coffee at Hollola Matkakeidas, 24 September 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
Padasjoki – Entrepreneurs' Meeting at Kuntala, 8 October 2026 at 4:30 p.m.