The Realistic Business Idea course at Karelia UAS has provided international students with a unique opportunity to develop and test their business ideas with the support of experts and peers. The course is part of the Talent Hub Eastern Finland project, which aims to support the employment and entrepreneurship of international talents in North Karelia.
During the course, students have refined their business ideas into feasible concepts, utilizing both their own expertise and local networks. The course emphasized community, networking, and practical learning. Students have received feedback from both teachers and other students and have been guided to utilize regional business services and funding opportunities.
Letter of Recommendation
Each student who successfully completes the course will receive a letter of recommendation from the course instructors, Olli Hatakka and Daniel Bågeberg. The letter of recommendation is an indication of how the student has developed their business knowledge by developing a business idea and actively participating in coaching sessions.
In addition, the letter of recommendation is an indication of how the student has participated in both the virtual and face-to-face community. And that’s not all. To receive a letter of recommendation, the student must pass the final exam of the course. The student can use this letter of recommendation, for example, when applying for funding for their business idea or when pitching the business idea to potential financiers.
Community has played a central role throughout the process
The students have actively participated in workshops, events, and local entrepreneur networks. Collaboration with Joensuu Entrepreneurship Society (JoES) has brought new opportunities for networking, peer support, and business idea development. Through JoES, students have joined the entrepreneurial community, received sparring, and found concrete channels for marketing their services and products.
Community has played a central role throughout the process
The students have actively participated in workshops, events, and local entrepreneur networks. Collaboration with Joensuu Entrepreneurship Society (JoES) has brought new opportunities for networking, peer support, and business idea development. Through JoES, students have joined the entrepreneurial community, received sparring, and found concrete channels for marketing their services and products.
Examples of students’ business ideas
- Climate-smart energy in Joensuu: Renewable energy from local biomass, community, and promoting the green transition. The goal is to reduce CO₂ emissions and create new jobs in the Joensuu area.
- Sustainable clothing repair service: Supports the circular economy and responsible consumption, especially meeting the needs of international students.
- Cultural and sustainable fashion service: International expertise and diversity in Joensuu’s fashion scene.
- Experiential event decoration: Creativity and networks in developing local events.
- Handmade, ecological accessories: Business emphasizing handicraft culture and responsibility.
- Sustainable small dairy farm: Agricultural business combining international and local expertise.
These case examples show how international students can combine their own experiences, course learning, and local community support to develop sustainable businesses. The Talent Hub Eastern Finland project and the Realistic Business Idea course concretely support the region’s vitality, entrepreneurship, and internationalization—and collaboration with JoES strengthens community and enables the emergence of new ideas.
The course’s development continues actively
The Realistic Business Idea course will be further developed following Bill Aulet’s Disciplined Entrepreneurship: 24 Steps to a Successful Startup model. In addition, the course’s responsible teachers will begin active marketing of the course to regional development companies, so that more students and stakeholders can benefit from the opportunities of entrepreneurship and community.
Authors:
Daniel Bågeberg, Lecturer, Karelia UAS
Olli Hatakka, Lecturer, Karelia UAS
