Companies look to data for growth – coaching continues for entrepreneurs in sparsely populated areas

The two coaching courses based on Sitra’s Growth from Data programme are designed for micro, small and mid-sized companies and are free of charge.

Run by Tieke (Finnish Information Society Development Centre) and Going Green Oy, the Datamatka (data journey) coaching programme provides support to nature and food tourism companies in sparsely populated areas to use data to improve and renew their business operations. A company that completes the training may, if they wish, also apply for a travel industry sustainability certificate. 

The Growth from Data Kasvupolku (growth path), on the other hand, supports companies aiming for strong growth to get started in using data. Provided by KasvuOpen, the coaching focuses on growing the business of participating companies, with sparring from some of the best experts in their field. Companies selected for the sparring programmes can enter the competition for the title of the Growth Company of the Year.

“We developed the programme and the coaching materials for everyone to use. We are glad to see them spread. Both coaching courses provide excellent support for increasing data skills within the Finnish SME sector,” says Katri Korhonen, data economy specialist for Sitra. 

“In the future, the use of data will be an essential part of maintaining competitiveness. It will be a key success factor, regardless of the size of the company.”