The University of Eastern Finland offers a wide range of courses that allow you to explore the world of entrepreneurship and assess your own interests, skills, and potential as an entrepreneur. Courses and support are available from introductory level all the way to starting a business, whether you are planning to establish a company or develop a new type of service or product. Entrepreneurship services can be found at www.uef.fi/startup.
The entrepreneurship minor currently consists of 10 courses. These courses are available in English:
- Developing an Impactful Business Model, 2 ECTS
- Commercializing One’s Know-how, 2 ECTS
- Entrepreneurial Mindset, 2 ECTS
- Entrepreneurial Marketing, 2 ECTS
- Entrepreneurial Project Work, 1-6 ECTS
- Commercializing High-Tech, 4 ECTS
To display all the courses in Finnish, switch the page language to Finnish.
On this course, you learn how to build a business model that creates value and takes sustainability into account. Topics include:
- ideation tools and approaches
- foundations of business models
- understanding value creation
- market analysis and validation
- sustainability and impact in business models
- revenue models and financial viability
- iterative design and business model innovation
- communicating your business model
After completing the course, you will
- analyse the key components of a triple layered business model
- understand how value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams and cost structure work together to create sustainable value
- apply sustainability principles to business model design by considering environmental, social and economic perspectives
- evaluate market opportunities and customer needs to validate business ideas
- create and develop a business model using established frameworks and feedback
- present a clear and coherent business model pitch to different audiences
Mode of study: online course, independent study (54 hours)
Assessment: pass/fail
Completion methods: assignments given by the teacher
Learning materials: online materials
Language: English
Content
On this course, you explore academic entrepreneurship and assess your own strengths, skills and career opportunities. Topics include:
- the core features of academic entrepreneurship
- entrepreneurship and future working life skills from the perspective of your characteristics, know-how and values
- evaluating your own characteristics, values, knowledge and skills with different methods
- identifying future career opportunities
- commercialising your know-how
After completing the course, you will
- understand the opportunities and barriers related to entrepreneurship
- assess your own characteristics, knowledge and know-how using different evaluation methods
- identify markets where your strengths and skills could be in demand, both from the perspective of entrepreneurship and employment
Mode of study: independent online course
Completion methods: independent study and assignments (total 54 hours)
Assessment: pass/fail
Learning materials: materials provided by the teacher; check the course implementation details for up-to-date information
Languages of instruction: English and Finnish
Content
On this course, you develop an entrepreneurial way of thinking and explore different forms of entrepreneurship. Topics include:
- entrepreneurial mindset
- effectuation
- different ways of entrepreneurship
- Business Model Canvas, especially resources and partnerships
After completing the course, you will
- think more creatively and innovatively
- recognise and seize business opportunities
- strengthen your proactive, resourceful and adaptable way of working in changing situations
- identify forms of entrepreneurship that suit you
This course also helps you develop your generic competences in:
- mental flexibility
- self-awareness and self-management
- entrepreneurship
Mode of study: independent study
Teaching method: independent online course
Assessment: pass/fail
Languages: Finnish, English
Further information: this course is open to everyone
Content
On this course, you learn how to market an early-stage business. Topics include:
- entrepreneurial marketing
- marketing strategies in an early-stage company
- customer acquisition
- customer relationship development
- pricing
- selling
- profitability calculations
- Business Model Canvas, especially channels, customer relationships, revenue streams and cost structure
After completing the course, you will
- use innovative and flexible marketing strategies in different business situations
- understand how pricing and selling affect the profitability of a business
- strengthen your practical skills in marketing, pricing and sales
This course also helps you develop your generic competences in:
- mental flexibility
- communication
- entrepreneurship
Mode of study: independent study
Teaching method: independent online course
Assessment: pass/fail
Languages: Finnish, English
Further information: this course is open to everyone
Content
On this course, you deepen your entrepreneurship skills through a practical project. You can choose one of the following completion methods:
- study a topic related to entrepreneurship or SME business activities through materials and possible research assignments, following the teacher's instructions
- carry out a commission or project related to entrepreneurship or SME business (for example, a YUFE Challenge Team, Draft Program entrepreneurship programme or Demola project) — agree on the details with the teacher in advance
- complete a practical training period in an SME or another entrepreneurship-related environment, with learning outcomes agreed upon with the teacher in advance
After completing the course, you will have
- deepened your understanding and skills in a topic related to entrepreneurship or SME business activities
- developed your ability to work in a goal-oriented, project-based manner
This course also helps you develop your generic competences in: internationalisation, critical thinking and professional expertise development.
Mode of study: independent and/or group work
Assessment: pass/fail
Language: Finnish
Content
On this course, you learn the fundamentals of profitable business and practise practical skills for starting and growing a business in international markets.
After completing the course, you will
- recognise business opportunities arising from research and development results
- have the skills for successful commercialisation and launching a startup
Mode of study: lectures and assignments (28 hours)
Assessment: 0–5
Language: English
Responsible teacher: Jyrki Saarinen
Further information: This course is held on the Joensuu campus.
If you have questions, reach out to University Lecturer of entrepreneurship Helen Reijonen ([email protected], +358 50 435 2408).
