What happens during 90 Day Finn?

The 90 Day Finn Program gives international business leaders the chance to spend 90 days living and working in the capital. The intensive period with daily business program lasts for 20 days.

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Welcome event for 90 Day Finns at Maria01 (1)
Maija Astikainen

The best way to get a taste of both business and culture in Helsinki is the 90 Day Finn Program. But what happens during the daily business program?

Networking and connections

Business in Finland is very open and collaborative, and our experts at Helsinki Partners offer opportunities designed to help you make the most out of it. These connections are invaluable for large corporations considering European expansion. Networking opportunities come in many forms, from organised events to direct introductions.

Through organised networking events, participants get to mingle with Helsinkians. Our experts at Helsinki Partners connect investors, executives, and business owners with Helsinki’s top influencers. Events like those held at Maria01, the Nordic’s leading startup campus for VC investors and founders, earn high acclaim among 90 Day Finns.

Ecosystem knowledge is everything. At Helsinki Partners, we have our own Business Intelligence Unit that can provide you with industry-specific data to support international market expansion. We can also introduce you to the right people, from government officials and business owners to research and development institutions. For example, 90 Day Finns get access to a personal business advisor who helps them navigate business in Finland.

Photo Maija Astikainen
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“Maria, my Helsinki Partners Business Advisor, was exceptional – she’s a business development Jedi! Before I arrived in Helsinki, we had already identified the best startup ecosystem, investor and fintech contacts for me to meet, so I was well-prepped. Maria made introductions and then we met every two weeks to track progress. She also got me invites to some pretty special events, like the Fintech Farm Summer Party hosted by the Bank of Finland.”

Caroline Hughes, CEO, 90 Day Finn 2023

Business visits

Matching people with possibilities isn’t just about making connections; it’s also about sparking ideas. 90 Day Finns get access to Finland’s top companies through organised business visits designed to exchange knowledge. In the past, participants have met with leaders from IQM, a quantum computing hardware company, Sulapac, a plastic alternative materials company and KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, to share industry insights and network with top ecosystem players. 

While 90 Day Finns get special access to Finland’s top companies, our experts at Helsinki Partners offer customised experiences individually too.  Whether you’re a business owner, scaleup or multinational corporation, find out how we can help you grow your business internationally.

Photo Maija Astikainen
90 Day Finns business visit at Kone

“KONE was the best kind of company visit because it included a real demo of the business, inspiring cases of the company’s innovation, welcoming people and warm hospitality.”

Amelia Schaffner, Strategy and Innovation Partner, 90 Day Finn 2023

Cultural activities

The difference between a good and great business partnership is in understanding the local culture. The 90 Day Finns get to find out the ingredients of the Finnish culture. Think forest walks, sauna experiences and Finnish language lessons. Participants enjoy culture, leisure events and experiences to sample the Helsinki way of life.

Photo Svante Gullichsen
Diego Vazquez Lozano at 90 Day Finn 2024 welcome day.

“I noticed that sauna sort of opens up the attitude of, for instance, a business meeting. What I love about the sauna culture here is that it becomes informal and then you can be more honest and transparent about business transactions and what both parties in the deal wish to achieve. ”

Diego Vazquez Lozano, Film Director, CEO, Founder, 90 Day Finn 2024

Want to take the time exploring business in Helsinki?

From business visits to networking opportunities and leisure events, the 90 Day Finn Program is a highly polished curation of our services at Helsinki Partners. While these services are available individually, there’s an added benefit when a group can experience them together—and 90 Day Finns think so too.

Curious about the Finnish market and innovation ecosystem? Join the 90 Day Finn Program and explore why expanding to Helsinki could be the perfect move for your company. Applications close March 31, 2025.