Who is the builder of entrepreneurial future for Finland? Nominate the winner of the Kerttu Saalasti Award!
The prize is awarded annually for a significant achievement in research, education or social impact that promotes micro-entrepreneurship or an entrepreneurial culture. The selection takes into account the national significance, novelty, results achieved and impact of the work. We are looking for a candidate whose work has left a mark on the field of Finnish entrepreneurship. They are building the future of entrepreneurship in Finland and are a source of inspiration for other entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The award celebrates nationally influential, innovative, creative and productive work that strengthens micro-entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial culture in Finland. It is awarded jointly by the Kerttu Saalasti Foundation and the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute. The prize will be awarded at the Kerttu Saalasti seminar on 23 September 2025.
Past winners have been influencers, trailblazers and catalysts, both as entrepreneurs and scientists:
Pekka Miilukangas (2021) - CEO of Miilukangas Group
Ulla Hytti (2022) - Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Turku, President of ECSB
Mika Haavisto (2023) - Founder of Omistajanvaihdosfoorumi
Liisa Hanén (2024) - Founder and Executive Director of Mikro- ja yksinyrittäjät ry
Who can win the prize?
An individual or several people together.
Who can nominate?
Anyone can make a nomination - an individual or an organisation.
As a reward:
A relief of "The Berry Picker" by artist Kalervo Kallio and a cash prize of €5,000.
Time to nominate:
1.-30.4.2025
The nomination form can be found here.
More information:
Matti Muhos, Professor, Director, Kerttu Saalasti Institute, University of Oulu
matti.muhos@oulu.fi
Eija Korjonen, Management Assistant, Kerttu Saalasti Institute, University of Oulu
eija.korjonen@oulu.fi