Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to participate in KasvuOpen, Finland’s largest growth program for small and medium-sized companies. For us at Makuu, it was an eye-opening experience that went far beyond pitching our brand.
What is KasvuOpen?
KasvuOpen connects companies with experienced business mentors (sparraajat) and growth experts. Over a structured program, teams receive personalized advice, guidance on strategy, marketing, and scaling, as well as the chance to pitch their business in front of seasoned professionals and peers. The focus is on learning, reflection, and actionable insights rather than competition.
Our Takeaways
- The value of storytelling: sharing our vision, inspiration, and what Makuu stands for helps us connect with people on a deeper level.
- The importance of clarity in goals: defining our priorities and the steps we want to take in the coming months gives focus and direction.
- Feedback is gold: hearing perspectives from experienced mentors and fellow entrepreneurs opened new ways to think about growth, partnerships, and reaching the right audience.
- Community matters: seeing the energy, creativity, and support within KasvuOpen reminded us that entrepreneurship is never a solo journey.
Why it matters
Participating in KasvuOpen reinforced our vision of Makuu as a premium eco-luxury brand and gave us tools and inspiration to continue growing thoughtfully and sustainably. It also reminded us that connecting with people who share our values — creativity, sustainability, and meaningful experiences — is just as important as any strategy.
We are grateful to all the mentors, sparraajat, and fellow companies who shared their time and insights. This experience has motivated us to refine our focus, explore new ideas, and continue building Makuu with passion and purpose.
If you’re curious about KasvuOpen or the journey of scaling a young brand, we would love to share our story and connect!
Big thanks to our Sparring Experts: Teemu Kankainen, Jaakko Hänninen & Elina Lillstrang, and Matti Meriläinen! And all the organising KasvuOpen- team!
#KasvuOpen #entrepreneurship #growth #Makuu #learning #inspiration #MakuuEcoSolutions #MakuuSlowLiving
