Startup Deal Vantaa accelerates the growth of SMEs and provides customers for startups
The Startup Deal Vantaa program, launched in the beginning of 2026, aims at uniting SMEs based in Vantaa with agile, solution-generating startups from all over Finland. The City of Vantaa wants to support the growth and progress of local businesses and provide startups with direct customer relationships.
“As we are aiming for growth and internationalization, SMEs play a key role in all areas. In Vantaa, our mission is to bring together more traditional SMEs with innovations and startups, which will unlock new pathways for growth for both parties,” states Olli-Pekka Mäkirintala, the City of Vantaa’s Director of Startup Operations.
With the help of Startup Deal Vantaa, startups gain income-generating customer relationships, and they can test their solutions in practice through direct collaboration with the companies. In 2026, the program is divided into three rounds:
Round 1: February–March
Round 2: March–May
Round 3: August–November
We are looking for SMEs that need solutions to authentic business challenges
For each round, the program selects two SMEs located in Vantaa with an authentic and clearly defined business challenge. The challenge can be related to, for example, optimizing operational efficiency, testing new technology or promoting and unlocking new business opportunities.
“Startup Deal Vantaa is suitable for all kinds of SMEs, also for those representing traditional industries. It’s easy to enroll. The challenge can be straightforward or more complex and open-ended,” the project coordinator Mikko Korpela from Crazy Town summarizes.
The program then selects 6–10 startups that offer a potential solution to these challenges. Startups from all over Finland and abroad are welcome to apply.
Startup Deal Vantaa provides support for clarifying and defining business challenges, uniting SMEs with relevant innovations and startups, and setting up trials to test collaboration in practice. Each SME selects the most promising solution that they want to proceed with. Crazy Town, the implementer of the program, offers a trial grant for the winners of each challenge to facilitate that respective SME and startup team up and start collaboration.
SMEs and startups benefit mutually
Startup Deal Vantaa offers SMEs the opportunity to utilize and benefit from the talent and innovations of startups. The company gains fresh perspectives, insights, new operating models and solutions that lead to increased effectiveness or even completely new business opportunities.
For startups, the program offers the chance to meet companies and prospective customers face to face, and the possibility to test and develop solutions in an authentic environment. These trials generate valuable client feedback, references and optimally a long-term partnership.
For both SMEs and startups, the trial serves as a low-risk way to test cooperation and take steps towards a business partnership. Participants can enroll in the program free of charge.
Vantaa serves as an international market environment
Vantaa offers a unique operating environment, where internationalism is present on a day-to-day basis. Vantaa is home to the airport, Finland’s leading logistics hub and several key business clusters, which makes it an excellent platform for companies seeking growth and expansion to international markets.
“Currently, Vantaa is at the center of many positive, dynamic and often international projects and undertakings. In matters related to startups, we are focusing on practical measures and direct action. Many parties benefit from these accomplishments, and what Finland needs right now is fast, impactful action,” says Tommo Koivusalo, Head of the City of Vantaa’s Business Development Services.
Crazy Town that oversees the program brings startups even outside of the metropolitan area to become part of Vantaa’s business ecosystem. By functioning as a nationwide community and support network, Crazy Town helps startups to gain traction in Vantaa and potentially scale their business operations on a permanent basis.
We invite SMEs to join and benefit from the program
Startup Deal Vantaa is targeted at SMEs based in Vantaa that are looking for growth opportunities. If your company has recognized a business challenge, the program offers you the opportunity to solve it with the help of agile startups and transform it into a profitable business venture.
For more information, please contact Mikko Korpela:
+358 40 049 9242