Kangasniemi municipality has won the prestigious title of most business-friendly municipality in the Etelä-Savo region. The award recognizes exceptional support for local entrepreneurship and economic development.
The announcement came during a regional administration seminar in Mikkeli on Tuesday. Etelä-Savo Entrepreneurs and the Regional Council jointly selected the winner after thorough evaluation.
Judges assessed multiple factors in the competition. They examined economic policy implementation and how municipalities consider entrepreneurship in decision-making. Procurement practices and business advisory services also received close scrutiny. Communication with local businesses and entrepreneurship education programs completed the evaluation criteria.
Kangasniemi stood out for its tight collaboration with local entrepreneurs. The municipality also impressed judges with its active development of procurement processes. This cooperative approach clearly made the difference in the final selection.
This marks the second time the competition has taken place. Organizers plan to alternate it with the Finnish Entrepreneurs' Municipal Barometer in future years. The first competition occurred in 2019, when Joroinen claimed the prize before later moving to the North Savo region.
The competition aims to encourage municipalities to develop economic vitality and entrepreneurship. It pushes local governments to create environments where businesses can thrive and grow. This benefits entire communities through job creation and economic stability.
Finland's municipal system gives local governments substantial autonomy in business development. Municipalities compete to attract and retain companies while supporting existing businesses. This competition reflects broader Nordic trends where local governments actively foster entrepreneurial ecosystems.
For international readers, this award highlights Finland's decentralized approach to economic development. Unlike many countries where national policies dominate, Finnish municipalities have real power to shape local business conditions. Kangasniemi's success demonstrates how targeted local efforts can produce measurable results.
The win brings practical benefits to Kangasniemi beyond just recognition. It signals to potential investors that the municipality values business development. This could attract new companies and help existing ones expand. The positive publicity may also draw skilled workers to the area.
What makes this achievement notable is the comprehensive nature of the evaluation. Rather than focusing on single initiatives, judges assessed the entire business support ecosystem. Kangasniemi excelled across multiple dimensions, showing balanced development rather than isolated strengths.
Local business owners will likely see tangible benefits from this recognition. Improved municipal services and stronger government-business partnerships often follow such awards. The competition creates positive pressure for continuous improvement in business support services.
Looking forward, other municipalities will probably study Kangasniemi's approach. The winning strategies could influence economic development practices across Eastern Finland. This healthy competition ultimately raises standards for business support throughout the region.