Apply for the first & second stage of the Draft Program in North Savo

On this page you’ll find instructions for applying for the Draft Program® in North Savo.

If you are applying to the Draft Program for the first time, you will need to apply to the first stage of the Program. If you have already passed the first stage of the Program, you can apply for the second stage of the Draft.

Next deadline for applications is April 23rd, 2024.

Who is the Draft Program for?

You can apply for the Draft Program ® in North Savo if your team includes at least one person who is a resident of Kuopio or is a student, staff representative or alumni of Savonia University of Applied Sciences, the University of Eastern Finland or the Savo Vocational College.

In addition to yourself, your team must have at least one person with whom you develop the business idea further.

What do I commit to when I apply?

When you apply, you understand that the Draft Program will publish at least one blog post about your team that relates to your experiences with the Draft Program.

You are able and committed to spend your time developing your business idea for at least a few hours a week.

Other terms and ethical principles of the program.

What are the benefits of the Program?

If you are selected for the Draft Program, you will have access to a 4-month training period during which you will be assisted by experts representing different fields.

Get to know and network with other start-up entrepreneurs.

You will get funding. In the first stage 1000 EUR. If you are selected for the follow-up phase after the first phase, there is an additional funding of EUR 3000.

You get visibility for your new start-up business

Here’s how to apply for the 1st and 2nd stage of the Draft Program in North Savo

1. Complete the one-page business plan (same plan for all stages). Use this ready-made template.

2. Fill in and send an application form with the one-page plan as attachment.

3. If your application is selected to be presented to the jury, prepare a pitching presentation of your idea (download the presentation template here).

4. Practice presenting your ideas within the time limit.

5. Present your business idea to the jury on the pitching day in Kuopio.

In case you need advice on how to fill in the form or how to make a pitch deck, please contact: matti.laitinen@savonia.fi or harri.holopainen@savonia.fi.

Before you apply:

The operation must be aimed at a growing business that is done in a new way.

You can apply for the Draft Program® entrepreneurship program in North Savo if your team has at least one person who is a staff representative or alumni of Savonia University of Applied Sciences, the University of Eastern Finland or Savo Vocational College. When applying for the city of Kuopio, the applicant must be from Kuopio. In addition to yourself, your team must have at least one person with whom you develop the business idea together.

When applying for funding from the city of Kuopio, the registered office of the company or the company to be established is in Kuopio – for other applications in Pohjois Savo.

Teams that develop a product or service for a company with a turnover cannot be selected for the Draft program. The exception to this rule is student training companies (NYT companies and cooperatives). In the Draft’s 2nd stage application, the applicant may have turnover.

Team members can only be members of one applicant team. You can apply for the Draft program at a time either from North Savo or Joensuu.