E-services

In E-services, you will find the City of Vaasa’s digital service channels by subject area. In E-services, you can, among other things:

Fill out and send an application
Reserve facilities and materials
Apply for a permit or make a report
Give feedback on city services

Help with services

Are you looking for City of Vaasa’s contact information or need help with services?

Advice and service points

You can also get help and support from our advice and service points. Contact us or come and visit.

Two people sit in a bright lobby area in armchairs. The customer shows something on their phone to the customer service representative, and they smile.

Entrepreneurship

Listen Listen

Have you thought about becoming self-employed as an entrepreneur? We offer information and training for those interested in entrepreneurship to help them get started with establishing their business. We also provide support to ensure the livelihood of new entrepreneurs.

Start with a business plan

Everything starts with a business idea. Your local development company or enterprise agency can offer you free assistance in testing your business idea and creating a business plan.

The ELY Centre manages the Enterprise Finland advisory service, where you can get information and advice on matters related to starting a business. Learn more about the Enterprise Finland advisory service (suomi.fi). In some cases, the ELY Centre can also provide funding for newly established businesses. Read more about the business services of the ELY Centre for Ostrobothnia (in Finnish, ely-keskus.fi)

Securing livelihood at the beginning of entrepreneurship

Start-up grant (Starttiraha)

If you are planning to start a business, you can apply for a start-up grant from us. The grant is designed to support your livelihood during the early stages of full-time entrepreneurship, when your business income may still be limited.

Possible payment dates for the start-up grant are in the middle and at the end of each month.

Contact our start-up grant specialist: Hannu Ollikkala, hannu.ollikkala@vaasa.fi, tel. 040-158 0933

Unemployment security for entrepreneurs

If you are an unemployed jobseeker and start a self-employment trial, you can receive unemployment benefits for the first four months of the trial. If you earn income from your business, you will receive adjusted unemployment benefits. You can apply for a start-up grant for the period after your trial, but remember to submit your application about a month before the trial ends.

After four months, we will assess whether your business activity is full-time or part-time. If it is considered full-time, your entitlement to unemployment benefits will end. If your business activity is considered part-time, you can still apply for the start-up grant and remain eligible for adjusted unemployment benefits.

When starting a business, you can choose whether to take advantage of the self-employment trial or apply directly for the start-up grant. You cannot receive both at the same time.