FUND WINNERS 2025
From more than thirty applications, four entrepreneurs stood out for their vision, determination and potential for growth. The judges evaluated all entrepreneurs anonymously, without knowing their country of origin or gender and only with the information that they had lived in Finland for less than ten years.
This year included the largest grant pot to date. The winners received grants ranging from €5,000 to €16,000 to take their business to the next level. Here is how they have turned that support into concrete progress.
Next year’s focus will be dedicated to women entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of advancing women-led businesses in Finland.
Dheyaa Al-Zirjawi | Gannet €16 000
Gannet offers professional home and office cleaning in Helsinki, from furniture to mattress care. The grant will go toward new equipment, electric bikes for transport, a refreshed website and marketing to reach more clients. Dheyaa says this recognition has given him new motivation and confidence to grow.
Zachary Burda | MIMIQIT €10 000
MIMIQIT, the tech company behind Dancecovery and Fisofi. These SaaS platforms help fitness and wellness studios automate bookings and payments. The grant will support modernising their financial systems and scaling across Finland. Zachary says their mission is to empower local entrepreneurs through smart automation and to show how immigrant talent can build technology that strengthens Finland’s service economy.
MIMIQIT
Faith O. Omojola | Refendr €5 000
Refendr is a Marketing Operating System that helps small businesses grow through affiliate and referral programs without heavy costs or tech barriers. The grant will fund product development as well as go-to-marketing & validation. Faith says this grant is more than funding, it’s validation, motivation and an opportunity to open doors for others.
Uzair Irshad | Kiteen Autopesu €5 000
Uzair runs North Karelia’s first mobile and eco-friendly car wash and detailing service, bringing sustainable car care straight to customers’ doors. The grant will help him get professional detailing tools, build a booking website and equip a service car to expand across the region. Uzair says he feels proud and thankful, especially as someone who arrived in Finland just a year ago.