Nominate a Trailblazer of Micro-Entrepreneurship – Call for the Kerttu Saalasti Award Recipient Now Open

Who has helped build an enterprising future? Now is the perfect time to recognize someone who has made a significant contribution to micro-entrepreneurship. Nominations for the 2026 Kerttu Saalasti Award are open throughout April.

The search is for a person who has particularly distinguished themselves in strengthening micro-entrepreneurship or in promoting a culture that supports entrepreneurship. The award recognizes impactful contributions in research, education, or societal engagement.

The selection criteria emphasize national significance, innovative approaches, and concrete results and impact. The aim is to identify an individual whose work has left a lasting mark on the entrepreneurial landscape and who serves as a role model for future entrepreneurs.

The Kerttu Saalasti Award highlights bold, forward-looking, and effective initiatives that help build the future of entrepreneurship. The award is presented by the Kerttu Saalasti Foundation and the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute. The recipient will be announced at the Kerttu Saalasti Seminar on August 19, 2026.

Previous recipients have been influential figures and innovators in both business and research, including:

  • Pekka Miilukangas (2021), CEO of the Miilukangas Group
  • Ulla Hytti (2022), Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of Turku, President of ECSB
  • Mika Haavisto (2023), Founder of the Ownership Transfer Forum
  • Liisa Hanén (2024), Founder and Executive Director of the Finnish Micro and Solo Entrepreneurs Association (MYRY ry)
  • Felicity Kelliher (2025), Professor of Management Practice, South East Technological University, Ireland


Who can receive the award?
One individual or a group of individuals.

Who can submit a nomination?
Anyone – individuals or organizations.

The award includes:
The “Berry Picker” relief by artist Kalervo Kallio and a monetary prize of €5,000.

Nomination period:
April 1–30, 2026


You can access the nomination form via this link.


Further information:

Matti Muhos, Professor, Director
University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute
matti.muhos@oulu.fi

Eija Korjonen, Executive Assistant
University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute
eija.korjonen@oulu.fi

Created 30.3.2026 | Updated 30.3.2026