Communities

The North Savo region offers a variety of networks and communities that support both local residents and newcomers.

Communities and networks

The North Savo region offers a variety of networks and communities that support both local residents and newcomers. Explore different communities and start networking in your career, studies, or free time.

Entrepreneurship and professional communities and networks

You can find your place in various work-related communities where you can receive help, support, and inspiration for developing your skills.

Business Center Pohjois‑Savo is a regional platform supporting entrepreneurship and innovation with business coaching, networking, and developmental services.
Hub Panostamo is a community for entrepreneurship and work in Kuopio, offering an inspiring co-working space, events, and networking opportunities.
Kulttuuripaja Luode provides a welcoming meeting place for everyone over 18, with peer-led creative groups and peer facilitator training.
Kuopio Health is a health and wellbeing technology network that connects research, companies and innovations to develop new solutions.
JCI Kuopio (Junior Chamber International) and JCI Ylä-Savo are active communities promoting leadership and networking among young adults.
Kuopio Talents is a network of international professionals in Kuopio.
The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is a national research organization with operations also in North Savo. Luke conducts research and develops solutions for the sustainable use of renewable natural resources.
Mothers in Business is an active network for career-oriented parents, offering support and inspiration for combining work and family life.
Navigaattori is a free guidance service provided by the City of Kuopio, supporting job seeking, education, entrepreneurship, and everyday life. The service is also available in English and follows a low-threshold approach.
North Savo Entrepreneurship Society (NSES) is a student-driven community supporting youth entrepreneurship and startup culture in North Savo.
Novapolis is a business and expert community providing premises, services, and networks for growing companies.
Savon Nuoret Yrittäjät encourages entrepreneurship among under-36-year-olds, offering training, events, and peer support.

Study-related networks

There are numerous networking opportunities available for students. Build communities early on that will inspire and support you as you navigate the twists and turns of your career. Check out these links and get involved in student organisations.

Leisure communities and networks

The area has active cultural networks, nature-based activities, and a wide range of sports and recreational opportunities – the biggest challenge is finding what you enjoy most and overcoming the hurdle of getting started. How about trying indoor climbing at the VOEMA Climbing Center, exploring the trails and ski tracks with the Puijo Ladun groups, or dancing your way to becoming a street dance pro at Urban Moves’ classes?

Tarmoa.fi compiles extensive community offerings from various organizations and associations. You can also become a changemaker yourself and join Vapaaehtoistoiminta Kuopiossa (volunteering activities in Kuopio).
A variety of leisure activities related to sports and culture in Kuopio, including contact information, have been listed in a file compiled by Navigaattori. You might also want to see what Culture Kuopio and Kuopio in Motion have to offer. If you’re interested in culture, explore the year‑round ANTI‑festival and Kulttuurikonepaja, which promote cultural engagement, civic participation, and ecological thinking.
Adult education centres (kansalaisopistot) across North Savo offer low-threshold courses in various subjects.
Several organizations (e.g., Amnesty International, Seta, Martat, 4H), associations (village and resident associations, Kuopion Perheentalo, Puijon Latu, Pro Mylly), clubs (sports, hunting, youth), and congregations offer active programs in the area.
Metsäkartano and other nature centres provide outdoor and recreational opportunities—such as hiking, skiing, and canoeing—in the beautiful nature of North Savo. You can also organize your own group to explore the region’s rich nature and interesting services.
You can find a wide variety of local communities formed around different themes on social media, including residential areas, recycling groups, hobby groups and carpooling.

International communities and networks

There are several networks and communities in North Savo that are specifically aimed at international experts. They provide support, mentoring and networking opportunities and are excellent resources for anyone who is planning to move or has already moved to North Savo and is looking for ways to integrate into society and the labour market. Welcome to North Savo!

Adult education centres (kansalaisopistot) across North Savo provide low-threshold courses and group activities (language, crafts, fitness)—a great opportunity to meet locals and practice Finnish.
Auroras is a mentoring network for internationally educated women, with the aim of supporting their integration into working life and providing peer support. The Auroras group helps international women gain confidence, skills, and networks to advance in their careers, studies, or personal development.

The main form of support is group mentoring, where participants meet in a small group guided by an experienced mentor. Mentoring groups focus on relevant themes such as preparing job applications, understanding the Finnish recruitment process, and developing Finnish language skills related to working life. These groups usually run over several months, allowing time for reflection, growth, and meaningful interaction.

Check out the Auroras introduction video on Talent First’s YouTube series showcasing international communities in North Savo, and read the feature article on Talent First’s website.
Kulttuurikonepaja, supported by the ANTI Festival, promotes engagement in culture, civic participation, and ecological thinking.
Hub Panostamo is a community space and event platform in Kuopio for entrepreneurs and those interested in entrepreneurship. At Panostamo, English-language workshops, networking events, and gatherings are organized to support learning, collaboration, and new ideas.
International House Kuopio is an ideal place to start integrating into the region. It brings together services for settling in Kuopio, and guidance for employers hiring international talent.
International Working Women of Finland Ry (IWWOF) is a nationwide network that supports international women living in Finland with employment-related matters. The community provides mentoring, training, and peer support at different stages of their career paths.
InterProFinland provides career coaching and networking events for international professionals, helping them build career paths in Finland.
JCI Kuopio and JCI Ylä-Savo (Junior Chamber International) are active networks for young adults.

Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people to create positive change in their communities and around the world. It brings together individuals aged 18 to 40 who want to develop leadership skills, promote entrepreneurship, and engage in civic initiatives.

JCI Kuopio is open to anyone interested in joining the community. The community also offers activities in English.

Check out JCI’s introduction in Talent First’s video series showcasing international communities in North Savo on YouTube and read the presentation article on the Talent First website.
Kompassi is a multicultural meeting point in Kuopio that organizes language cafés, cultural events, and volunteer activities in different languages. Located in the city center and operating under Settlement Puijola, Kompassi serves as an inclusive hub for interaction.

Kompassi coordinates a variety of hobby and peer support groups, such as language clubs, sports, dance, and art groups. Through these groups, participants can take part in community activities, share experiences, and build networks. Some groups also perform at local events, enriching the cultural life of Kuopio.

In addition, Kompassi provides a platform for both local and international talents to showcase their skills through events and activities throughout the year. One of its largest annual events is the Mahdollisuuksien tori, which brings together local associations and organizations.

Watch Kompassi’s introduction video in the Talent First series highlighting international communities in North Savo on YouTube and read the feature article on the Talent First website.
Kuopio Talents is a local network of international professionals, celebrating multicultural expertise.
Mothers in Business (MiB) Kuopio is a professional network for mothers—providing events, peer support, and career opportunities to international women as well.
North Savo Entrepreneurship Society (NSES) is an open network for young entrepreneurs and students that promotes entrepreneurship and regularly organizes a wide range of activities, such as workshops, networking events, inspirational talks, and informal coffee meetups. One of the highlights is the Pitch Point event, where participants can present their ideas and receive constructive feedback in a supportive atmosphere.

Watch the NSES introduction video in the Talent First series highlighting international communities in North Savo on YouTube and read the feature article about their activities on the Talent First website.
SPR Friendship Activities by the Finnish Red Cross offer volunteer roles to become a friend to those feeling isolated—an excellent way to meet people of all backgrounds.
Talent Hub Eastern Finland supports international students and professionals in integrating into the Finnish job market and society. The program includes services such as Finnish language training, mentoring, and career development courses. The network aims to reduce barriers to hiring international talent and to help them find employment opportunities in the region
Vamos in Kuopio and Siilinjärvi offers support for young adults (aged 16–29) in finding employment, education, and well-being. It provides personal guidance as well as community-based activities.

Vamos focuses especially on the early stages of career paths and organizes group activities aimed at strengthening social skills, supporting integration, making new friends, and practicing different skills – including Finnish language.

Check out Vamos’s introduction in Talent First’s video series showcasing international communities in North Savo on YouTube and read the presentation article on the Talent First website.
Nuoret yrittäjät Savo is a network for entrepreneurs under the age of 36, offering opportunities to connect with like-minded people and develop a wide range of skills.