Communities

In North Savo, people have time to gather together, and the region offers a wide range of networks and communities that support both local residents and those who have moved to the area from elsewhere.

Communities

In North Savo, people have time to gather together, and the region offers a wide range of networks and communities that support both local residents and those who have moved to the area from elsewhere.

No one can succeed on their own in the world of work

The North Savo region offers many opportunities for networking, both with experts in your own field and with some of the best talent in other fields.

In North Savo, people have time to gather together, and the region offers a wide range of networks and communities that support both local residents and those who have moved to the area from elsewhere. Why not join the convivial people of Savo and integrate into one of the active leisure, study and work communities in the region?

Join the community of talents

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

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. (talentfirst.fi)

Mothers in Business is an active network for career-oriented parents, offering support and inspiration for combining work and family life.

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.

Leisure communities and networks

You can start a new hobby even as an adult. How about trying indoor climbing at the VOEMA Climbing Gym, taking on trails and ski tracks in the groups of Puijon Latu, or dancing your way to street dance stardom in the courses of Urban Moves? The region has active cultural networks, nature-based activities, and sports and recreational opportunities to suit all tastes – the hardest task is choosing the one you like best and overcoming the difficulty of getting out the door.

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.

Study-related communities and 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.

International communities in North Savo

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!

Auroras is a nationwide mentoring network for internationally educated women, aiming to facilitate integration into working life and provide peer support. Check out Auroras in Talent First’s video series highlighting international communities in North Savo: Youtube.

Hub Panostamo in Kuopio is a community space and event platform for entrepreneurs, hosting English-language workshops, networking events, and gatherings.

International Working Women of Finland (IWWOF) is a national network supporting international women in Finland’s workforce through mentoring, training, and peer support

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.

Kompassi is a multicultural meeting place in Kuopio offering language cafés, cultural events, and volunteer opportunities in various languages. Check out Kompassi in Talent First’s video series highlighting international communities in North Savo: Youtube.

Kulttuurikonepaja, supported by the ANTI Festival, promotes engagement in culture, civic participation, and ecological thinking.

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 a student-driven community encouraging entrepreneurship; they organize English-language events, workshops, and networking. Check out NSES in Talent First’s video series highlighting international communities in North Savo: Youtube.

Nuoret yrittäjät Savo is a network for under-36 entrepreneurs.

JCI Kuopio and JCI Ylä-Savo (Junior Chamber International) are active networks for young adults aiming to develop leadership and networking skills; they also host activities in English.Check out JCI Kuopio in Talent First’s video series highlighting international communities in North Savo: Youtube.

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.

Vamos in Kuopio and Siilinjärvi supports young adults (16–29 years old) in finding work, education, and wellbeing, offering personal guidance and community engagement. Check out Vamos in Talent First’s video series highlighting international communities in North Savo: Youtube.

Services and Networks for International Talents

Business Center Pohjois‑Savo is a regional platform supporting entrepreneurship and innovation with business coaching, networking, and developmental services.

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.

InterProFinland provides career coaching and networking events for international professionals, helping them build career paths in Finland.

Kompassi is an international meeting place run by Settlement Puijola, offering counseling, hobby groups, and Finnish language teaching.

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.

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.