The Nordic region tops the list with Finland (Helsinki) as the number one, followed by Stockholm, Munich and Malmo. This is great for both Finland and Sweden because it it shows that Scandinavia offers talented entrepreneurs.

The ranking has emerged from interviews with 2 400 small businesses that responded to questions regarding support from public institutions, help and advice in the initial phase, the environment and access to capital.

Helsinki is apparently the best city in Europe for entrepreneurs. Finland is usually ranked in the middle of surveys among European countries, but thanks to a favorable entrepreneurial spirit the capital Helsinki ends up on the first place.

There are several explanations. First of all, there are good schools and training in this area and there are several institutions focused on entrepreneurship.

In Finland there are also several economic and social networks locally. The fact is also that Finland for years has invested to develop a number of research programs to promote entrepreneurship. This has contributed to their success in this years ranking.

The fact that Stockholm ends up in second in the survey is worth mentioning because it is a great compliment to Swedish entrepreneurs.

                                                                              Cecilia Helland