Finnish teen runs woodworking business as youth entrepreneurship surges

A 16-year-old from Sonkajärvi is among thousands of Finnish teens turning to entrepreneurship through the 4H program, as summer job shortages and shifting attitudes drive record growth in youth-run businesses, reports national broadcaster Yle.

Markus Kainulainen, a ninth-grader from Sonkajärvi, has operated his own 4H woodworking business for three years, crafting cutting boards, keychains, and custom wooden products. His materials come from family forests, with his grandfather assisting in sawing. Clients include municipalities, schools, and private customers.

“There’s a lot of entrepreneurship in my family, so that’s probably influenced me,” Kainulainen said. He balances schoolwork with the business, focusing on woodworking during winter while helping on his family’s farm in summer.

The number of 4H youth businesses has nearly quadrupled in a decade, reaching 3,115 last year. Combined turnover surged from €700,000 to over €5.3 million in the same period. Aino Heininen, a 4H communications specialist, attributes the growth to changing youth attitudes and fewer traditional summer jobs.

“The long-term trend shows a clear shift in mindset,” Heininen said. “The weak summer job market has also steered young people toward starting their own businesses.”

4H provides free training and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs. Popular ventures include baking, crafts, cleaning, and gardening. Even now, teens can still launch a 4H business this summer through online courses.

Kainulainen plans to scale back his business next year to focus on a dual high school and vocational degree but won’t shut it down completely. “I want to prioritize school, but I don’t intend to stop entirely,” he said.