Pirkanmaa SMEs Grow More Optimistic as Financing Eases, Two-Thirds Secure Funding

Two-thirds of companies that sought funding secured it. Tamperelainen reports that a new SME barometer, based on responses from 4,432 firms collected in June–July 2026, shows Pirkanmaa's small and medium-sized enterprises are more optimistic than the national average and expect turnover to recover first.

Respondents expect demand to pick up and sales to lead any recovery, while improvements in profitability and employment are likely to be slower. Cautious hiring plans coincide with a rise in long-term unemployment in Pirkanmaa long-term unemployment rose sharply in August and with earlier data showing the region accounted for a large share of Finland’s unemployment increase this summer the region accounted for over a quarter of Finland’s rise in June. Jenni Pöllänen, CEO of Pirkanmaa Entrepreneurs, described the mood as cautiously strengthening and called for decisions that boost demand and give firms the confidence to invest and hire.

Investment appetite is rising but remains restrained. Many companies are holding off on new hires and large purchases because of uncertainty.

Financing conditions have eased. Sixty-six percent of applicants received funding, and 84 percent said financing terms have not blocked projects. Still, firms cite limited availability, strict collateral rules and high interest rates as obstacles. Finnvera regional head Marjo Seppälä said the agency stands ready to support investment and growth projects alongside other lenders.

International trade is as common in Pirkanmaa as elsewhere in Finland, and companies engaged in research and development largely plan to maintain or expand activity, signaling a willingness to innovate despite uneven demand. The survey results were weighted to reflect the region’s industry and company-size mix.