Consulting service helps Finnish companies thrive responsibly in developing markets

11.08.2025

Finnpartnership’s consulting service has supported two Finnish companies, SihaRak and ViaMinnet, in building more responsible business operations in challenging environments. Through the service, the companies gained a comprehensive understanding of the conditions in their target countries, along with practical advice on identifying and managing risks during project planning and implementation.

Finnpartnership offers free consulting services provided by external experts to companies that have received business partnership support and whose projects involve significant environmental, societal, or human rights impacts.

Consulting helped ViaMinnet design human-centred business

Finnish design company ViaMinnet is starting subcontracting of interior products from Ukraine. The company received consulting from Finnpartnership on human rights risks and their management at the early stages of the project.

“I worked with two different consultants who provided an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the human rights situation in Ukraine’s labour market. I received valuable information on corruption risks, local work culture, and employee participation in decision-making,” says Minna Muhonen, founder of ViaMinnet.

*ViaMinnet designs and manufactures leather earrings and accessories. Photo: ViaMinnet*

“Without the consulting support, I would have been more naïve, even though I’m experienced in international operations. I appreciated that the consultants didn’t come to tell us what to do – they listened, challenged us, and brought up perspectives we wouldn’t have considered ourselves,” Minna adds.

SihaRak wants to do things right from the start – consulting has helped with risk management

Construction company SihaRak buys plots, designs buildings, oversees construction, and sells completed houses in Somaliland. Through Finnpartnership’s consulting service, the company received consulting from an external expert who helped identify potential local risks and develop operational models that support sustainable construction in a fragile market.

“Our operations are very hands-on. The consultant helped us understand the business environment from a broader perspective. The service helped us think outside the box,” says Ahmed Ibrahim, founder of SihaRak.

According to Ahmed, the consulting service helped them do things right from the beginning. “The consultant helped us understand how to consider local conditions and cultural factors already in the planning phase. This wasn’t just risk management – it was an opportunity to do things better and more impactfully from the start,” Ahmed explains.

Tools for thriving, not surviving

Operating in emerging markets has become more demanding in most parts of the world.

In fragile regions, legislation may be unclear, security unstable, and human rights non existent. Expectations for companies are high, but practical implementation can be challenging due to lack of information, prejudices, or language barriers.

Finnpartnership’s voucher-based consulting service offers companies the opportunity to pause, realistically assess their operating environment, and develop their projects in a more responsible direction.

Maria Mekri, Executive Director of SaferGlobe, has consulted many Finnish companies on human rights and other issues on behalf of Finnpartnership. According to Maria, the value of the consulting service lies in helping companies articulate their operations, identify risks, and build sustainable business.

“Often, companies are relieved to realise they don’t have to know everything themselves. Difficult questions shouldn’t be feared – there’s not always a direct answer, but that’s exactly why they should be asked. Our job is to support companies so they can thrive in developing markets rather than just survive,” says Maria.

Consulting service provides companies with concrete tools for identifying and managing risks

Finnpartnership evaluates the need for consultation for each project and, if necessary, offers it to the company. Consultation is provided about four themes (vouchers):