Do You See a Problem Around You? Your Idea Could Be the Solution
Do you see a problem around you every day and have a great idea to solve it? If your idea connects to sustainability, the HUBS Sustainable Entrepreneurship Grant at is your opportunity to turn it into reality, sums grantee Szonja Pomazi. Read her story and application tips.
The Sustainable Entrepreneurship Grant supports innovative minds, shifts the focus on sustainability in business, and empowers individuals to turn their ideas into reality. Sustainability is not just about eco-friendliness! For me, the easiest way to understand it is to imagine it as a long-term vision: socially, economically, and ecologically, aiming for equality, viability, and positive impact. From IT to customer service, through machines and food, in all fields you can make a difference. Imagine the impact you could make with the right support and resources to bring your vision to life!
Sustainability comes to the field from multiple aspects: providing eco-friendly alternatives, educating society about the impact of their choices, educating society about hormonal health, and promoting prevention.
Hormone Focus: A Step Towards Sustainable Hormonal Health
Hormone Focus (www.hormonefocus.org) is a project started in the summer of 2024 and boosted with the support of the Sustainable Entrepreneurship Grant. Hormone Focus is dedicated to improving women’s hormonal health and wellness through online courses and sustainable menstrual and contraceptive products.
Our goal is to provide individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve hormonal balance, leading to better overall health and quality of life. By focusing on hormone health, we aim to address a critical aspect of well-being that is often overlooked. Sustainability comes to the field from multiple aspects: providing eco-friendly alternatives, educating society about the impact of their choices, educating society about hormonal health, and promoting prevention.
Learning by Doing: My Journey with Hormone Focus
Since starting Hormone Focus, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship. From understanding market needs to developing effective business strategies, the journey has been a continuous learning experience. The hands-on approach has taught me resilience, adaptability, the importance of stress management, system thinking, customer relationship management, and more. One of the most significant lessons has been the importance of staying flexible and open to new ideas. As trends rise, the market evolves; as I learn new things, those can be incorporated: the business never stops forming but aims for wider viability. This adaptability has been crucial in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.
Another key learning has been the power of networking and collaboration. Building relationships with other entrepreneurs, industry experts, providers, and potential customers has provided valuable insights and support. These connections are the core for long-term viability.
The Importance of an Entrepreneurial Mindset
In today’s rapidly evolving world, an entrepreneurial mindset is crucial. It fosters innovation, resourcefulness, and the ability to navigate complex challenges. Entrepreneurs with this mindset are more likely to identify opportunities that others might overlook and develop creative solutions to pressing problems (Constable, 2021). Moreover, an entrepreneurial mindset supports sustainability goals by encouraging innovative approaches to environmental challenges (Peguese, 2025).
An entrepreneurial mindset is characterized by a willingness to take risks, a proactive attitude, and a commitment to continuous learning (Constable, 2021). These traits enable individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and find solutions that drive progress. In the context of sustainability, this mindset is particularly valuable. Entrepreneurs can leverage their creativity and problem-solving skills to develop sustainable products, services, and business models that address environmental issues (Peguese, 2025).
An entrepreneurial mindset combined with a sustainable approach is the one, in my opinion, that can truly have an impact on our world. Supporting both entrepreneurial actions and sustainable thinking is the greatest combination that a school can offer!
How to Apply for the HUBS Grant
HUBS is your go-to place for entrepreneurial support in Tampere Universities. They offer help with learning entrepreneurial skills through various courses, including an incubator program to build your project. They also provide assistance with the application process or questions. The grant application opens twice a year, once each semester. To apply, visit HUBS, where you can get answers to all your questions and receive guidance on your application.
The application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible. Start by visiting the HUBS website to review the eligibility criteria and application guidelines. Then comes the application part, which is way less scary than it sounds at first: Prepare a proposal outlining your project, its goals, and how it aligns with sustainability principles. Think deeper and find all the sustainability aspects related to your project, highlight the innovative aspects and the potential impact it can have. HUBS provides support throughout the application process, including guidance and even one-on-one consultations. Take advantage of these opportunities to refine your proposal and increase your chances of success.
Prepare a proposal outlining your project, its goals, and how it aligns with sustainability principles. Think deeper and find all the sustainability aspects related to your project, highlight the innovative aspects and the potential impact it can have.
Once your proposal is ready, submit it online. After submitting your application, I suggest staying engaged with the HUBS community: Attend events, participate in networking sessions, and seek feedback from peers and mentors. This involvement will provide valuable insights and connections that can benefit your project in the long run.
Then, if finally, you have benefited from the Sustainable Entrepreneurship Grant, comes the most exciting part of the process: execution. Experience, challenges, learnings, and more possibilities on the way. The possibility of opening your wings is truly invaluable. Enjoy!
Text: Szonja Pomazi
Resources:
Andrew Constable: Why The Characteristics Of The Entrepreneurial Mindset Matter. 2021, Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2021/04/22/why-the-characteristics-of-the-entrepreneurial-mindset-matter/ (Read on: 05.04.2025)
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