Entrepreneurs’ Municipal Barometer 2026: Päijät-Häme surges ahead as business-friendliness strengthens
21.5.2026
Päijät-Häme has surged in recent years from the bottom of the rankings towards the top positions – business-friendliness has strengthened across the region
According to the latest Entrepreneurs’ Municipal Barometer, entrepreneurs’ views on municipal operations have developed in a positive direction in Päijät-Häme. The region’s overall score (3.22) exceeds the national average (3.14), and in attractiveness we rank second nationally, just behind Pirkanmaa. Asikkala rose to become the most entrepreneur-friendly municipality in the region. The results were published on 20 May at the Municipal Leadership Seminar in Jyväskylä.
On behalf of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises, Taloustutkimus asked entrepreneurs for their views on the performance of their company’s home municipality. The Entrepreneurs’ Municipal Barometer is published every two years.
The survey was conducted from 11 February to 16 March 2026, and 11,985 entrepreneurs from across Finland responded. In Päijät-Häme, a total of 928 entrepreneurs took part in the survey. The number of respondents increased by as much as 65% from 2024.
Nationally, municipalities perform best in the organisation of business services and weakest in public procurement. From entrepreneurs’ perspective nationally, business-oriented decision-making is the most important element of economic policy, even more important than the business services provided by the municipality.
Regional strengths in Päijät-Häme: business-friendliness, attractiveness and business services are improving
Entrepreneurs gave recognition to Päijät-Häme. Päijät-Häme is the biggest climber in the rankings both in the overall ranking and in business services. In 2018, Päijät-Häme was ranked 20th, and since then it has moved up in every survey round; now it ranks fifth.
In Päijät-Häme, several municipalities rank among the leaders in business-friendliness. The top three stand out, with Asikkala, Orimattila and Iitti in particular repeatedly receiving high scores across different themes.
The attractiveness of the municipalities is growing, and entrepreneurs increasingly see the region’s municipalities as appealing places for business activity and for living, which is reflected in the strong ratings received by several municipalities. Entrepreneurs also feel that municipal officials and elected representatives value entrepreneurship more than before.
Business services are developing in the right direction across the whole region, the average score for business services exceeds the national average, and their importance in business development is becoming increasingly pronounced.
Infrastructure and accessibility support businesses, as both transport links and telecommunications connections are considered to support business activity better than average.
Asikkala rose to the top in the region
Asikkala is the most business-friendly municipality in Päijät-Häme, rising from fourth place to first place in the region. Nationally, the rise was even more remarkable, from 75th place to 16th in the small municipalities category.
In the Top 10 list for municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants, Lahti rose to fifth place from sixth place, while also retaining its excellent second place among cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants.
“The results were awaited with great anticipation, and the remarkable increase in the number of respondents added further interest. In 2024, 562 responses were collected in Päijät-Häme, whereas this year as many as 928 entrepreneurs took part. The number of respondents increased in every municipality, and several municipalities doubled their number of respondents. The more respondents there are, the more impactful the results become,” summarises Heta Vihervirta-Vuontelo, CEO of the Päijät-Hämeen Yrittäjät (regional entrepreneurs' association).
“The overall picture is genuinely good: Päijät-Häme’s results are not based on isolated successes but on broader progress across several areas at the same time. This points to structural development rather than a single individual measure. In summary, many things have moved forward, and entrepreneurs’ voices are being heard more clearly than before. At the same time, it is important to note that there are still major differences between municipalities,” says Heta Vihervirta-Vuontelo.
“The results are a source of pride – and show that listening to businesses and strengthening cooperation produces meaningful results. Business-oriented thinking must remain at the heart of economic policy so that the wellbeing of municipalities and the entire region can continue to strengthen,” says Mia Tommola, Chair of the Päijät-Hämeen Yrittäjät.
“The Municipal Barometer results show that the right long-term steps have been taken in Päijät-Häme to strengthen business-friendliness. It is encouraging to see that cooperation between municipalities, Päijät-Hämeen Yrittäjät and its local associations, LADEC, and businesses is producing tangible results. It is particularly pleasing that Päijät-Häme rose in business services from 11th place in the 2024 Municipal Barometer to 3rd place. In addition, Lahti ranked first in business services among Finland’s ten largest cities for the third consecutive year,” says Tomi Tura, CEO of Lahti Region Development LADEC Ltd.
Services for start-up entrepreneurs are the most important
Nationally, in the Municipal Barometer the most important business service is support for start-up entrepreneurs, followed by financing and investment advice, and thirdly smooth permit services.
Public procurement is rated as the weakest-performing element of economic policy. The result indicates a clear gap between entrepreneurs’ expectations and practical implementation. Procurement plays a significant role in creating business opportunities for companies, but at present this potential is often left untapped.
More information about the Entrepreneurs’ Municipal Barometer study and a link to the Municipal Barometer 2026 results report (available only in Finnish): https://www.yrittajat.fi/ajankohtaista/tutkimukset/kuntabarometri-2026/
Further information:
Heta Vihervirta-Vuontelo
CEO | Päijät-Hämeen Yrittäjät
+358 40 085 4995 | heta.vihervirta-vuontelo@yrittajat.fi,
+358Mia Tommola
Chair | Päijät-Hämeen Yrittäjät
+358 400 858 596 | mia.tommola@yrittajat.fi
Tomi Tura
CEO | Lahti Region Development LADEC Ltd
+358 50 323 1050 | tomi.tura@ladec.fi