Standard pricing of business development services resumes
The pricing of analysis and consultation services provided by the ELY Centres to companies was reduced to EUR 30 (+ VAT) per consulting day on 27 March 2020 in response to the coronavirus crisis. The purpose of this price reduction was to lower the threshold for using services intended to help companies assess and take charge of the exceptional circumstances and to adapt their business activities to the new conditions caused by the coronavirus epidemic.
The coronavirus epidemic and the price reduction caused a spike in the demand for services, indicating that the service was able to address some of the concerns resulting from the coronavirus crisis. Since the spring, the number of applications has stabilised, suggesting that the most acute need for services has been met. Therefore, it is justified to now bring the central government contribution to its standard level.
The standard pricing of analysis and consultation services will resume effective as of 24 September 2020. The price per day for analysis service will be EUR 220 (+ VAT) and for consultation services EUR 300 (+ VAT). However, the lower pricing will apply to applications for analysis and consultation services submitted on 23 September 2020 at the latest. The new price applies to applications submitted on or after 24 September 2020.
The central government support to the business development services provided by ELY Centres remains significant: central government contribution accounts for 80% of the costs of analysis services and 75% of consultation services.
Business development services consist of partly government-funded business and competence development services offered by ELY Centres to SMEs. More information and instructions on how to apply are available at ELY Centres and on the development services website.
Inquiries:
Kari Alanko, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 526 3501
Emmi Äijälä, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 530 3277
Riikka Huhtanen-Pitkänen, Product Manager for analysis and consultation services, ELY Centre for Häme, tel. +358 295 029 123