NIHAK in bried
Nivala-Haapajärvi Region (NIHAK ry) is a regional development organisation owned and funded by its member municipalities. The municipalities enable our operations and the provision of free business services, through which we support companies in their growth, renewal and success.
Our activities combine municipality-specific business services with regional development work. We help companies with their day-to-day needs while promoting the vitality of the entire region, investment, cooperation and future opportunities.
Cooperation between municipalities allows us to take a comprehensive approach to regional development. By bringing together municipalities, companies, educational institutions and other stakeholders, we can strengthen the regional economy and create the conditions for new jobs and investment.
Municipality-specific business services
NIHAK provides municipality-specific business services under service agreements in Haapajärvi, Kärsämäki, Nivala, Reisjärvi, Sievi and Oulainen.
Our business services are free of charge to companies. We offer support with matters such as starting a business, business development, growth, financing, ownership transfers and situations involving change. Our aim is to ensure that entrepreneurs can access the expert advice they need through their local business services.
Regional development
Alongside municipality-specific business services, NIHAK works to strengthen the vitality of the entire region and improve the operating environment for businesses. This work is primarily carried out through development projects funded by structural funds. These projects address regional needs and explore new opportunities for growth and renewal.
We promote investment, develop the business environment, bring regional stakeholders together and highlight the opportunities our region has to offer. Our development projects involve cooperation with companies, municipalities, educational institutions and other partners. Through these projects, we can, for example, support business growth and internationalisation, develop new business opportunities and accelerate clean transition investments.
Our regional development work looks beyond municipal boundaries to find solutions that benefit the entire region. The shared commitment of the municipalities enables long-term development and ensures that regional needs can be addressed through cooperation.
Governance and decision-making
NIHAK ry operates in accordance with its association rules and governing bodies. The Regional Council (Seutuvaltuusto) and the Regional Board (Seutuhallitus) are responsible for guiding the association’s activities within their respective mandates.
Regional Council
The Regional Council is NIHAK’s highest decision-making body, in accordance with the association’s rules. It establishes the strategic and financial framework within which the Regional Board is responsible for the association’s strategic direction and monitoring its operations.
The Regional Council usually meets twice a year.
Regional Board
The Regional Board is responsible for NIHAK ry’s strategic leadership and ensuring that the association’s activities are properly organised. It makes decisions on strategic priorities, approves the budget and action plan, and oversees the association’s finances, risk management and overall interests. It also monitors the effectiveness of services and developments in the region’s vitality.
The Regional Board meets approximately eight times a year.