Vivaret Oy, based in Joensuu, is a design-build atelier specializing in high-end timber construction. Their expertise includes custom timber houses, interior architecture, fine carpentry, and wellness spaces.
In collaboration with Grants, Vivaret successfully applied for ELY ERDF funding. The project was carried out together with Grants’ funding expert Viljami Kivistö.
A streamlined process saves time
Kivi Sotamaa, a designer, architect, and partner at Vivaret, names significant time savings as one of the biggest benefits of working with Grants. Getting familiar with the requirements and reporting for public funding applications would have taken the team considerably more time without the support of a partner.
Sotamaa adds that even if time had been available, managing the project independently would have been risky. Without prior experience, it is easy to make mistakes in the application, leading to extra work or problems with the funder later on.
Working with Grants helped Vivaret avoid common pitfalls. Sotamaa notes that Kivistö guided the project efficiently to completion, ensuring smooth progress. With an expert’s help, a complex bureaucratic process becomes clear and effortless.
“Viljami really is an expert, and his help made the process easy and clear. He explained things well at the right moments and made sure the project stayed on schedule. Without Viljami and Grants, the application would have taken much more time, and mistakes in the application would have caused extra work for us later.”
– Kivi Sotamaa
A secure path to public funding
Sotamaa recommends Grants especially to companies that don’t have in-house expertise in public funding instruments. Partnering with an expert is an efficient use of resources and brings security to the process. It ensures that every stage is handled correctly, from application drafting to final approval and reporting.
“Using an expert is a very efficient use of resources for companies. It gives assurance and peace of mind that the process is carried out correctly from a formal standpoint.”