Develop your arts-based business idea

Uniarts Hub pre-incubator programme will help you get started in setting up a business and becoming an entrepreneur in the creative or arts industries.

Published 1.8.2022 | Updated 5.11.2026

About the Uniarts Hub incubator programme

Are you an artist or a creative professional, producer, or intermediary considering starting a business? Or do you have a working group in a similar situation? Do you want information about starting and running a company?

The incubator is designed for you if you have a business idea or an early-stage concept. In the free 8-week programme, you will receive support to clarify, test, and develop your idea. The programme includes lectures, workshops, mentoring, and peer support.

Starting in the spring and autumn semesters, the programme provides participants with a comprehensive overview of entrepreneurship in the arts and creative sectors, introduces experts working in these fields, and enables networking among participants. Lecturers, workshop facilitators, and mentors are experienced professionals and experts from the arts and creative industries.

The programme is best suited for arts professionals who are already working in their field or are in the final stages of their studies. Previous studies at Uniarts Helsinki are not required. The programme lasts approximately 8 weeks and is free of charge.

Themes covered

Business planning
Establishing a company
Entrepreneurial identity
Customer experience
Brand
Sales and marketing
Product development
Copyright
Funding pathways
Pitching skills
Foresight

Schedule

Spring 2027 pre-incubator is 2.3.-29.4.2027.
On-site meetings on Tuesdays and on Thursdays
Weekly assignments

The language of instruction is English. A minimum of 80% attendance is required. At the end of the programme, participants pitch their ideas to experts and an audience. In Helsinki student participants receive 8 ECTS credits from the program.

How to apply

The application period for spring semester Uniarts Hub is open 17.11.-10.12.2026. Applications to the program are submitted through the Open University of the University of the Arts Helsinki registration system. Degree students of the University of the Arts Helsinki or those studying with a continuous right to study apply to the program in Peppi.