Sirja Puurtinen: My journey at the pre-incubator programme

26.11.2025 0 Like 0 kommenttia

In the spring of 2025, I decided to start my own company. My vision was clear, and for me, entrepreneurship has always been a way of living — it doesn’t feel foreign or forced. But turning a vision into action is always a different story. Already navigating society as an artist, and then adding all of society’s demands — structures bureaucracy, tax authorities, and the unwritten rules of the business world— on an entrepreneur, it felt almost laughably absurd.

Still, the Finnish word yrittäminen captures perfectly what entrepreneurship means to
me: “minä yritän” — “I’ll try.” I decided to take that literally, even when it came to bureaucracy and all its rules and systems. I had seen Uniarts’ pre-incubator program advertised a few times. I was interested, but it wasn’t until I saw it three times — and a friend said, “I think this would really suit you” — that I seriously considered applying. I remained doubtful and even called Riitta Huttunen to ask about the program. She convinced me that you get as much out of it as you’re willing to put in. And that turned out to be true all the way through.

Through the program, I’ve learned so much. I’ve met professionals and makers in the field, gained confidence, enjoyed the guidance of an amazing mentor, attended events I never would have gone to otherwise, and had conversations that simply wouldn’t have happened without it. I’m very grateful for everything and still amazed that it has been free of charge.

The program has also brought contradictions, difficult emotions, and constant self-reflection. Who am I? What do I want? What is the world like? What is art? and what is right or wrong — in the context of capitalism, market economies, and investment policies? I had already spent a lot of time reflecting on these big questions even before the program, but thanks to it, I’ve also had a new community to share with. That has been the most meaningful part. I’ve met many different kinds of people and encountered diverse perspectives. I haven’t always agreed with everyone, but the experience has enriched my knowledge and helped me build my own path as an entrepreneur.

Coming from the worlds of art and academia, I’m used to critical thinking, fact-based reasoning, and expertise built over decades. At the same time, I’m naturally enthusiastic, sporty, and competitive — so I’ve enjoyed being in an environment that feels different from what I’m used to. It’s always good to shake up structures, both on a personal and institutional level; it doesn’t necessarily mean unwanted or feared change. The combination of excitement and criticality is something I want to carry with me personally.

Ultimately, what matters most is being open to new and different things — whether they involve people or ideas. They give you so much, but it’s equally important to return to your heart and listen to it. Is it possible to turn art and good intentions into a business while remaining true to oneself as an artist? I don’t have the answer yet — but I’m committed to exploring, learning, and carving my own path.

The path isn’t clear, but that’s the beauty of it.