The Journey to Entrepreneurship: A Cultural Analysis of Creative Entrepreneurs in a Business Incubator in Finland

Abstract: This thesis explores the process of becoming a creative entrepreneur and how this process can be supported in and out of an incubator. Using ethnographic methods and cultural analysis, I argue that being an entrepreneur is an overarching lifestyle and the process of becoming one is affected by each individual’s backgrounds, motivations, identities, existing skills, social networks and perceptions of the business culture. An incubator could benefit from learning about these individual backgrounds, work as an interpreter in between the creative and business fields and offer personalised help. In addition, facilitating the creation of a community can lead to sustainable help and support that continues after the incubation programme. The results of this thesis can be applied to any advice-giving service aiming to help their clients in the best and sustainable way possible.