The Creative Economy Business Incubator is a class where students, alumni, and local working artists launch and grow creative businesses.

Get expert support launching your creative venture. 

Creative Economy Business Incubator

The Creative Economy Business Incubator is a program designed to support arts entrepreneurship with guidance from faculty, industry experts, and visiting entrepreneurs. Working individually or in teams, participants will spend two semesters developing, market testing, and refining a business idea. You’ll learn foundational principles of entrepreneurship, strategy, marketing, and finance through practice and hands-on experience. If you've got a side hustle that you want to take to the next level or a dream you want to build, this is the place to do it. 

Professional network building is emphasized. Every month we meet with multiple visiting experts and entrepreneurs, and each participant receives individualized coaching from creative industry professionals. You'll have a chance to get feedback from people who have built sucessful creative ventures and make connections to help grow your business. 

Fellowship for Boston-Based Artists

MassArt is partnering with the Mayors Office of Arts and Culture to open up the Creative Economy Business Incubator to artists who live or work in Boston. Twelve Boston-based artists or designers will be selected to participate in the Creative Economy Business Incubator. There is no cost to participate as a Boston Fellow. 

Fellowship for MassArt Alumni

MassArt will admit five alums to particpate in the 2023-24 Creative Economy Business Incubator. There is no cost to participate as an Alumni Fellow. 

Application Process and Program Timeline

Full-time MassArt students may register during the normal registration period. This course is open to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. There are no prerequisites, and students of all majors are welcome, but you must submit a business idea prior to registration.

The Incubator program will begin on Monday, September 11th, and will run in accordance with the Academic Calendar until concluding in May  2024. The Incubator will meet Monday evenings  from 6:30-9:30.  Most meetings will take place on MassArt's campus, some will take place over zoom.

FAQ's

Who can participate in the incubator? 

There are three primary groups eligible to participate in the Creative Economy Business Incubator:

• MassArt juniors, seniors, and graduate students are eligible to particpate for course credit. Students should submit a project description via this form at the time of registration.

• Artists and designers who live or work in the city of Boston may apply to participate as one of 12 Boston Fellows. 

• MassArt alumni can apply to participate as one of five Alumni Fellows

What does it cost to participate? 

If you are a current MassArt student the cost of participation will be the same as any other studio elective course. If you are participating as an Alumni Fellow or Boston Fellow there is no cost for accepted participants. 

When does the incubator meet?

The Incubator meets on campus on Monday evenings during the MassArt Academic Year.   Some meetings will be virtual to accomodate out of town guest speakers. 

Do I have to have a team?

No, most participants are solo entrepreneurs. But if you've got a partner or cofounder you're welcome to apply together. 

What types of businesses can apply?

We are looking for talented creatives who want to use their skills to build a sustainable business. Any business (for-profit or nonprofit)  connected to art, design, or culture is eligible to apply. You can apply with an idea that's still a dream or a business you've launched and need help growing. You can be focused on establishing a profitable solo practice or founding a high growth venture, or anything inbetween. 

That said, this program may not be a fit for more established businesses. If you've got an profitable creative business that has been operating for more than 3 years you may find this program is not a match for your needs. 

Who are the visiting experts I'll work with?

That will depend on the specifics of your project. Over the last three years our incubator has been visited by over 150 guest professionals from a wide range of industries.  We've had visitors from larger organizations  like IDEO, Converse, Wayfair, MOCA, and Iron Mountain, topical experts in taxes, law, manufacturing , branding and PR, and more established creative entrepreneurs than we can list here. 

Are there other benefits to being a Boston Fellow? 

Yes! As a Boston Fellow you'll have access to may benefits that come with having a student ID.  This includes access to MassArt's Library, Print Center and univeral tools, free admission to The MFA, ICA and Gardner Museum, and discounts on things like Adobe Suite.  

What is the Course Code and Schedule? 

EDFD 312 (Fall) and EDFD 315 (Spring)  Mondays 6:30-9:30   Instructor: Hartmann

Do I have to be a fashion major?

No! While this course is offered through the fashion department  it is open to all majors and does not concentrate on any one specific industry. 

I just want to learn about entrepreneurship, do I have to start a business?

Yes, you must actively work towards launching a business in this program. If you’d just like to learn about business and entrepreneurship consider taking one of MassArt's other business electives or free public workshops. 

I'm an F-1 international student, am I eligible to enroll in this course? 

Yes! Any MassArt junior, senior, or graduate student from any department is eligible to enroll. F-1 international students have certain limitations around launching a business, but you are welcome and encouraged to enroll. All F-1 international students in the course will be advised by the International Student Advisor and should contact international@massart.edu.

Is there anything else?

Yes, you must be comfortable with basic communication technology. In this program you will be required to use programs like Zoom, Gmail, and Google Drive and Google Docs. 

I have another question.

Email entrepreneurship@massart.edu

See some of the student and alumni owned businesses that have come through the incubator: