Creatives Meetup 2024 - Oulu

This event is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and industry experts across various creative fields. We aim to create a space where participants from different backgrounds and creative fields come together. Whether you are an entrepreneur, student or a professional seeking opportunities in the creative field, this event is for you!

What to Expect:
● Local opportunities: Learn about the upcoming opportunities Oulu has to offer as the
European Capital of Culture for 2026.
● Inspiring Keynote: Hear the entrepreneurial story of Ojuolape Akinwunmi, founder of
Her Beauty Collections.
● Interactive Workshops: Participate in co-creation sessions, digital marketing strategy
workshops, and business clinics and project guidance support tailored for all kinds of
creatives.
● Networking: Engage in meaningful conversations with fellow creatives and expand your
professional network.

Why Attend?
● Gain insights from successful entrepreneurs and creative experts.
● Develop your creative business ideas and get feedback.
● Become part of Oulu’s dynamic and growing creative community.

Registration: Free of charge. Secure your spot now here.

This event is organized by Startup Refugees in cooperation with Business Oulu, Oulu Urban
Culture, Oulu2026, the Creative Triangle project & International Marketers of Oulu. The event is
funded by the Alfred Kordelin Foundation.

AGENDA

9.30 Doors open

10.00-10.15 Opening words
10.15-10.35 Keynote: Ojuolape Akinwunmi, founder of Heybeautycollections
10.35-10.50 Getting to know each other
10.50-11.10 Special Characteristics Of Creative Entrepreneurship by Markus Rytinki, Project Manager, Creative Triangle -project.
11.10-11.25 Coffee break
11.25-11.55 Opportunities for Creatives by Ulla Pirkola, Communications Coordinator, Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture & Heikki Myllylahti, Founder & Director, Oulu Urban Culture.
12.00-13.00 Lunch break
13.00-16.00 Workshops & Cultural Counseling and Business Advisory Clinics
16.00–17.00 Networking hosted by Business Oulu

Workshops (choose 1 to join):

13.00-16.00 Creative Business Development by the Creative Triangle project
In this workshop participants will develop creative business ideas. The workshop will also introduce We are the Culture Open Call by Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture, and the Creative Triangle projects pilot call for the development of cultural tourism.
13.00-14.30 Marketing Strategy for Your Creative Business by the International Marketers of Oulu
In this workshop you get to develop marketing strategy for your business with the guidance of Digital Marketing Specialist Zara Kukkamaa.

14.45-16.00 Cultural Counseling & Business Advisory Clinic
Cultural Counseling by Oulu Urban Culture: Are you a cultural and art creator in Oulu, planning your own project or event? Do you need support for project planning and advice on its implementation or tips for working in the cultural sector? Join us for a pop up counceling by Oulu Urban Culture.
Business Advisory Clinic by Business Oulu: Do you have a business idea? Do you need tips or feedback to develop your idea further? Business Oulu’s pop up business advisory clinic will answer your questions related to entrepreneurship!
Speakers:

Ojuolape Akinwunmi, founder of Heybeautycollections
Markus Rytinki, Project Manager, Creative Triangle -project.
Heikki Myllylahti, Cultural Manager and Cultural Anthropologist/Founder and Director of Oulu Urban Culture.
Zara Kukkamaa, Digital Marketing Specialist, International Marketers of Oulu.
Ulla Pirkola, Communications Coordinator, Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture, Creative Triangle project.