At UpstART, you will learn how to leverage creativity for business innovation and career development. By the end of the UpstART program, you will be able to: 

• Develop a vision and “story” for your business
• Create a brand and develop messaging for your creative work
• Develop a simple marketing plan, artist statement and basic press kit
• Leverage social media to enhance customer reach
• Put together an effective pitch presentation for your creative business
• Prepare for media opportunities
• Understand basic legal considerations, financial management, budgeting and fundraising
• Build the right networks
• Present your art or creative practice in a showcase event

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR UPSTART?  Take look at the criteria. Applicants must: 

• Be an emerging and/or practicing artist, designer or creator  
• Have an entrepreneurial desire to advance their creative practice/business 
• Be a Canadian citizen or a legal resident 
• Be 18 years of age or older 
• Have not received a Launchpad Bursary in the past year 
• York South-Weston residents will be prioritized 

How to Apply If you interested in participating in the UpstART program, you are invited to complete an online application form. Application questions will give you an opportunity to demonstrate what makes you a great candidate for the program and to describe your creative work, activities and entrepreneurial vision. All applicants will also have the opportunity to upload examples of their creative work (eg. PDF of visual images, audio/video files or in another appropriate digital medium). Web and social media links will also be accepted. Limit of 4 examples. Application Deadline (EXTENDED): September 16th 2022 * APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN *

The selection process will be led by the Artscape Weston Commons Community Advisory Committee. After reviewing the applications, Artscape will reach out to a short list of candidates to conduct interviews. Successful applicants for the UpstART program are selected on the following criteria: LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL & ENTREPRENEURIAL VISIONDemonstrate that you have the potential to inspire others with a passion, innovative approach, and a strong commitment for the creative field in which you plan to work. RESILIENCE AND GROWTHShow us that you are receptive to feedback and can learn from past experiences. ABILITY TO COLLABORATEDo you have the ability to resolve conflict and bring together the necessary people, money, and resources to create your venture? DESIRE TO PARTICIPATE IN A COHORT EXPERIENCEShow us how you will both gain from and contribute to the cohort learning experience.

There are NO fees associated with the UpstART program. Selected participants will enjoy all business training, mentorship opportunities, access to Artscape Daniels Launchpad studios & facilities (3 months), networking events and showcase opportunities for FREE thanks to our incredible partners and supporters. All program participants will receive $500 for their engagement and successful completion of the program.