The Shortcut: Applications open for Spark 2025 Program for international non-binary and female founders
This is an incubation program for international female entrepreneurs and non-binary individuals, founders of startups or those who want to validate their business ideas in Finland.
The Shortcut has opened registrations for a new edition of the Spark Program, a free 10-week program designed to help women and non-binary entrepreneurs validate their business ideas, build their first products, and develop sales skills through the Flame accelerator.
The applications are open from February 10th to March 2nd, 2025, and anyone who resides in the metropolitan region of Helsinki and identifies as a woman or non-binary can apply. The entire program is conducted in English.
The program is carried out in person, as this helps to generate a strong sense of community, which is a special part of the Spark Program. Most of the workshops and activities take place at Maria01, however, some workshops may be conducted online.
What does the program offer?
Follow us on: 
- 8 weeks of product validation and development.
- 2 weeks of sales training with the Flame accelerator.
- Face-to-face sessions in Kamppi, Helsinki, with the possibility of virtual participation in some activities.
- Workshops of 2 to 5 hours, two to three times per week.
- Personalized mentorship every two weeks for the first 8 weeks.
Who is it aimed at?
Follow us on: 
The program is aimed at women or non-binary individuals who wish to validate a business idea and develop a minimum viable product. It is ideal for those who:
- They have identified a problem in their professional area or in society and they want to turn it into a business.
- They have an idea that they want to test in the market with potential customers.
- They have not fully developed their product and are seeking support in sales and business management.
- They are committed to completing the process and building a related network of contacts.
Expected Results:
- Validate a business idea with potential customers.
- Transform the idea into a viable initial product.
- Evaluate the profitability of the project and define growth strategies.
- Develop skills in sales, communication and presentation.
- Incorporate technology (AI) to optimize the business.
- Understanding the fundamentals of creating and managing a company.
A second edition of the Spark Program will be held in September of 2025.
IMPORTANT
- February 10 - March 2: Application period
- February 25 (14:00-15:00) and March 4 (10:00-11:00): Information session and Q&A for selected participants (Mandatory, if chosen)
- March 5: Communication to selected participants
- March 18: Opening Day
- March 19 - May 22: Spark Program C1 2025
For more information and applications, you can visit the website The Shortcut.