Intrapreneurship Program
The world is changing fast. Standing still is not an option, particularly in the Food & Flower industry. Change and innovation call for different ways of thinking, new experiences and the expansion of your network. And this is precisely what the Intrapreneurship Program offers you as talent. Learn the start-up mentality, tools and skills, which you can immediately apply towards innovation within the company you work for. Curious? Let’s go!
"What I appreciated most about the program is the extent to which I was challenged to move quickly and learn. Innovation is about meeting customer needs, so go out and talk to your customers. Find out where the real problem is before you start solving anything."
Jan-Willem Keijzer - Royal Brinkman (class of 2020)
Do you find the following situation familiar?
In your company, you are responsible for creating and implementing new services and products to ensure the future success of the business. While you approach this task with enthusiasm, you may occasionally feel that there is room for improvement.
For example, you might encounter the following challenges:
- How can you effectively communicate your ideas to management in order to gain their support and secure resources, such as time and funding, for your innovation project?
- How can you determine the true needs of customers and involve them in developing new products or services without causing significant project delays?
- How can you sustain your motivation within an organization that may not move as swiftly as you desire?
Former participants in the programme…
…felt the same way and had similar questions. Here’s what they gained from the programme to boost both themselves and innovation within their organisations:
“According to my colleagues, I’ve become more entrepreneurial. I’ve also learned to better position myself with clients and within the company. I’m less tied to my desk and know when to take the lead.”
“I now better engage both clients and colleagues by involving them in my work, which leads to more understanding and acceptance when making decisions.”
“The [innovation] project helped me become active on a new stage within the organisation, greatly expanding my network ."
“The tools from the startup phase have taught me to think outside the box, take more initiative , and avoid waiting until something is ‘perfect’ before presenting it to clients.”
“The biggest success regarding my personal learning goals is that I now represent myself and my ideas with fresh energy and greater confidence .”
“On a personal level, I’ve found more peace and understanding. It was an eye-opener to spar with participants facing similar, relatable challenges. I learned that this behaviour is to be expected, isn’t personal, and there are tools to manage or even prevent it.”
Want to experience this too? Read more about the programme in our online brochure or get in touch with Raffi!
What does the program look like?
Over the course of a year, with a group of up to 18 ambitious young professionals in the Food & Flower industry, you participate in the Intrapreneurship program. The programs consists of two phases:
New: Post HBO accreditation
The HortiHeroes Intrapreneurship Programme is accredited as a Post HBO programme. This means that the programme is recognised as a Post Bachelor or HBO+ programme. Post HBO programmes go into more substantial depth and require higher analytical skills from participants than an HBO programme. The theory dealt with during the Intrapreneurship Programme is therefore translated into practice from a strategic-tactical perspective, enabling you to apply the material directly in complex business situations.
Video in Dutch
The HortiHeroes Intrapreneurship program receives an average rating of 9.1 from participants
“The interaction with fellow participants and trainers was incredibly valuable. Because we were all at a similar stage in our careers, there was a lot of recognition, and I realised that many participants were facing the same challenges. I still regularly keep in touch with a few of them!”
Angela Mutters-van der Maarel - Rijk Zwaan/Maarel Orchids (class of 2021)
The Intrapreneurship Program is perfect for you if…
- you work in or for the Food & Flower industry;
- you have the ability to work and think to at least University of Applied Sciences level (Dutch hbo);
- you have a minimum of 3 years’ work experience, no matter whether this is in production, purchasing/sales, marketing or finance;
- you have a strong drive to contribute to change and innovation within your company;
- you regularly see opportunities and want to change or optimise processes, products or services;
- you would like to keep growing in your company.
Talents from these companies already take part
"The progress you make over 12 months truly transforms your way of thinking, benefiting you both professionally and personally, and it's something you’ll often look back on."
Michel van Heijningen - Prins Orchidee (class of 2023)
Our trainers
Our programs are characterised by an action-oriented approach. The HortiHeroes trainers combine theory with plenty of practical exercises, enabling participants to immediately apply what they’ve learned.
"The program has exceeded all my expectations, I have a completely different mindset thanks to this project. The program has given me tools to implement change within the company where I work."
Melvin van der Zeyden - Yex (class of 2018)
Practical information
Start: september 2025
- Investment by company: €4,995 per year (HortiHeroes partners receive 25% discount).
- Investment by participant: 8 to 12 hours per week in phase 1 (4 of which in your own time) and 6 hours per month in phase 2.
More information? Our Academy lead Raffi will be happy to answer your questions via e-mail or a phone call.