Food Pioneers Program 2025
The Food Pioneers Program is designed to equip you with expert knowledge, valuable industry connections, and a supportive community to help you thrive. Over the course of six months, you’ll gain hands-on experience, practical tools, and personalized mentorship to elevate your venture in the Metropolitan Region Amsterdam (MRA).
‘The program helped me upgrade my network, and the feedback I got really helped to improve my business.’ (Maryze Zembowicz, ChillBits)
Now in its 7th edition, the Food Pioneers Program has become the go-to platform for early-stage food entrepreneurs looking to build, test, and scale their ideas. Developed by Flevo Campus, supported by Food Hub, Impact Hub Amsterdam, and Kitchen Republic, this program goes far beyond traditional business training.
Read on below for more information about the program—or, if you’re ready, sign up directly!
This program is for you if...
- …you are an entrepreneur based in Almere, Flevoland or the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region (MRA)
- … are starting your business, or looking for ways to develop it
- … have a product that is complete or nearing completion
- … have had, or are expecting, your first turnover
- … are eager to work with other food professionals in a close knit community
- … are comfortable working in an English-speaking environment
- … are looking for a workplace in Almere
- … are available on the dates listed below.
What's in store?
🚀 Kick-off session
Meet your cohort, and set the stage for an inspiring journey together.
🌍 Visit other local food entrepreneurs
Get inspired by Flevoland’s most exciting food startups.
🍽️ Tasting & feedback session
Test your product and receive expert insights at Kitchen Republic.
🏗️ Business model canvas workshop + summer drinks
Sharpen your business model and network at Party in the Park.
🤝 One-on-one coaching
Personalized guidance by Thera van Heuveln.
💰 Workshops on finance & free publicity
Master financial management and learn how to gain visibility.
🧠 Mind of the buyer & pitch training
Learn how to sell and pitch from top industry experts (like Robin Fafié).
🌱 Access to exclusive networks
Connect with Flevo Campus, Food Hub, Horizon Flevoland, and Impact Hub.
🏢 Free co-working space during the program
Work alongside fellow pioneers at the Natural Pavilion in Almere.
🎤 Pitch your business at the closing event
Pitch to an audience of industry leaders, stakeholders, and investors.
What we ask of you
- Pay a one-time multiplier fee of €250,-
- (the program represents a total value of over €6.500,-).
- Be available on all six program days
- Make a creative ‘quid pro quo’ contribution to the program.
- This has proven to be very valuable for team building. You could for instance provide lunch for the group on one of the program days, or share your network with your fellow participants… anything goes – as long as it helps the other participants, the organisations involved or society as a whole!
2025 Program Days
30 minutes coaching session
scheduled in April
Program day 01
24 April 2025
Program day 02
22 May 2025
Program day 03
19 June 2025
One hour coaching session
scheduled in July or August
Program day 04
28 August 2025
Program day 05
18 September 2025
Program day 06 & Pitch event
16 October 2025
30 minutes coaching session
scheduled in November.
Need more information, or have a question?
We understand you may have (a lot of) questions about the program. We are happy to answer them in our online Q&A session, on Tuesday 18 March from 12:00 – 13:00 hrs. Register here to take part! If you want information about the program before then, Emily Rendel of Impact Hub Amsterdam will be happy to answer any questions you may have.