Interested in making an impact even before you enter the labor market? Seize the opportunity to work on a start-up business plan that has a social and/or environmental impact!

Together with a small group of students, you will be guided by teachers and professionals from the field, to make your idea market ready.

During the minor you will get a broad education on business topics and become an expert on the sector information of your chosen topic. At the end of this module you will have improved your skills as sustainable entrepreneur.

Added value:
Experience the energy that comes from being an entrepreneur. Get insight in developing a new business idea with impact. Create an international network of professionals. Develop skills on data collection, creation and analyzing, collaboration and pitching.

Competences:

1. Knowing about developments in the international agri-food sector

2. Development of vision and strategy for an (international) agri-food business

3. Entrepreneurship and innovation in the international agri-food business

4. Prepare and implement a practical business research in the agri-food sector

5. Management of organizations, processes and projects, and people

6. Effectively collaborate and communicate in a multidisciplinary and intercultural environment

8. Advising about financial aspects of the operation of an agri-food business

10. Strategic marketing of products and services in the global agri-food market

 

The student is able to:

• Write a coherent and complete business plan.
• Write a project plan for testing the feasibility of a business plan
• Write a coherent and complete marketing plan, organization plan, and financial plan based on an innovative business idea (VBAB1, VBAB2 & VBAB3).
• Analyze the legal aspects related to an innovative business plan (VBAB10).
• Cooperate and communicate in an international agribusiness setting (VBAB1).
• Integrate sustainability aspects within a business plan
• Assess the feasibility of a business plan by validating business decisions.
• Has knowledge of relevant horticultural production principles related to food- and flowers production and sustainability aspects.
• Has knowledge of the international market structure and the relevance of international trade institutions.
• Has knowledge of the relation between consumer behaviour and food supply on a retail level. 

Undergraduates (bachelors) in their 3rd or 4th year of their study. Additional entrance tests or interviews may be required.

Will be presented online after the start of the minor.

Total 840 hours containing a combination of lectures on theory, group work, project work, workshops from experts and excursions to the professional field, portfolio work, exams, presentation to experts, feedback sessions, participation in the VHL Business Fair.

Term 3:

VBA2E2VEBAB1 Concepts of Business Plan

Construction a feasible business plan in a small group containing topics like: Marketing, Finance and Legal aspects.

Test:

1. Written test: Business plan concepts
2. Written test: English
3. Portfolio: Sustainable entrepreneurship

VBA2F2VEBAB Sustainability in the Business Plan.
Considering different stakeholders, learn about the latest developments on sustainability and to apply the SDG’s. Communication training on: interview skills, giving feedback, conflict and culture in the workspace and leadership skills.

Tests:

1. Oral: Carrying out an interview
2. Written: Sustainability in the food & flower sector

Term 4

VBA2GVEBAB Validating Business Decisions
Individual research project on the feasibility of the business plan. Supportive lectures and coaching is provided.

Tests:

1. Oral: English speaking skills
2. Portfolio: implementing research
3. Oral: Presenting your business

VBA2HVEBAB Marketing and Management Concepts
Advance and applied knowledge on relevant topics of marketing management theory.

Tests:

1. Written: Production Management
2. Written: International Economics
3. Written: Applied Marketing