Two West Flemish entrepreneurs (Michael Seuen and Jurgen DeGrande) have won the Fleurik Prize

KORTRIJK, GENT – During the award show at the Handelsbeurs in Ghent, the winners of the 22nd edition of the Vlerick Prize were announced in the presence of many business leaders and alumni. The Vlerick Award is presented annually by the Vlerick Business School and recognizes two successful Vlerick alumni who take the helm of a rapidly growing organization as entrepreneurs and business leaders. Michèle Sioen (Sioen Industries) wins the Vlerick Enterprising Leader Award 2023 and Jürgen Degrande (Edgard & Cooper) wins the Vlerick Venture Award 2023

With the Vlerick Enterprising Leader Award, Vlerick Business School honors a business leader and Vlerick alumnus with a proven track record in leadership and entrepreneurship, and whose organization is making a positive impact on society. His company has grown steadily into a large and strong player at the top.

Michelle Sioen, CEO of Sioen Industries felt very honored to receive this award. “Flerik is convinced that the world needs entrepreneurial leaders to effect change, both in their organization and in society,” says Sewin. “This award, then, is recognition for Sioen Industries that we embody that vision of transformative power. The school helped shape us through our membership in iGMO. Thanks to iGMO, I was able to build the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to make our story a success.” Through entrepreneurship we create innovative solutions and drive growth economy and positively impact society. I hope Sioen Industries can inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Young entrepreneur in the spotlight

The Vlerick Venture Award traditionally also highlights young, enterprising Vlerick graduates who, as owner or founder of a rapidly growing company, make a positive impact on our society. This award went to Jurgen DeGrande, co-founder of Edgard & Cooper (distributor of cat and dog food).

DeGrande told his story. “I came back from the US in 2015 and immediately registered for a full-time MBA at Vlerick,” he said. had become. Vlerick helped me fill in my missing knowledge and put it into action on my entrepreneurial journey at Edgard & Cooper. This Venture Prize is a reward for the hard work of the entire Edgard & Cooper Group. We’re on a mission together: protecting nature for people, our pets, and the future of our planet. Change isn’t easy, we know that. But hard work doesn’t deter us, because we really want to make an impact in the world of dog and cat nutrition. Vlerick has provided amazing support to entrepreneurs over the years by providing a platform where you can learn and exchange ideas. So I am very thankful that the school has supported me from the moment I decided to start my own company. Today, the Venture Prize is the icing on the cake for me.”