Beira Network — English

ONE LINE
Beira Network is a non-profit business network that connects local and international entrepreneurs in the Beira region of inland Portugal.

SHORT (about 60 words)
Beira Network is a non-profit business network founded in 2024 by Luís Filipe Freire, Arnold ter Horst and Leonardo Hofman. From Vila Pouca da Beira, in Oliveira do Hospital, it brings together local and international companies, professionals and communities to unlock the potential of inland Portugal, through informal networking evenings that combine business, culture and regional products.

LONG (about 150 words)
Beira Network is a non-profit business network dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and development in the rural regions of Portugal. It was founded in 2024 by engineer and business leader Arnold ter Horst, entrepreneur Luís Filipe Freire and Leonardo Hofman, who is active in technology, real estate and the arts.

The network brings together local and international businesses, professionals and communities to unlock the potential of an often overlooked region: attracting investment, exporting local products and creating lasting partnerships. Its informal gatherings, held at landmark venues in Vila Pouca da Beira, Oliveira do Hospital, combine networking with regional wine, food, live music and culture.

Since its first edition in October 2024 the network has connected entrepreneurs from IT, real estate, architecture, tourism, hospitality, agro-industry and the social sector. Beira Network is a member of the Dutch Portuguese Chamber of Commerce (CCPH).

KEY FACTS
Name: Beira Network
Type: Non-profit business network
Founded: 2024
Founders: Luís Filipe Freire, Arnold ter Horst, Leonardo Hofman
Base: Vila Pouca da Beira, Oliveira do Hospital (Coimbra district), Portugal
Region: The Beira region, inland Portugal
Format: Informal networking evenings with regional wine, food, music and culture
Membership: Dutch Portuguese Chamber of Commerce (CCPH)
Languages: Portuguese, English, Dutch, French, Hebrew
Tagline: Unite. Innovate. Thrive.
Website: beiranetwork.pt
Press contact: info@beiranetwork.pt

EDITIONS
- 1st Edition, 20 October 2024, Flag Hotel Convento do Desagravo, Vila Pouca da Beira. Launch of the network, attended by the mayor of Oliveira do Hospital, José Francisco Rolo.
- 2nd Edition, 4 July 2025, Flag Hotel Convento do Desagravo, Vila Pouca da Beira. Dozens of participants from many sectors, a Quinta do Pé Torto wine tasting and the Rui Monteiro Quartet.
- 3rd Edition, 30 October 2026, Casa Gerrit Komrij, Vila Pouca da Beira. With the Fundação Gerrit Komrij: an art exhibition, live music, poetry and the bilingual edition of Lucebert's Apocrief/Apócrifo.

FOUNDERS
- Arnold ter Horst: Seasoned engineer and business leader, member of the Dutch Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, with 40 years of experience in Portuguese culture and commerce.
- Luís Filipe Freire: Executive MBA from London Business School, innovating in healthcare, education and agribusiness with international experience.
- Leonardo Hofman: Active in technology, real estate and the arts, with a passion for cultural impact.

Logos, photos and guidelines: https://beiranetwork.pt/press
