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Corporate Programs

Team Building Through Bread Making

HearthCraft's corporate programs transform the ancient art of bread making into powerful team-building experiences. Unlike conventional team activities that may feel contrived, bread making naturally fosters collaboration, communication, and shared achievement.

Our corporate workshops are specifically designed to balance enjoyable group interaction with meaningful skill development. Participants work together through the entire bread-making process—from mixing and fermenting to shaping and baking—creating tangible results that reflect their collective effort.

Companies choose our workshops for various objectives:

  • Team cohesion - Building connections across departments or integrating new team members
  • Creative problem-solving - Developing adaptability through the responsive nature of bread making
  • Communication enhancement - Practicing clear instruction and feedback through collaborative tasks
  • Unique rewards - Offering memorable experiences to recognize team achievements
  • Stress reduction - Providing a mindful, screen-free activity with therapeutic benefits

From half-day sessions to weekend retreats, our programs can be tailored to your specific team dynamics, time constraints, and development goals. All participants leave with new skills, fresh bread, and strengthened connections with their colleagues.

Business professionals in smart-casual attire participating in a collaborative bread-making workshop

Program Options

Half-Day Introduction

Duration: 4 hours

Capacity: 8-16 participants

Our most time-efficient option introduces teams to fundamental bread-making principles with immediate results. Participants work in pairs to create quick-fermented breads using pre-fermented starters we've prepared in advance.

This condensed format focuses on the most engaging aspects of bread making—dough handling, shaping, and baking—while still delivering the team-building benefits and delicious results. Perfect for busy teams who want a meaningful activity without committing a full day.

Program Highlights:

  • Brief introduction to bread science and fermentation
  • Hands-on dough development in collaborative pairs
  • Creative shaping exercises that encourage problem-solving
  • Baking in our wood-fired ovens with professional guidance
  • Shared tasting and reflection session
  • Take-home bread and basic recipe guide

Full-Day Immersion

Duration: 7 hours (including lunch)

Capacity: 8-16 participants

Our most popular corporate option provides a comprehensive bread-making experience with ample time for team interaction and skill development. Participants experience the complete journey from starter to finished loaf, with dedicated time for team reflection and connection.

This format balances structured learning with creative exploration, allowing teams to develop their own approaches within a supportive framework. The day includes a shared lunch featuring artisanal breads, creating natural opportunities for team bonding.

Program Highlights:

  • Comprehensive introduction to sourdough principles
  • Starter maintenance and levain building
  • Collaborative dough development techniques
  • Team-based problem-solving through fermentation challenges
  • Advanced shaping methods with creative expression
  • Wood-fired baking with temperature management
  • Facilitated discussion connecting bread making to workplace dynamics
  • Artisanal lunch included
  • Take-home bread, starter, and comprehensive guide

Weekend Retreat

Duration: Two full days

Capacity: 8-12 participants

Our premium team development experience extends beyond bread making to create a truly transformative retreat. This two-day program allows teams to engage with multiple bread styles while incorporating structured team-building activities and reflection sessions.

The extended format creates space for deeper connections and more complex bread projects, with overnight fermentation mirroring the value of patience and planning in professional environments. This option can be combined with accommodation arrangements in Galway for traveling teams.

Program Highlights:

  • Multiple bread styles (sourdough, enriched doughs, flatbreads)
  • Advanced fermentation management with overnight techniques
  • Team rotation through specialized roles and responsibilities
  • Competitive and collaborative baking challenges
  • Integration of Irish baking traditions and local ingredients
  • Facilitated team development sessions between baking activities
  • Shared meals featuring the team's creations
  • Comprehensive bread making kit to continue skills development
  • Optional integration with Galway accommodation and activities

On-Site Programs

Duration: Flexible (3-6 hours typical)

Capacity: Up to 24 participants

For companies unable to visit our Galway studio, we offer mobile workshops that bring the bread-making experience to your location. Our instructors arrive with all necessary equipment, ingredients, and portable ovens to transform your meeting room or event space into a temporary bakery.

These programs are specially designed to work within the constraints of non-kitchen environments while still delivering an authentic bread-making experience. The curriculum focuses on techniques that can be accomplished without specialized facilities.

Program Highlights:

  • Fully equipped mobile baking setup brought to your location
  • Adaptable formats for various spaces and time constraints
  • Focus on techniques that translate well to home baking
  • Specialized no-mess approaches for office environments
  • Can accommodate larger groups through rotation stations
  • Option to integrate with existing company events or meetings
  • Available throughout Ireland (travel fees may apply)
  • Take-home bread and materials included

Note: On-site programs require adequate space, tables, access to water, and standard electrical outlets. Our team will conduct a brief site assessment to ensure suitability.

Logistics & Pricing

Group Size

Minimum: 8 participants

Maximum at our studio: 16 participants

Maximum for on-site programs: 24 participants (using rotation stations)

For larger groups, we can arrange multiple sessions or create a customized format with rotating activity stations. Groups larger than our standard maximum require additional instructors and assistants.

Pricing Structure

Corporate programs are priced on a per-person basis with volume discounts for larger groups:

  • Half-Day Introduction: €125 per person
  • Full-Day Immersion: €195 per person
  • Weekend Retreat: €345 per person (excluding accommodation)
  • On-Site Programs: Starting at €145 per person plus travel fees

Volume discounts apply for groups of 12+ participants. All prices are exclusive of VAT. A detailed quote will be provided based on your specific requirements.

Scheduling

Advance booking: We recommend booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for larger groups or weekend programs.

Available days: Corporate programs can be scheduled Tuesday through Sunday. Monday programs are available by special arrangement.

Typical timing:

  • Half-Day: 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm
  • Full-Day: 9am-4pm
  • Weekend: 9am-4pm both days

Custom timing can be arranged to accommodate your team's schedule.

Cancellation Policy

Our corporate cancellation policy reflects the significant preparation required for group programs:

  • 30+ days notice: Full refund of deposit
  • 15-29 days notice: 50% refund of deposit
  • 8-14 days notice: Deposit non-refundable, but can be applied to a rescheduled date within 6 months
  • 7 or fewer days notice: Full payment required

We understand that business priorities can change unexpectedly. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to adjust your booking, and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Booking Process

1

Initial Consultation

Contact us via phone or email to discuss your team's needs, objectives, group size, and potential dates. We'll help you identify which program format would best suit your requirements.

2

Customization Discussion

Once we understand your basic requirements, we'll schedule a more detailed conversation to discuss potential customizations, specific team development goals, and any dietary restrictions or special considerations.

3

Proposal & Quote

We'll provide a detailed written proposal outlining the program structure, timing, inclusions, and pricing. For on-site programs, we may request photos of your space or arrange a site visit to assess suitability.

4

Confirmation & Deposit

Once you're satisfied with the proposal, we'll secure your booking with a 30% deposit and provide a simple contract outlining the agreed terms. The remaining balance is due 14 days before your event.

5

Pre-Event Communication

Two weeks before your program, we'll confirm final participant numbers, collect any dietary information, and provide preparation details for participants. For on-site programs, we'll confirm logistical arrangements.

6

The Bread-Making Experience

On the day of your program, our team will deliver a professionally facilitated bread-making experience tailored to your group's needs. All materials, equipment, and refreshments are provided.

7

Follow-Up

After your event, we'll provide digital copies of any photos taken (with permission), additional resources for participants who wish to continue their bread journey, and request feedback to continuously improve our programs.

To begin planning your corporate bread-making experience, please contact our Corporate Programs Coordinator:

Ready to Plan Your Team Building Event?

Contact our Corporate Programs Coordinator to discuss how a bread-making workshop can strengthen your team while providing a memorable, hands-on experience.

Request Corporate Program