• by Larissa Faw , May 1, 2015

Horizon Media has kicked off a new program, Dunes of Dreams, that is designed to encourage the agency’s employees to think like entrepreneurs, come up with new inventions and become business owners themselves.

And perhaps most importantly, help the agency solve problems.

"Invention needs to live in every corner of Horizon and become a way of life for all those working here," says Bill Koenigsberg, president, CEO and Founder of Horizon Media, who along with the company is funding the new program.

Staffers have to be accepted into the program. Dunes of Dreams will take place two times a year, in the spring and fall. The first event kicked off today. Business ideas currently being considered are inventions spanning mobile apps to internal programs to products and technologies, among others.

According to the agency, it’s looking to partner with employees on ideas that solve problems, are unique and flexible, provide ROI and align with Horizon’s values. 

A selection process narrows the field of proposals to six finalists. Winners are invited to enter the agency’s incubator program, a four-month program that includes internal and external mentorship and a speaker series, as well as Horizon’s support of each invention.

It is not entirely a free ride. Horizon does maintain equity in these ventures. 

The program is part of Invent@horizon initiative, which is designed to encourage Horizon employees to create, shape and evolve Horizon as the agency of the future.

"By tapping into the entirety of our assets and human capital, we develop new and inspiring offerings, solutions, services, products or processes which generate significant value for Horizon and our partners," the agency stated.