Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs was initiated by the European Union in 2009 and is essentially a business exchange programme for entrepreneurs. The program was created in order to provide aspiring European entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to start and/or successfully run a small business.
In short, in the context of the particular exchange program, New Entrepreneurs from all over Europe travel to other EU countries with the aim of gaining knowledge and business ideas by collaborating with experienced entrepreneurs. The exchange lasts from 1 to 6 months and is decided upon by the participating entrepreneurs. It is highly important to remember that the exchange has no financial cost for Host Entrepreneurs – it is partly funded by the EU, meaning that the New Entrepreneur receives a monthly amount for daily expenses and accommodation depending on the hosted country.
Who can participate in the programme?”
> ‘New Entrepreneur’ is someone who is planning to start or has recently (during the last 3 years) started their own company. The business can be in any sector of the market. When applying to join the programme, New Entrepreneurs must present a viable business idea in the form of a short business plan.
> ‘Host Entrepreneur’ is an experienced businessman or businesswoman (with more than three years of entrepreneurial experience). They can be the owner of a micro or small enterprise (SME) in the European Union or someone who is directly involved in entrepreneurship at SME board level. Host Entrepreneurs must be willing to cooperate with new entrepreneurs towards the development of their entrepreneurial skills and know-how.
New and Host Entrepreneurs must be a permanent residents in one of the countries that participate in the programme.
“I am interested in joining the programme. How do I apply?”
If you are interested in joining the programme as a New or Host Entrepreneur, just get in touch with an EYE contact point in your country. Our job as a contact point is to guide applicants through the application process, help New Entrepreneurs with the writing of their business plan and offer support before, during and after the exchange. We can also help match New and Host Entrepreneurs with appropriate partners from other countries using the EYE online platform.
You can find more information on the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme website
You can read the complete programme guide here
Send us your email today at entrepreneurs@citizensinpower.org to take part in this great opportunity!
