What is Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs about?

This EU programme

• offers new entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn from an experienced entrepreneur who is running a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in another EU country,

• enables the exchange of experience between new and experienced entrepreneurs,

• facilitates access to new markets and the search for potential business partners,

• enhances networking between business people and between SMEs,

• allows experienced entrepreneurs to develop new commercial relations and fi nd out more about opportunities in another EU country.

What is the purpose of the programme?

The programme stimulates entrepreneurship, competitiveness, internationalisation and growth of start-ups and established SMEs in the EU. The programme contributes to the transfer of know-how and building of management skills essential for the running of an SME.    

Who can participate?

New entrepreneurs and experienced entrepreneurs.  Someone who is firmly planning to set up his or her own business or has already started a business within the last three years is considered a new entrepreneur.  Experienced entrepreneurs should own or manage an SME in the EU.

 Why do we need this programme?

Entrepreneurship is essential for economic growth and job creation.  Many founders of SMEs lack management experience and key skills. This, coupled with the fact that the vast majority of SMEs operate in only one country, restricts growth.  Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs will help new entrepreneurs to acquire relevant skills and have a greater European outreach.

How does the programme work?

New entrepreneurs travel to another EU country and spend time working with an experienced entrepreneur in his or her SME. The matching of the new entrepreneurs with the host entrepreneurs is carried out with the help of intermediary organisations.

What does the programme offer?

It offers new entrepreneurs the possibility to work for up to 6 months with an experienced entrepreneur in his/her SME in another EU country.  The new entrepreneur will gain relevant start-up and SME management knowledge from the experienced host entrepreneur about the following areas:

• Critical success factors,

• Effective planning,

• Financial and operational management,

• Development of innovative products & services,

• Successful sales and marketing practices.

New entrepreneurs will also have the possibility to find out about:

• European commercial law and the single European market,

• European standardisation,

• European support for SMEs.