Are you thinking of starting your own business, or have you recently done so?

Are you already running a successful business and would like to expand it to new markets, or get fresh ideas?

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is for you!

What is it ?

The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme is a unique cross-border business mentorship initiative funded by the European Union. It is designed to help aspiring or newly established entrepreneurs acquire the skills and experience needed to successfully start or manage a small business in Europe. Through the programme, these “New Entrepreneurs” are matched with experienced “Host Entrepreneurs” who run small or medium-sized enterprises in another participating country. The exchange, which typically lasts from one to six months, offers the new entrepreneur an opportunity to learn directly from someone who has navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship.

 

What makes the programme especially impactful is its mutual benefit. While New Entrepreneurs gain practical insights, improve their business knowledge, and build their confidence, Host Entrepreneurs benefit from fresh perspectives, new ideas, and access to international markets. The collaboration often leads to long-term partnerships, joint ventures, and a wider professional network for both parties. For women, in particular, the programme offers a supportive environment to develop entrepreneurial skills, overcome barriers, and connect with inspiring mentors across Europe. By encouraging the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and cultural understanding, Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs contributes to the development of a more dynamic and inclusive European business landscape. 

Who can participate?

New entrepreneurs, firmly planning to set up their own business or have already started one within the last three years


Experienced entrepreneurs who own or manage a Small or Medium-Sized Enterprise in one of the Participating Countries.

Benefits of New Entrepreneurs

Benefits of Host Entrepreneurs

Up to six months learning abroad with a successful and experienced entrepreneur in another participating country, in order to gain the relevant start-up and SME management knowledge in various areas (e.g. financial and operational management, development of innovative products and services, sales and marketing practices, and effective planning);

 

Refinement of business ideas/plans;

 

Unique opportunity to improve their entrepreneurial experience through work on practical, concrete projects;

 

Broadening network of contacts and becoming part of a dynamic pan-European business network of successful entrepreneurs;

 

Gaining knowledge about foreign markets and facilitate access to them;

 

Gaining insights into a different cultural and organizational setting/workplace and understanding how a company operates in another participating country;

 

Possibility of finding out about: European commercial law and the single European market, European standardisation,

European support for SMEs.

 

Improvement of language skills

 

Participation in Alumni Network

Work with an energetic and motivated new entrepreneur who will contribute with innovative views, new skills and knowledge to the host entrepreneur’s business;


Learn about foreign markets, expand business opportunities and engage in cross-border activities;


Interact with businessmen and women from other European countries and become part of a dynamic European business network of successful entrepreneurs;


Improve the growth potential of the company by establishing a business partnership with a new entrepreneur from another European country;


Benefit from the assistance of professional intermediary organisations, which help you to search for a suitable business partner for the exchange;


Option to use of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs labels and certificate attesting your participation in the programme;


Increase the visibility and prestige of your business (e.g. via interviews with the media);

Improvement of language skills

 

Participation in Alumni Network

I am interested to take advantage of this European business mentorship program

Erasmus For Young Entrepreneurs - EYE

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