Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

Deadline: 31 December 2021

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is the European exchange programme for entrepreneurs and a cross-border exchange programme which gives new or aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small businesses in other participating Countries.

The exchange of experience takes place during a stay with the experienced entrepreneur, which helps the new entrepreneur acquire the skills needed to run a small firm. The host benefits from fresh perspectives on his/her business and gets the opportunities to cooperate with foreign partners or learn about new markets.

Eligibility

New Entrepreneurs (NEs)

NEs are defined as entrepreneurs in the early stages. This includes both nascent (i.e. “would-be”) entrepreneurs, who are firmly planning to start their own business based on a viable business plan, and entrepreneurs who have recently started their own business (i.e. been in operation for not more than three years). Whether planned or already existing, the business can be in any sector. NEs should be interested in contributing to the development of the HE’s business and making available their own business skills, as well as gaining useful know-how for their own business. NEs must demonstrate a sound educational and vocational background and a viable business idea. NEs should also demonstrate vision, commitment, initiative and creativity. An NE candidate for the programme should also be able and willing to raise additional funds to cover the costs of the stay that exceed the EU’s grant.

Host Entrepreneurs (HEs)

Host entrepreneurs are successful and experienced entrepreneurs (ideally owners of a micro or small enterprise) or individuals directly involved in entrepreneurship at SME board level with more than 3 years of entrepreneurial experience (not employee), applying the EU definition of micro, small or medium-sized 3 enterprise . HEs want to share their entrepreneurial experience and to benefit from the concrete contribution which an NE from another country will make to their business. HEs must be committed to work with the NE towards developing his/her entrepreneurial skills and know-how.

Selection Process

The process to identify, validate, implement and evaluate the exchanges between new and host entrepreneurs comprises the four following phases:

Application phase

Interested NEs and HEs apply on-line and select an Intermediary Organisation (IO) (see 4.3 below). The IO responsible assesses the application and give feedback to the application about their eligibility/acceptance in the programme.

Matching phase

Once accepted, the NEs and HEs will have access to the online catalogue where they can view all the profiles and start a match. Alternatively, IO can facilitate contacts between the accepted entrepreneurs and propose a match between them.

Contracting and preparation phase

Once the match is accepted by both the NE and the HE, a commitment (activity plan) is prepared with the help of their IOs .This activity plan is an online document which includes the objectives and expectations for the exchange, the business/work/learning plan, tasks, responsibilities, , legal implications is signed all parties (NE, HE, IOs). The NE signs a financial agreement with his/her IO which stipulates the conditions of the financial assistance.

Implementation phase

NEs and HEs complete the stay abroad – in accordance with the objectives set in the commitment – in one or more phases and report on them. The IOs responsible monitor the value of the activity and evaluate the results.

Before travelling abroad, the NEs receive an induction training by their IO.

After the exchange is completed, the NE and the HE complete an online feedback questionnaire to give feedback on their collaboration.

Note that completing the online feedback questionnaire is compulsory. Furthermore, new entrepreneurs can only participate once in the programme.
 
To Apply: Click here

Official Website: Click here