Today, we will introduce a European mobility scheme for entrepreneurs, called Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, initiated by the European Commission in 2009.

The programme aims to offer opportunities to aspiring or newly established entrepreneurs to go abroad within Europe to develop their entrepreneurial competencies in running a small business with an experienced entrepreneur, for a period of time that ranges from one to six months. Furthermore, it seeks to reinforce entrepreneurial attitudes and equips individuals with skills and competencies invaluable for their future or newly established business.

What are the benefits?

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a win-win deal for both new and host entrepreneurs.

New entrepreneurs will benefit from on-the-job training in a host company abroad to develop their entrepreneurial skills and gain business knowledge and experience in managing a small business from their direct collaboration with the host entrepreneur.

Host entrepreneurs will benefit from innovative ideas from a motivated new entrepreneur. Moreover, this opportunity may also lead to other benefits such as the internationalisation of the business, access to new markets and possibilities for collaboration with new business partners.

Who can participate?

New entrepreneurs and host entrepreneurs from the 27 EU Member States, UK and the COSME countries- North Macedonia, Iceland, Montenegro, Turkey, Albania, Serbia, Moldova, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, Ukraine and Kosovo*, as well as entrepreneurs from the outermost regions and overseas countries and territories (OCTs). Participation is not based on nationality so third-country nationals can participate, providing that they fulfil the geographic eligibility criteria for aspiring entrepreneurs or have registered a business in one of the participating countries.

 New entrepreneurs are defined as:

➢ Would-be entrepreneurs, who are firmly planning to start their own business based on a concrete project reflected in a substantiated business plan;
➢ Newly established entrepreneurs in the early stages of their business startup (less than 3 years of experience in running a business);
➢ Whether planned or already existing, the business can be in any sector.

 Host entrepreneurs are defined as:

➢Successful and experienced entrepreneurs (owner-managers) with at least 3 years of experience in running a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME);
➢ Owners of an SME (according to the EU definition of SMEs) or people directly involved in entrepreneurship at the SME management board level.

There is no age limit for participating in the programme, as participation is based on the number of years of entrepreneurial experience and not the age of the entrepreneur.

 How can I participate?

New and Experienced Entrepreneurs who are willing to take part in the entrepreneurs exchange programme must apply online via the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs and choose the local contact point in their country. However, it is strongly recommended to reach out to your local contact point before submitting your application in order to receive their support with the application process.

If you have a business idea and you would like to develop it with an experienced Italian entrepreneur contact CSCS. Indeed, from 2009, CSCS is a Lead Intermediary Organisation of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Programme and was pointed out as the most active performer at the decades of the EYE celebration.

Don’t wait any longer! Register now and contact us to get ready for your entrepreneurial exchange!