The european exchange programme for entrepreneurs

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is an exchange programme launched by the European Commission 11 years ago, which allows new or aspiring entrepreneurs to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small businesses in other European countries participating in the programme.

The exchange takes place through a stay with the experienced entrepreneur that can vary from 2 to 6 months, during which the new entrepreneur acquires the necessary skills to start up and run a small business. The host acts as a mentor and benefits greatly from this activity, especially as the exchange sets in motion an effective creative process and brings innovation and new visions. In addition, thanks to the programme, many mentors are able to set up partnerships with the young entrepreneurs’ home countries.

In this online infographic we have summarised the most important information about the programme to guide aspiring entrepreneurs and mentors to start an exchange, even now.

To join the programme is very simple: just register on the online platform and apply as an aspiring entrepreneur (attaching a draft of your business plan) or as a host entrepreneur.

Thanks to this programme, host entrepreneurs put themselves in the shoes of mentors: this starts a path of professional and personal growth that generates new projects. So far there have been more than 10,000 exchanges, in 45 countries (EU and non-EU), especially in the cultural and creative sectors, such as promotion & media, education services, architecture and construction, ICT, tourism.

More than 40% of the aspiring new entrepreneur participants have created their own business; more than 55% of Host Entrepreneurs surveyed increased their turnover after participating in the programme.

If you are looking for new motivations, if you want to share your knowledge and expertise or if you want to meet visionary, creative and ambitious people, we suggest you join the programme.