How to Participate in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) Programme

The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) programme is a cross-border exchange scheme designed to help new and aspiring entrepreneurs acquire the skills needed to successfully launch and grow a business. By connecting new entrepreneurs with experienced business owners in another participating country, EYE creates an environment for practical learning, collaboration, and real entrepreneurial development.

Open to individuals across 45 participating countries, the programme is free to join and provides flexible exchange opportunities lasting from 1 to 6 months, with the possibility of spreading the stay across several intervals. Whether you are preparing to start a business or already running one, EYE offers a structured path to learn, collaborate, and strengthen your ideas through hands-on experience.

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Who Can Participate in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

Both new entrepreneurs and experienced entrepreneurs (hosts) can join:

• New Entrepreneurs: individuals planning to start a business or who have started one within the last three years.

• Host Entrepreneurs: experienced founders or business owners who have been running their enterprise for more than three years.

To participate, applicants must apply through the official IT Tool and select a local contact point—usually an organisation in their country of residence—which guides them through the entire process.

If your country does not have an active local contact point, you may choose one located in any other participating European country. Importantly, no organisation is allowed to charge fees for application or participation.

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Why Choose a Local Contact Point?

Your local contact point acts as your mentor throughout the journey. It:

• Guides you through the application

• Helps match you with an entrepreneur

• Assists with agreements, quality checks, and administrative steps

• Supports you before, during, and after the exchange

Applicants can view the full list of active contact points on the programme’s website.

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Matching With an Entrepreneur

Once accepted into the programme, you can browse the online entrepreneur catalogue, which includes all valid applications. With support from your contact point, you can search for a suitable match abroad.

There are two matching options:

1. Propose someone you already know — If you are already in touch with a potential host or new entrepreneur, you may suggest them.

2. Find a match through the online catalogue — You can explore profiles of entrepreneurs across participating countries.

Matches must comply with programme eligibility rules. Exchanges that resemble simple internships or work placements are not eligible; the scheme is strictly for entrepreneurial collaboration.

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Step-by-Step: How to Participate

1. Prepare Your Documents

Before applying, prepare the required documents:

• CV

• Motivation statement

• Business plan (for new entrepreneurs only)

2. Register Online

Submit your application through the official online registration form, along with the required documents.

3. Find a Suitable Match

Work with your local contact point to either propose your own entrepreneur or search for one in the online catalogue.

4. Agree on a Work & Learning Project

Together with your match, define:

• Exchange dates

• Objectives

• Activities

• Expected outcomes

These details must be approved by your contact point.

5. Sign the Commitment to Quality

Both parties and the contact point sign a Commitment to Quality digitally. New entrepreneurs must also sign a financial agreement, which defines the grant support and payment schedule.

6. Begin Your Exchange Abroad

Your stay abroad can last anything between 1 to 6 months, with the option to split it into weekly segments as long as the total duration does not exceed 12 months.

7. Receive Financial Support

New entrepreneurs receive financial assistance in multiple payments, as outlined in their financial agreement.

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Further Assistance

For any queries, candidates can reach out to the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Support Office:
Contact Number: +32 2 282 08 73
Email ID: support@erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu

To know more about such opportunities, click here.