Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

Are you a young person with the goal of improving your start-up, or do you have a new project in mind and don't know where to start?

Then it's time for you to take advantage of this Erasmus project, a unique entrepreneurial programme to be discovered!

First of all, what is Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs?

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is an Erasmus programme created for any entrepreneur or aspiring entrepreneur who wants to open a company and doesn't know how to do it.

It has been helping students since 2009 and it's a programme that facilitates the exchange of entrepreneurial skills and abilities between those who want to become entrepreneurs and those who already are, all in a foreign country, of course. Specifically, the candidate finds a foreign company in line with their sector and objectives and moves to another country for a period of between one and six months. During this time, they will be able to exchange information and acquire knowledge in close contact with a foreign entrepreneur who is successful in their career field.

The number of countries involved is 45 and the aim is to make the small and medium-sized enterprises of those taking part internationally known and to push them towards innovation.

Who can participate?

You can participate as a young entrepreneur (who has had a company for less than 3 years) or as an aspiring entrepreneur, as well as an established entrepreneur with your own successful business.

There are several advantages in participating in Erasmus Young Entrepreneurs:

If you have been an entrepreneur for less than 3 years or you are an aspiring entrepreneur

If you are a young entrepreneur, by participating in Erasmus you will be able to:

• Improve your ability to run a small business
• Acquire relevant skills and knowledge
• Gain practical experience
• Create a network of knowledge useful for your professional future

If you are a host entrepreneur

If you have been managing a small-medium enterprise for more than 3 years, through this project you will be able to:

• Get new ideas and different points of view
• Get to know a new culture
• Obtain international cooperation opportunities

Requirements for those who want to participate in Erasmus Young Enterpreneurs

If you are a new or aspiring entrepreneur, simply go to the official page and apply. There are no age limits nor specific sectors... whatever your dream is, Erasmus welcomes you! Obviously, it is important to have a clear business idea in mind, which at the time of application will have to be reflected in a brilliant business plan perfect to convince anyone to accept you.

In addition, as a basic requirement, your country must belong to the list of countries participating in the programme.

If you already have a company and want to participate as a new entrepreneur, you should take into account that you cannot be an entrepreneur for more than 3 years. As in the first case, there are no age or sector limits.

On the other hand, if you have the desire to be a host entrepreneur and welcome an aspiring foreign manager to your country, then you will have to have been the manager of a successful micro, small or medium-sized enterprise for at least 3 years.

How to apply for Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

Go to the official programme page. Once there, you will have to click on "submit your application" and then "apply now". Then you just have to follow the instructions: by clicking on "Start a new application" you will access the dedicated page of the European Commission.

Once inside the Commission page, you can select your profile (new or host entrepreneur) and continue with the application. Remember that you can participate as a young entrepreneur (new) only once.

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you will have to fill in 7 different sections, let's see them below:

1. Your profile: with all your personal details.
2. Motivation: you will have to write an Erasmus motivation letter.
3. Languages: you will have to specify the languages you know.
4. Field of activity: you will be able to choose one or more fields that interest you.
5. Geographical preferences: where you will be able to choose the destination of your Erasmus, making a distinction between your favourite and others that you like.
6. Duration and period of the exchange: from 1 to 6 months, with the possibility to select month and year of the beginning of the project.
7. IO selection and sending

Before sending, you will have to choose a contact person in your country (IO), who will have access to the information you have entered in your application. This contact will be your guide throughout the programme and will help you if you need it. A list and map of all available IOs in your country will appear (those that are not available, due to funding or time frame, will not be eligible and will be shown in grey).

If you want to be a Host Entrepreneur, the process is pretty much the same.

PS: In the case of Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs preparing a CV, motivation letter and business plan is very important to impress the host company.

Read these tips to prepare the perfect Erasmus motivational letter and pack your bags! Go to the official page and follow the steps to apply for Erasmus and get funding for young entrepreneurs!

Personalised assistance

Accommodation for rent

If we have convinced you to participate in the Erasmus and you need help to find a flat, then we can help you! On Erasmusu you can find the offer you were looking for, including rooms, flats, residences and much more!

Erasmusu Education

On the other hand, if the idea of being a young entrepreneur is not for you but you still want to gain experience abroad, then you can take a look at our new platform for courses abroad: Erasmusu Education! Choose a country and a language course and get ready for a new adventure!

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