Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

The EU exchange programme for new and budding entrepreneurs

The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme is designed to match new entrepreneurs, like you, with host businesses in Europe, giving you the chance to gain experience you could only get from watching an established business in action.

Take this opportunity to learn from an experienced mentor and get the know-how to break into the European market. What’s more, we’ll be here helping you every step of the way.

The programme has already helped many entrepreneurs reach their goals – 73% of new entrepreneurs developed new products and services after completing the programme and 65% increased their turnover after taking part. Could you be next?

What’s involved?
  • One to six months’ experience working with an established small or medium sized business in Europe
  • The chance to learn about overseas markets and best practice within your sector of interest
  • The opportunity for you to make new and potentially long lasting business relationships including international contacts
  • You can strengthen your skills for running a small business such as managing contractor-supplier relationships
  • Receive a grant from a European Commission

The British Library Business & IP Centre is one of the UK local contact points supporting new businesses. Through us you can apply for the programme and we’ll support and facilitate your exchange if you’re successful. 

The Business & IP Centre has a track record of support for small and medium-sized businesses – over 500,000 people have come through our doors for support and to learn how to start and grow a business. In fact, people who start a business with our help are four times more likely to succeed.

The programme runs for a period of one to six months and is funded by the European Commission who offer a grant providing a contribution towards your travel costs and expenses.

If you’re a new entrepreneur and want to apply you must:
  • Be a resident of the EU
  • Have started a business within the last three years or have firm plans to start one
  • Be prepared to cover the costs of your stay abroad exceeding the EU grant.

Apply here

If you’re an established business interested in hosting a new entrepreneur you must be a:
  • Resident of the EU
  • The owner-manager of an established small or medium-sized enterprise or involved in an SME at board level
  • Willing to share your knowledge and experience with a new entrepreneur.

If you want to apply as a host business you can find out more here.