Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs - Junior (SMP-COSME-2024-EYEJR)

1. Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a cross-border exchange programme which gives new or aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small businesses in other Single Market Programme (SMP) Participating Countries, while giving experienced entrepreneurs access to innovative ideas and new partners and/or markets. 

The general objective of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme is to enhance entrepreneurship, develop the international outlook and competitiveness of European SMEs and foster potential start-up entrepreneurs and newly-established micro and small enterprises in the Participating Countries.

2. EYE Junior call

The purpose of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs - Junior call for proposals is to select Intermediary Organisations (IOs) to implement the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme at local level. They will be responsible for recruiting and matching entrepreneurs with host entrepreneurs and assist them to benefit from the programme. We are looking for experienced and new organisation to become local EYE contact points.

Note: The call is thus not targeted directly at entrepreneurs willing to participate in an EYE exchange. Interested entrepreneurs must contact the selected IOs implementing the programme.

Applicants under this call are requested to thoroughly consult the rules for participation in the call document and, if interested to apply, demonstrate having a very good understanding of the EYE programme rules as stipulated in the Implementation Manual for Intermediary Organisations (Quality Manual) - linked in the Documents below.

3. Objectives

The specific objectives of this call are:

1. To provide on-the-job-training for new entrepreneurs from SMP participating countries with established host entrepreneurs in small and medium-sized enterprises abroad in the participating countries in order to facilitate a successful start-up, and development of their business ideas;
2. To foster sharing of experience and information between entrepreneurs on the obstacles and challenges of starting up and developing their businesses;
3. To enhance market access and identification of potential partners for new and established entrepreneurs in other participating countries.
4. To support networking between entrepreneurs from different participating countries by building on knowledge and experience.
5. To contribute to fostering the creation of sustainable, digital and resilient businesses.

The Intermediary Organisations (IOs) will act as Local Contact Points for the implementation of the programme. They will be required to cooperate with all other organisations and authorities involved in this exchange programme, enabling new and host entrepreneurs to take part in the planned exchange. They will receive support from the Support Office (SO) of the programme, which helps with the coordination and management of the programme across participating countries.

4. Applicants & call budget

Target audience: organisations whose core activities is the support of small businesses and entrepreneurs and who deliver business support services to start-ups or young entrepreneurs.

Available budget: EUR 5 000 000

5. Info session

An online info session, tailored to this call for proposals, was organised on 15 May 2024. 

Recording and presentations are available below:

1. Policy context of the Call - Slides & recording
2. Call requirements - Slides & recording
3. Participant Register (first steps to participate in a call for proposals with eSubmission) - Slides & recording
4. Financial provisions of the Call - Slides & recording
5. Q&A session - recording

6. Documents

Please find below an additional document you need to include in your application:

• Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs - Manual for Intermediary Organisations (Quality Manual) version 9.14, April 2024
• Annex 5 – Additional information Part B (mandatory annex to be submitted)

As additional information, the document below lists all Intermediary Organisations (IOs) that ever participated in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme. This resource can help you find partners and count their years of experience in the programme: 

• List of EYE Intermediary Organisations