Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) is a cross-border exchange programme which provides new or aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs who operate small businesses in other participating countries.
The Innovation Office (AFO) participated in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme between 2010 and 2015. During that time, AFO provided funding to enable ten young entrepreneurs to go abroad. It also served as a contact point for 53 German hosts who had started their enterprises many years ago and were available as mentors for incoming young entrepreneurs from EU partner countries.
During their visit abroad with experienced entrepreneurs, participants gain expertise and skills required to operate their own firm someday.
The hosts benefit from the fresh business perspectives which these young entrepreneurs bring with them, and have the opportunity to cooperate with foreign partners or learn about new markets. The stay is partially funded by the European Union

• Contents

  • Some succes stories from AFO Young Entrepeneurs
  • Markus Schacht
  • Monère Renoir Wanner
  • Inga Rosenthal
  • Why should I participate in Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs?
  • Who can participate?
  • What does the programme offer me?

Some succes stories from AFO Young Entrepeneurs

In the following you will find selected project participants as examples.

Markus Schacht founded a Company for Metalproducts and Metaldesign. Just have a look at: masunt [en]

Since September 2013, MONERE RENOIR WANNER has been offering consulting sessions and seminars at its company Monère Wanner Image Consultancy to optimise your personal and business appearance. In order to try out management approaches for her still very young company and expand her network, Monère Wanner decided to participate in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme. With Diversity Leadership & Consulting from Austria, a suitable partner company was quickly found. Monère Wanner set off for Vienna in January 2014 to learn from the successful entrepreneur Beatrice Achaleke. The exchange of experiences was very rewarding for the two entrepreneurs, so that both could successfully advance their company with fresh ideas.

“In my opinion I learned very well what it takes to be an entrepreneur and what is necessary to start my own business. I am leaving this program with a big network, the experience of workshop development, the medical and clinical trial scene, its participants and a plan for the future. I like the idea of heaving my own business in the future. I have developed a draft of my own workshop about team dynamics which I want to develop a bit more in detail and execute it in the nearest future. On a scale from 0- 10 (10=best) I would give my personal exchange an 8 and I am very proud that I agreed to this challenge half a year ago.”

Why should I participate in Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs?

Entrepreneurship is essential for economic growth and job creation. Many founders of small and medium-sized enterprises lack management experience and essential core competencies. This, together with the fact that the vast majority of small and medium-sized enterprises operate in only one country, restricts growth. The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme helps new entrepreneurs to acquire relevant skills and take action at European level.

This EU programme

•     offers new entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn from an experienced entrepreneur who runs a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in another EU country
•     enables the exchange of experience between new and experienced entrepreneurs
•     facilitates access to new markets and the search for potential business partners
•     strengthens the networking of business people and small and medium-sized enterprises
•     enables experienced entrepreneurs to make new business contacts and learn more about business opportunities in another EU country.

In this way, the programme promotes entrepreneurship, competitiveness, internationalisation and growth of start-ups and existing small and medium-sized enterprises in the EU. The programme also contributes to the transfer of knowledge and the development of management skills of managers of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Who can participate?

The project is aimed at both new and experienced entrepreneurs. In general, a permanent residence in an EU member state is a prerequisite. New entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs who are planning to set up their own business or who have already set up their own business within the last three years. A convincing business plan, a CV and the motivation and willingness to participate in the programme pave the way for successful participation in EYE.

Experienced entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs who have owned or run a business in the EU for more than three years.

What does the programme offer me?

The programme offers young entrepreneurs the opportunity to work for up to six months in the SME of an experienced entrepreneur in another EU Member State. The new entrepreneur will acquire knowledge about the creation and management of SMEs from the experienced host entrepreneur. First-hand advice and a wealth of practical experience will help you to set up or continue your business successfully.

You also have the chance,

•     to establish international contacts
•     get to know the markets and economic life in other EU countries
•     Strengthen your industry-specific skills
•     get to know successful business people
•     Discover cooperation opportunities
•     to receive a grant from a European Union programme

Host entrepreneurs

You want to win other European markets for yourself and are looking for a first contact? A new entrepreneur may not only be a future business partner, but can also give you helpful tips on opening up a foreign market. Young entrepreneurs also bring a breath of fresh air and new ideas into your company. You will have the opportunity to pass on your valuable knowledge and experience and thus make it easier for a young entrepreneur to take the leap into self-employment.

You also have the chance,

•     to establish international contacts
•     work with a serious, highly motivated young entrepreneur with new ideas on concrete projects
•     learn more about foreign markets
•     find innovative solutions for new business opportunities
•     discover new opportunities for cooperation
•     expand your business activities into another country