Behind successful businesses lie knowledge, experience and connections – Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs helps you gain all three.
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a European entrepreneurship exchange programme that offers aspiring and new entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain practical experience alongside an experienced entrepreneur operating in another participating country. The programme is not an internship or job opportunity, but a professional collaboration between two entrepreneurs. The new entrepreneur can learn in a real business environment, while the host entrepreneur can benefit from new ideas, international contacts and a fresh perspective. The duration of the exchange can range from 1 to 6 months. Participation is free of charge, and the European Commission provides financial support to help new entrepreneurs with their stay abroad.
Type
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs
Subject area
Local development, economy and culture
The role of KDRIÜ
CONTACT PERSON
lead project coordinator
The programme connects two entrepreneurs in a practical, cross-border professional cooperation.
A European entrepreneurial exchange programme that connects new entrepreneurs with experienced European entrepreneurs. Participants work together in a real business environment while gaining knowledge, connections and a fresh perspective.
For startup entrepreneurs who
For contractors who
For startup entrepreneurs
✔ practical entrepreneurial experience
✔ mentoring
✔ international business relations
market knowledge
development of entrepreneurial skills
✔ financial support for stay abroad
For contractors
✔ new ideas and a fresh perspective
international networking
✔ potential long-term business collaborations
✔ gaining an understanding of the market experiences of other countries
✔ motivated collaborative partners
The programme creates value for both start-up and experienced entrepreneurs, but in different roles and with different benefits.
For those who want to start a business with a sound business idea, or have been operating their business for up to three years.
For experienced small and medium-sized enterprise owners and leaders who would gladly mentor a foreign start-up entrepreneur.
As a local contact organisation, KDRIÜ supports participants from application to the conclusion of the cooperation.
The applicant registers for the programme, creates their entrepreneur profile, and provides the professional information required for the cooperation. New entrepreneurs also submit a business plan, while host entrepreneurs present their business and the areas in which they can transfer experience.
Local contact organisations provide support in finding the right partner. The aim is for the professional interests, experience and development goals of the new entrepreneur and the host entrepreneur to be as closely matched as possible.
The participants jointly determine the objectives of the cooperation, the planned activities, the duration of the exchange and the professional outcomes to be achieved.
The new entrepreneur spends 1 to 6 months at the host enterprise, where they actively participate in day-to-day business activities and gain practical experience. The host entrepreneur mentors their counterpart and shares their professional expertise, while also enriching themselves with new ideas, international contacts and a different market perspective.
Following the conclusion of the exchange programme, participants often stay in touch. The collaboration can give rise to long-term business relationships, joint projects, international partnerships or even new market opportunities.
When starting a business, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of practical experience. Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs bridges this gap by providing learning opportunities in a real business environment, while helping to build international networks and foster business development.
The programme delivers real added value for both parties. Host entrepreneurs also benefit from the collaboration, gaining new perspectives, business experience from other countries, and long-term, useful international connections.
As a member of the Columbus10 consortium, KDRIÜ is one of Hungary's official local contact organisations.
We offer assistance:
The duration of the international cooperation can be 1–6 months.
Yes. The European Commission supports the stay abroad of start-up entrepreneurs with grants that vary by country. The exact amount and conditions depend on the chosen destination country and the current rules of the programme.
to one of the European countries participating in the programme, based on an agreement with the host enterprise.
Not necessarily. Those about to start a business can also apply, provided they have a well-founded business concept.
Yes. Experienced Hungarian SME owners or managers can also join as host entrepreneurs.
No. The programme supports professional experience exchanges between two independent contractors; it is not a job placement service nor a traditional internship.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced entrepreneur, it is worth joining. Get in touch with our local contact person, and we will help you navigate the application and partner-search process.
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