The programme and its benefits
The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) program encourages entrepreneurship through cross-border business exchanges, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the opportunity to learn from experienced business owners across participating countries.
This diverse participation promotes international cooperation, allowing entrepreneurs to grow both personally and professionally. Overall the program contributes to a more vibrant, interconnected entrepreneurial community across Europe and beyond, helping to cultivate the next generation of successful entrepreneurs.
How it works
The program allows new entrepreneurs to gain hands-on experience by spending time with a host entrepreneur. This exchange enables them to acquire practical skills and insights into the daily operations of running a small business. By learning from seasoned entrepreneurs, participants develop essential capabilities that can help them succeed in their own ventures.
Host entrepreneurs also benefit from the program, as they gain fresh perspectives and ideas for improving their business practices. Additionally, they have the chance to collaborate with international partners, which can open doors to new markets and business opportunities. The exchange offers valuable insights into how businesses operate in different cultural and economic contexts.
Who can participate in this scheme?
EYE is open to aspiring new entrepreneurs residing in any EU member state, as well as in countries participating in the SMP (Single Market Programme).
Host entrepreneurs must be in residence in any EU member state, SMP or non-SMP country participating in the programme which now includes the UK.
See a full list of participating countries here
The British Chamber of Commerce has expressed a willingness to collaborate with the British-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce supporting activities necessary to match non-SMP host entrepreneurs with European new entrepreneurs and contribute to the wide promotion of the EYE program. The BCC is particularly interested in in a focus on sustainable/green and digital business models while ensuring a gender balanced representation of involved participants.
- Since its launch by the European Union in 2009, 12,839 exchanges have been established across the EU Member States and additional participating countries of which 11,962 are completed.
- Spain leads as the most sought-after destination hosting 2,585 exchanges, followed by Italy with 1,519 exchanges.
- The top country where new entrepreneurs predominantly come from is Italy with 2,561
- From 1st February 2025 non-SMP Countries Canada, UK, USA and Singapore have joined EYE