Unlike other Erasmus initiatives limited to those under 30, the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program has no age restriction. It offers a practical pathway to professional growth: the chance to explore new business cultures, gain vital skills, and expand your international network. You don't need years of experience to apply. What matters is a clear business idea, determination, and a strong desire to learn. In this article, Enrico, a young ambassador who benefited from the program, gives you insight into the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs initiative.
How does Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs work?
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a European exchange program that supports new or aspiring entrepreneurs in gaining hands-on experience in business management. The program facilitates collaboration with established small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the European Union. During the exchange, participants work alongside experienced entrepreneurs, learning directly from them and acquiring practical insights into running a business. This experience helps participants strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and build confidence in launching their own ventures.
The exchange is mutually beneficial. Host entrepreneurs gain fresh ideas, alternative perspectives, and the energy of a motivated newcomer—often leading to long-term partnerships. By fostering international collaboration, the program equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to start and grow their businesses while also helping them build a strong, EU-wide professional network.
Who can participate?
The programme is open to individuals who are either in the early stages of launching their business or have already started one within the past three years. It's designed to connect these emerging entrepreneurs with experienced business owners across Europe, offering a valuable learning opportunity through mentorship.
During the exchange, the host entrepreneur provides guidance and support—sharing insights into business development, market expansion, and growth strategies tailored to real-world conditions.
To join the program, your first step is to contact an intermediary organization in your home country. These organizations are responsible for managing EU funding, helping with the application process, coordinating placements abroad, and handling all the administrative details.
Following my experience with Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, I actively promote the program and work closely with several agencies that support candidates from start to finish.
Ongoing support throughout the journey
Participants receive support at every stage—before departure, during the exchange, and even after they return. There's no reason to feel overwhelmed—you're never alone.
To apply, you'll need to provide a few key documents:
- a CV;
- a motivation letter;
- a business plan in English.
The business plan doesn't need to be perfect, but it should show that your project has a solid foundation. No degree or previous experience is required.
Costs and financial coverage
The amount of financial support depends on the host country. Participants receive a monthly grant that usually covers basic living costs—but it's a good idea to plan for extra expenses with your own budget.
When I was in Lisbon, for example, I received €700 a month. That was enough to pay my rent, though I occasionally had to dip into my savings for other needs.
One thing to keep in mind is that this program isn't about making money. It's about building skills, developing your project, growing your network, and moving forward with your entrepreneurial goals—something few university programs offer in such a practical and hands-on way.
My experience as a “temporary citizen” and aspiring entrepreneur
I've always had my own way of traveling—settling into unfamiliar cities without expectations and diving in completely. That was exactly what happened when I moved to Lisbon, just like in every other country I've called home.
When I arrived in Portugal, I knew very little about the country. But thanks to the program, I got to work alongside a Portuguese entrepreneur.
For four months, I worked as a web designer in an art gallery and bookstore while developing EasyWeb-Solution, a web agency I co-founded with two partners in northern Friuli Venezia Giulia.
At the same time, I launched a YouTube channel for people interested in moving abroad. I shared informative videos, interviews with fellow expats, and content about study, volunteering, and work opportunities worldwide.
Gaining strength and learning
One of my main goals was to work on a personal weakness: creating a strong business plan. With my mentor's support, I not only improved that skill but also developed a clear strategy to boost the visibility of my business and services.
Experiencing the differences between Portuguese and Italian entrepreneurial cultures left a lasting impression—and it still shapes how I approach things today.
Free time, networking, and travel
With a bit of planning, I managed to make time for both networking and exploring Portugal.
I met American, European, and Portuguese digital nomads who had made Lisbon their home, and I discovered a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and creatives.
Cultural immersion
Taking part in Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs feels a bit like becoming a “temporary citizen” of another country. It's not just about sightseeing or tasting local food—it's about living day to day, understanding how people interact, and forming meaningful, lasting connections. It's a rich, authentic experience that leaves a lasting impression.
A sustainable program
The program also encourages mindful, sustainable travel. In a world that's becoming more aware of environmental challenges, Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs promotes eco-friendly options like train travel, cycling, and other low-impact ways of getting around.
Supporting local SMEs helps strengthen local economies and fosters responsible tourism, which is good for the planet and enriching for personal growth.
Networking and professional growth
It's not just the program's structure that helps you grow—it's the people you meet along the way.
Through Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, I became part of an international network full of diverse experiences, perspectives, and skills.
Working alongside professionals from across Europe opens your mind to new ways of doing business—often in ways you wouldn't expect.
It's also an opportunity to:
- practice new languages;
- experience different work cultures;
- and embrace more agile, creative, and innovative approaches to entrepreneurship.
You gain more than just technical skills—you build mental flexibility and a global outlook on what it means to be an entrepreneur.
What if your journey starts here?
More and more people—young and not-so-young—are looking to change their professional path: to leave an unfulfilling job, start fresh, or finally bring a startup idea to life.
If you feel that pull for change—whether you're just getting started or ready to test your vision—this European program could be the springboard you need.
It offers authentic, hands-on experience abroad alongside seasoned professionals who are there to guide you.
But Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is more than that. It's an invitation to live a truly human experience far beyond surface-level tourism.
It's a chance to dive into new cultures, open your perspective, and build meaningful connections.
We're all citizens of the world—and every encounter, every project, every city can be the beginning of something extraordinary.
