First feedback for Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

BY: BEATRICE ANDRÉ

First entrepreneurs successfully return from "Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs"

Seven months after the launch of the "Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs" mobility programme, the first participants are returning from their experiences abroad, providing very positive feedback.  New Entrepreneurs were pleased to develop the skills necessary for building and running a business and Host Entrepreneurs have reported about hopes for future cooperation abroad and the positive influence of a fresh perspective on their businesses.

An example:

Romain Viano travelled from France to Torino, in a company called MintGGN, which produces wireless sensor networks. During his stay Romain began thinking about starting his own business and MintGGN's president offered him to export MintGGN' products in France and throughout Europe.

"I heard about the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs' programme and thought it would be a perfect way to develop my professional project and learn from an experienced entrepreneur", said Romain.

To date, 1200 potential New and Host Entrepreneurs from 24 EU countries have applied to participate in the programme.  Spain and Italy have been leading the way in applications accounting for 29% of New Entrepreneurs and 30% of Host Entrepreneurs respectively.  The Advertising/Promotion/Media is the most requested sector (15% of the current exchanges), followed by Education and training (10%).

Alain André, Managing Director of CICOM Organisation, commented:

"We are amazed to see how much enthusiasm 'Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs' triggered across Europe in so little time.  Dozens of new departures will take place in the coming weeks, and we are confident that a diverse range of sectors will be involved.  'Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs' is doubtlessly contributing to the spread of the entrepreneurial spirit in Europe."

Who is the programme for?

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is intended for New Entrepreneurs and Host Entrepreneurs.  A New Entrepreneur (NE) is someone who is firmly planning to set up his/her own business or has already started a business within the last three years.  Host Entrepreneurs (HE) should be experienced and successful businesspeople who own or manage an SME in the EU.  NEs' and HEs' business can be in any sector of activity.

NEs will gain experience from shadowing the senior host entrepreneur, while at the same time contributing to the host's business through their work, new ideas and knowledge of a foreign market.

How does the programme work?

New and experienced entrepreneurs apply for the programme via the web page www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu.  The matching of the NEs with HEs is carried out with the help of over 100 intermediary organisations (IOs) such as CICOM Organisation, competent in business support (e.g. Chambers of Commerce, incubators, start-up centres, etc.) all across the EU.  The IOs' activities are coordinated by EUROCHAMBRES, the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, which acts as Support Office for the programme.

New Entrepreneurs are entitled to receive a financial contribution from the EU towards their travel and accommodation costs.  870 stays abroad shall be organised and completed in 2009-2010.

For further information:

Beatrice Andre

Europe Consultant

CICOM Organisation

300 route des crêtes

06902 Sophia Antipolis

bandre@cicom.fr

tel : +33 4 93 006 005

fax : +33 4 93 006 001