You have probably already heard about the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program, a unique opportunity for those who love traveling around Europe while engaging in exchanges and working within a foreign SME. Did you know? There’s a project run by JO Consulting that lets you do this for free: SHE FOUNDER. Let’s break it down.
Table of contents
What is Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE)?
The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program, part of the Single Market Programme (SMP), is an initiative of the European Commission that offers new or aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to work alongside established professionals managing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in another country. The stay is fully funded by the European Union for a period ranging from a minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 6 months.
The monthly reimbursement is based on tables regularly updated according to the cost of living in the participating EU countries.
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs goal
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs sets itself the ambitious goal of fostering entrepreneurship across Europe, with a particular focus on female entrepreneurs. It offers a professional exchange, where the main advantage for new entrepreneurs is gaining practical experience abroad, paving the way for successfully launching their own SME in Europe later on.
In other words, the idea is to “learn by doing” from experienced professionals in other countries.
The role of intermediary organizations (IOs)
One of the most important aspects of the initiative is that, throughout the exchange period, intermediary organizations (IOs) such as JO Consulting will support the new entrepreneur during their activities abroad, organizing regular calls with the host organization to identify any issues and monitor the results achieved.
What are the requirements to participate in the program?
Both host entrepreneurs (HEs) and new entrepreneurs (NEs) can participate, provided they meet different criteria.
Host entrepreneurs are successful professionals with at least 3 years of experience managing a micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise.
New entrepreneurs, on the other hand, are new or aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to start their own business based on a validated business plan, or entrepreneurs who have recently established their business and have less than 3 years of managerial experience.
Requirements for host entrepreneurs (HEs)
- reside permanently in one of the countries participating in the program;
- own or manage a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), or be directly involved in entrepreneurial activities as a member of the board of directors of an SME;
- have at least 3 years of entrepreneurial experience;
- be willing to share their knowledge and experience with a new entrepreneur by acting as a mentor.
Requirements for new entrepreneurs (NEs)
- have a desire to start a business based on a solid entrepreneurial project;
- have, in total, less than 3 years of entrepreneurial experience;
- reside permanently in one of the countries participating in the program;
- be able to transform their entrepreneurial idea into a structured business plan;
- be willing to collaborate and work alongside an established entrepreneur;
- contribute actively to the development of the host entrepreneur’s business.
Benefits of the program
The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program offers dual benefits: on one hand, established entrepreneurs can infuse their businesses with fresh ideas from motivated minds; on the other, new entrepreneurs can enhance their cultural background and gain knowledge and skills they might not otherwise acquire.
It’s undoubtedly a mutually beneficial partnership, where both parties benefit from their cooperation. And let’s not forget that, in the long term, both partners might decide to continue working together, creating a robust network of contacts.
Our consultancy firm, JO Consulting, acts as a bridge between new entrepreneurs and host entrepreneurs across Europe, supporting their collaboration every step of the way.
How to participate in Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs [guide]
Contact us! If you are a new entrepreneur (NE), we will assist you in submitting your application. More specifically, we will:
- get in touch with the host entrepreneur;
- evaluate your business plan (in English);
- provide you with all necessary information to correctly join the program.
The business plan will allow us, as an intermediary organization, to assess your commitment to participating in the exchange. We will also require your curriculum vitae (CV) in English.
You can apply using the online registration form.
If you are a host entrepreneur (HE), we will support you in evaluating candidates.
Local contact points
If you are a new entrepreneur, while filling out the application, you will need to select a local contact point, usually chosen from those available in your country of residence.
The role of the local contact point will be to guide you and serve as your main point of contact during the exchange. Candidates residing in countries where local contact points are not yet available can select a European country of their choice in the application.
Among the resources you can consult are the guides for host entrepreneurs as well as the guides for new entrepreneurs.
What happens after registration?
Once you’ve submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the intermediary organization (IO). After acceptance, the process to match new entrepreneurs (NE) with suitable host entrepreneurs (HE) begins.
The matching process can occur either directly via the online platform or through an alignment call between the NE and HE. JO Consulting, as your intermediary organization (IO), will facilitate communication between both parties and provide ongoing support.
Once both parties reach an agreement, they will proceed with drafting an action plan, outlining specific activities and objectives of the exchange, expected outcomes and timelines. Additionally, a financial agreement will be prepared, clearly stating all relevant information regarding reimbursement amounts and expenses.
Role of the Intermediary Organization (IOs)
For new entrepreneurs (NEs), training will be provided prior to departure, focusing on key aspects of the exchange and practical guidance.
Host entrepreneurs (HEs) do not require specific training. The Intermediary Organization (JO Consulting) will offer support at the beginning and at the end of the exchange period, intervening during the exchange only if necessary.
The European Project: SHE FOUNDER_ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS WOMEN 4
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs finds its concrete expression through the European project SHE FOUNDER_ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS WOMEN 4.
This initiative, in which JO Consulting is a partner, aims to foster entrepreneurship throughout Europe, supporting potential start-ups or newly established small businesses in participating countries. SHE FOUNDER specifically targets entrepreneurs who propose sustainable business models focused on environmental or digital themes.
What SHE FOUNDER offers
SHE FOUNDER offers a paid work period (ranging from a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 6 months) to be carried out at the premises of a successful foreign entrepreneur. This entrepreneur will support the aspiring or new business owner in acquiring the necessary skills to manage a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
It’s also a valuable opportunity for the host entrepreneur, who can:
- evaluate their business from fresh and insightful perspectives;
- collaborate with partners from another country;
- build an international network of professionals;
- gain insights into new markets.
Consortium goals
The international consortium of SHE FOUNDER aims to:
- provide on-the-job training for new entrepreneurs through direct interaction with experienced small and medium-sized business owners abroad;
- facilitate a successful launch and the development of new business ideas;
- promote the exchange of experiences and information among entrepreneurs about the common challenges and obstacles encountered during the startup and growth phases of a business;
- expand market opportunities and facilitate connections with potential partners for both new and host entrepreneurs across EU countries and those participating in the Single Market Programme;
- support the creation of entrepreneur networks across different countries involved in the Single market programme, leveraging shared knowledge and experience;
- encourage collaboration between entrepreneurs from “underrepresented” countries;
- contribute to EU strategies related to sustainable transition, digital transformation and increased resilience.
The strategic role of JO Consulting
JO Consulting, a renowned consulting firm within our cluster, is responsible for guiding both Italian New Entrepreneurs (NEs) and Host Entrepreneurs (HEs) through administrative procedures, ensuring that SHE FOUNDER aligns with the objectives of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program.
Additionally, JO Consulting professionals regularly meet with partners from other countries to strengthen cross-border collaboration. Examples of such initiatives include the 2024 events in Kaunas and Brussels and the 2025 event in Bergamo.
Each event not only serves as a valuable networking opportunity but also helps consolidate ideas that are:
- sustainable and green, leading to business plans focused on transizione ecologica;
- geared toward strengthening gender equality;
- aligned with the ongoing digital transformation.
SHE FOUNDER global
Starting from February 1, 2025, the program opened to new destinations: UK, United States, Canada and Singapore. This significant opportunity will further expand the network of exchanges.
In summary, SHE FOUNDER aims to foster a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of launching sustainable and innovative businesses, leveraging hands-on international experience and the support of a European network of professionals.
Contact us to participate
The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program and specifically the SHE FOUNDER project, of which JO Consulting is a partner, offers a remarkable opportunity for anyone eager to work alongside professionals in an international environment.
Whether you are a young aspiring entrepreneur ready to launch your startup or an experienced business owner looking for new collaborations, get in touch with us. This European program can truly provide added value in terms of skills, networking and business opportunities.
And if you’re still unsure, read the success stories of those who have already taken part!
Don’t miss this opportunity
Seize this opportunity! Take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level with SHE FOUNDER.
- Contact us at +390950936053
- Email us at [email protected]
We look forward to hearing from you!
JO Group: #borntoinnovate