Erasmus Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship 2026 in Europe

Overview

Erasmus Young Entrepreneurs is an international business mobility programme funded by the European Commission. It offers new and aspiring business owners a one-to-six month exchange to collaborate with experienced host entrepreneurs in another participating country. The initiative is implemented through approved local contact points such as chambers of commerce, start-up centres, and incubators, with management supported by the European Innovation Council and the SMEs Executive Agency.

Benefits

Practical learning experiences lasting up to six months with an established business owner.
Greater insight into founding, managing, marketing, and financing a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
Opportunities to test and strengthen a business plan, build confidence in entrepreneurial decision-making, and develop technical and sector-specific skills.
Exposure to international markets, diverse organisational cultures, and foreign-language communication.
Access to a network of global entrepreneurs for future partnerships and cross-border cooperation.
Partial financial assistance covering eligible travel and living expenses.

Eligibility

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a permanent resident in an eligible EU Member State or participating Single Market Programme country.
Must firmly plan to establish a business with a viable business plan, or have already established a business with less than three years of total entrepreneurial experience.
Must be motivated to learn from an experienced host, contribute useful skills and competencies, and participate actively throughout the exchange.
Must possess sufficient language ability to communicate with the host and be prepared to supplement financial assistance if it does not cover all personal expenses.
Must submit the application personally through the official platform and participate as a new entrepreneur only once.

How to Apply

Applicants must prepare the required documentation, including a Curriculum Vitae, a Motivation Statement, a Full Business Plan, a Business Plan Summary, language information, and geographical and sector preferences. Applications are completed through the official programme platform by selecting a local contact point and submitting online.

Deadline

The deadline varies according to the local contact point and application cycles.

Overview

Benefits

Practical learning experiences lasting up to six months with an established business owner.

Greater insight into founding, managing, marketing, and financing a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).

Opportunities to test and strengthen a business plan, build confidence in entrepreneurial decision-making, and develop technical and sector-specific skills.

Exposure to international markets, diverse organisational cultures, and foreign-language communication.

Access to a network of global entrepreneurs for future partnerships and cross-border cooperation.

Partial financial assistance covering eligible travel and living expenses.

Eligibility

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must be a permanent resident in an eligible EU Member State or participating Single Market Programme country.

Must firmly plan to establish a business with a viable business plan, or have already established a business with less than three years of total entrepreneurial experience.

Must be motivated to learn from an experienced host, contribute useful skills and competencies, and participate actively throughout the exchange.

Must possess sufficient language ability to communicate with the host and be prepared to supplement financial assistance if it does not cover all personal expenses.

Must submit the application personally through the official platform and participate as a new entrepreneur only once.

How to Apply