The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) programme is celebrating 15 years of helping aspiring entrepreneurs gain the skills, experience and international connections needed to start and grow successful businesses across Europe.
Funded by the European Commission, the programme enables new or aspiring entrepreneurs to spend between one and six months working alongside an experienced entrepreneur in another participating country. Through this hands-on exchange, participants gain practical business knowledge, explore new markets and establish valuable professional networks, while host entrepreneurs benefit from fresh perspectives, new ideas and potential long-term collaborations.
Designed as a mutually beneficial exchange, the programme encourages knowledge sharing, innovation and cross-border cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises. Many partnerships formed through EYE continue beyond the exchange, leading to lasting business relationships, joint ventures and new market opportunities.
Participation in the programme is free of charge, with the European Commission providing financial support to help cover travel and subsistence costs during the exchange. Applications are managed through a network of local intermediary organisations, including chambers of commerce, incubators and business support organisations across the participating countries.
The programme has also supported entrepreneurs across the agri-food and environmental sectors, demonstrating its relevance for organisations working on sustainable land management and soil health. Examples include collaborations in organic farming, viticulture, plant nurseries, permaculture, food production and agri-food innovation, where participants have developed new business models, expanded into international markets and strengthened sustainable agricultural practices.
Below are a selection of success stories illustrating how the programme has helped entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into successful businesses. These examples showcase only a small part of the many exchanges that have taken place over the past 15 years.
Vilte Praneviciute and Isaac Sanabria García grow new opportunities through horticulture
