Young entrepreneurs offered work experience across the EU

A new scheme designed to give aspiring entrepreneurs work experience in Europe has been launched by the European Commission.

Open to entrepreneurs who are either planning to start their own business, or those who have been running their own venture for less than three years, the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme aims to equip participants with business skills by spending time working in an EU country.

Possible activities available under the scheme include shadowing an experienced entrepreneur, developing new business opportunities for the host entrepreneur’s company, working on branding or sales, or assisting on specific projects in a designated firm. Monthly grants of up to £1,000 are available to suitable candidates to cover travel and accommodation costs.

Those interested in applying to the scheme must present a business plan, outlining their future enterprise ideas. Applications must be made through participating organisations, including selected Chambers of Commerce and certain universities, which will then match the applicant with a suitable host entrepreneur.  A full list of participating organisations is available on the Erasmus Entrepreneurs Website.

Stays in Europe must last between one and six months, and registrations should be made before December 2009.

“Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs aims to strengthen the links and understanding between different EU countries,” said EU director for promotion of SME competitiveness, Maive Rute. “In addition, it will foster the entrepreneurial spirit in Europe and contribute to more and stronger enterprises – a crucial asset in the fight against the current economic crisis.”