The European Commission has published a new Calls for Proposals for the pilot project "Erasmus for Young  entrepreneurs" with an allotted 4.3 million euros. This call for proposals aims to help new EU entrepreneurs enrich their experiences, learning and networking by spending periods in enterprises run by experienced entrepreneurs in other EU Member States. The overall objective of the preparatory action is to enhance the entrepreneurship, internationalisation and competitiveness of potential start-up entrepreneurs and newly established micro and small enterprises in the EU.

 The project "Erasmus for young entrepreneurs" was born last year in order to create opportunities for young entrepreneurs who would benefit of a period of study or practice in another country of an SME.

The call comprises two lots with two different types of activity:

• European partnerships enhancing the mobility of nascent entrepreneurs.
• Coordination, support and networking at European level linked to the action mentioned in action 1.

The aim of the Call "Erasmus for young entrepreneurs" to improve entrepreneurship, internationalization and competitiveness of micro, small and medium start-ups, as well as help potential entrepreneurs in the EU. The activity is aimed at those wishing to start a business, and to a lesser extent, to newly established businesses.

With regards to participation, any public entity or private body can participate in this call for proposals. This may include entities or bodies active in the field of entrepreneurship promotion or in the field of transnational placement services.

Budget and Duration

The total budget earmarked for the co-financing of projects amounts to EUR 4 300 000. Financial assistance from the Commission cannot exceed 90% of the total eligible costs.

The maximum grant for the activity "European partnerships that promote the mobility of nascent entrepreneurs" will be 140,000 euros, being the maximum duration of projects of 18 months, while the maximum amount for the coordination, support and development networking at European level linked to the action mentioned above will be 300,000 euros to a maximum of 22 months.

The activities of lots 1 and 2 should begin January 1, 2010.

Submission of Proposals

There will be an information day on the convening in Brussels on April 28 between 14.00 and 18.30. Proposals can be submitted until May 29, 2009.

All information on this call is available on the website of DG Enterprise and Industry DG.