Name: Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs
Funding Organization: European Union via PARP as Local Contact Point
Objective: Facilitate exchange and learning for new entrepreneurs by working with experienced entrepreneurs abroad
Funding Amount: Total allocation for Poland 2023-2027 is 477,360 euros
Maximum Individual Funding: Up to 6,600 euros per new entrepreneur
Duration: Program active from February 1, 2023 to January 31, 2027
Grant Frequency: Continuous intake until funds exhausted or end date
New Entrepreneurs (NEs): Individuals planning to start or recently started (within 3 years) SMEs
Host Entrepreneurs (HEs): Experienced SME owners with at least 3 years of business activity
Intermediary Organizations (IOs): Facilitate matching and support
Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP): Local Contact Point and grant administrator
Part of EU COSME program supporting SME competitiveness
Supports cross-border knowledge transfer and SME internationalization
Non-repayable financial support covering travel and subsistence costs
New Entrepreneurs: Micro, small, or medium entrepreneurs, or individuals planning to start such businesses within 3 years
Host Entrepreneurs: Micro, small, or medium entrepreneurs with minimum 3 years of business experience
Entrepreneurs must be resident in or have business registered in participating countries
Entrepreneurs must comply with EU SME definition
Program covers EU Member States, UK, and COSME countries including Albania, Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Iceland, Montenegro, Moldova, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine, Kosovo, and EU outermost regions
Stay abroad must be in a different country than the entrepreneur's residence
Host Entrepreneurs must demonstrate successful entrepreneurial track record
New Entrepreneurs must submit a viable business plan and CV
Intermediary Organizations must be officially appointed and active in the entrepreneur's country
Support for SME entrepreneurship development and internationalization
Cross-border knowledge exchange and networking
Applicable to any sector of private economy
New Entrepreneurs in early stages (nascent or up to 3 years in operation)
Experienced Host Entrepreneurs running SMEs for at least 3 years
Participation from a broad range of European and COSME countries
Stay abroad duration between 1 and 6 months, possibly split into shorter periods
Skill acquisition and business knowledge for new entrepreneurs
Enhanced business opportunities and networks for both parties
Reports on activities and learning outcomes required
Encourages long-term business growth and international cooperation
Supports development of entrepreneurial mindset
New Entrepreneurs must submit a detailed business plan and CV in English
Host Entrepreneurs must demonstrate relevant experience and good conduct
Plans of stay (activity plans) must be agreed and approved by all parties
Formal and substantive evaluation of applications by PARP
Minimum score of 3.4 out of 5 on business plan evaluation required
Continuous monitoring and reporting during and after stay
Use of Erasmus IT Management Tool for application, matching, and reporting
Compliance with EU regulations and program rules
Total budget for Poland 2023-2027: 477,360 euros
Maximum funding per participant: up to 6,600 euros
Funding covers travel and subsistence costs including accommodation
Monthly lump sums vary by country, ranging approximately from 530 to 1,200 euros
Funding rate: up to 100% of eligible costs, no co-financing required
Funding paid in installments based on agreed plan and reporting
Participants must provide proof of travel and stay (e.g., boarding passes, rental agreements)
Financial support is non-repayable and not considered public aid
Application period: February 1, 2023 to January 31, 2027
Continuous intake until funds exhausted or program end
Formal and substantive evaluation within 7 days for formal check
Matching phase follows acceptance, with access to online database
Stay duration: 1 to 6 months, possibly divided into shorter periods
Stay must be completed within 12 months
Final report in English required after stay completion
Monitoring by intermediary organizations during stay
Participants must comply with EU and national regulations
Host entrepreneurs must have good conduct record
Data protection and confidentiality rules apply
No material benefits other than financial support allowed
Contracts must be signed by all parties
Changes to agreements require written consent
Online application via Erasmus IT Management Tool
Required documents: business plan, CV in English, motivation statement
Selection of intermediary organization during application
Applications must be in English
Formal evaluation for completeness
Substantive evaluation of business plan by PARP commission
Minimum score of 3.4 required for acceptance
Applicants may be asked for clarifications or additional info
Access to online database for matching with host entrepreneurs
Preparation of stay plan and signing of agreements
Induction session before departure
Focus on cross-border entrepreneurial exchange
Support for entrepreneurs with disabilities with higher funding
No application or participation fees
Emphasis on mutual benefit and quality collaboration
Matching depends on language skills and business sector compatibility
Applicants must be proactive and committed
Program fosters innovation and international networking
Program has multiple editions with continuous improvements
PARP has experience managing the program since earlier cycles
Success stories highlight benefits for both new and host entrepreneurs