The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme is a business exchange initiative launched by the European Union in 2009 and run locally by Malta Enterprise. It is financed by the European Commission and operates across the Participating Countries with the support of local contact points.
The programme offers new entrepreneurs the opportunity to shadow an experienced entrepreneur, who is willing to help them take the plunge and learn the ropes of running a successful and sustainable business. Young entrepreneurs can gain innovative professional knowledge and skills while improving their entrepreneurial competences. Participants are also entitled to a monthly financial allowance throughout their stay.
Malta Enterprise is pleased to collaborate with Connecting Dots, the Intermediary Organisation (IO) in Lithuania, which is actively supporting the programme by introducing high-quality Host Entrepreneurs to Maltese participants. They have put together a list of their TOP 15 Host Entrepreneurs in Lithuania – a group of experienced, successful, and active professionals across various sectors. These hosts are ready to:
• Share their knowledge and practical insights
• Open up their networks
• Provide real-world mentorship to help you succeed as a new entrepreneur
Eligibility Criteria:
As a new entrepreneur, you can participate in the programme through Malta Enterprise if:
• You are firmly planning to start a business, based on a viable business plan, OR
• You have less than 3 years of total entrepreneurial experience;
• You are a permanent resident in one of the Participating Countries;
• You have a concrete project or business idea, reflected in a business plan;
• You are motivated and committed to collaborate during your stay with an experienced entrepreneur from another Participating Country; be prepared to contribute to the development of the host entrepreneur’s business and make your skills and competences available;
Programme Benefits
As a new entrepreneur participating in the programme, your exchange will be funded directly by the programme. Moreover, you will benefit from the exchange by having the opportunity to:
• Build self-confidence and skills: sector-specific knowledge or know-how, technical and management skills
• Collaborate with other entrepreneurs and contribute to the development of cross-border business cooperation
• Network and build strong relationships, which can be useful for mutual consulting, business referrals, and for finding business partners abroad
• Gain insights into different cultural and organisational settings and how companies function in another Participating Country
• Understand the business environment of another Participating Country
• Improve language skills
The general objective of the programme is to enhance entrepreneurship, develop the competitiveness of European SMEs, and foster potential entrepreneurs and newly established micro and small enterprises in the Participating Countries.
