“Entrepreneurial business favours the open mind. It favours people whose optimism drives them to prepare for many possible futures – pretty much purely for the joy of doing so.”  Richard Branson

Do you see yourself as the next Bill Gates or Richard Branson? Is it your dream to be the next Vivienne Westwood or Mark Zuckerberg? If you are a new entrepreneur with a ‘young’ business or still thinking about starting your own business, keep reading . . .

Starting your own business can be daunting and can involve a huge plunge into the unknown. It takes confidence, bravery and above all, a good idea. And for those starting out on their entrepreneurial journey, availing of support can be crucial to success. Whether that’s support from family and friends, financial support or valuable business advice, it can all lend a hand in turning your ‘light bulb moment’ into a viable business!

So, as a new entrepreneur, what type of support would help to get you on your way?

• Funding
• Business expertise
• European trade opportunities
• The opportunity to experience new cultures

If these ‘tick your boxes’ and you feel that you would benefit from this type of support, then Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs could be a game changer for you!

An EU funded, cross-border exchange programme, this new programme is designed to link compatible entrepreneurs in different EU countries to enable them to learn from each other by utilising each other’s knowledge and by helping young entrepreneurs expand into new, international markets.

The exchange of knowledge takes place during a stay with an experienced ‘host’ entrepreneur, which can last from one to six months. This enables the new entrepreneur to acquire the skills they need to grow and develop their business.

The host will benefit from a fresh perspective on his/her business while getting the opportunity to work with new people from different cultures and learning about new markets.

This exchange of ideas has proved very valuable, with 61% of new entrepreneurs and 54% of host entrepreneurs surveyed reporting an increase in turnover after participating in the programme,

With this in mind, what better way to give your business the best chance of success than to learn from someone who has travelled the entrepreneurial road before you? With a diverse range of entrepreneurs already participating in the programme, whatever your forte, you’ll find an opportunity to suit you. From Snail Farming in Greece to recording studios in Barcelona, whatever your interests, we’ll help you make it happen!

There is funding available to support you plus a local point of contact (that’s us!). We’ll be there to help and guide you along the way.

If you’re a new entrepreneur who’d like to seize this opportunity, or an established entrepreneur who is ready and willing to host, then contact aisling.faulkner@bitcni.org.uk or call (028) 7186 1550.