Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs 2026: Call for Intermediary Organisations

The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) 2026 Call for Intermediary Organisations offers a major chance for groups that help startups and small businesses. This EU-funded program picks organizations to run local parts of the EYE exchange scheme. It supports new business owners by linking them with experienced ones in other countries.

What is the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Programme?

The EYE program lets new or starting entrepreneurs work with seasoned business owners in a different country for up to six months. It builds skills through real-world practice and sparks new ideas across borders. The goal is to help small and medium-sized enterprises grow stronger and compete better.

Key aims include sharpening business skills, creating partnerships abroad, boosting SME success, and sharing knowledge between countries.

Purpose of the 2026 Intermediary Organisations Call

This call chooses groups to handle the program on the ground in their areas. These intermediary organisations form teams across countries to make exchanges happen smoothly.

Role of Intermediary Organisations

Chosen groups recruit new entrepreneurs and find hosts for them. They match people for trips abroad, offer advice and training, and manage paperwork. These hubs connect local business supporters to a wider European network.

Funding Details

The total budget stands at €20 million. Each project can get between €750,000 and €1.5 million. Funding covers up to 75 percent of costs, or 100 percent for certain tasks. This money pays for outreach, exchanges, and daily operations.

Who Can Apply?

Only organizations apply, not single people. Suitable applicants include business support groups, chambers of commerce, startup incubators, entrepreneurship nonprofits, SME helpers, and innovation centers. Groups need a track record in aiding entrepreneurs.

Requirements to Qualify

Applicants must show expertise in business support and know-how about startup scenes. They apply in cross-country teams with partners from eligible places. Groups need skills to recruit, match, guide entrepreneurs, and run EU projects. Leaders might need past work on EYE or like programs.

Eligible Countries

EU member states all qualify. Single Market Programme partners like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Norway, Türkiye, and Moldova count too. Other spots include the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Singapore. Base matters on where the group works, not staff nationalities.

Who Gains from This?

New entrepreneurs with under three years experience or those starting out benefit most. Seasoned SME owners get fresh ideas and global links. Organizations grow their reach while helping these people.

Main Activities Covered by the Grant

Funds support finding and checking entrepreneurs, pairing them with hosts, setting up stays abroad, training sessions, progress checks, and networking events.

Benefits for Selected Organisations

Groups get big EU funds to run programs. They join a pan-European network of supporters. Their status rises with more skills and name recognition. They help startups thrive across borders.

How to Apply

First, read the full call rules and guides. Next, team up with groups from other eligible countries. Build a plan with goals, steps, budget, and proof of skills. Submit through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by the deadline.

Application Deadline

The cutoff is 21 April 2026 at 17:00 CEST. This call skips direct entrepreneur spots; they join later via picked groups. It fits organizations ready to boost entrepreneurship in Europe and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions