What is it about?
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Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) is an exchange program funded by the European Commission that offers new or aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to spend a period of work abroad in a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
The objective is to promote the internationalization of start-ups, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and skills, and encourage the creation of new businesses in Europe.
Who can participate?
- New entrepreneur: someone who started a business less than three years ago.
- Aspiring entrepreneur: someone who intends to start a business and has already prepared a business plan.
- Host company: an established SME based in a European country, willing to host and mentor a young entrepreneur.
The matching between entrepreneurs is facilitated by various intermediary organizations (chambers of commerce, incubators, start-up centers, etc.) across the EU, coordinated by Eurochambres, the European Association of Chambers of Commerce.
The Chamber of Commerce as an Intermediary Organization
The Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce actively participates in the program within the OPEN-EYE and BEYOND EYE consortia, promoting exchange opportunities and supporting candidates at every stage of the process.
Since February 2025, with the launch of the new BEYOND EYE cycle, the program has also opened to destinations outside the European Union, including Canada, the USA, and Singapore, allowing European entrepreneurs to gain experience in highly innovative international contexts.
New available destinations: Canada, UK, USA and Singapore
The Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce, as a project partner, manages the selection of host entrepreneurs worldwide and of new/aspiring entrepreneurs, and supervises the implementation of the exchange.
How to participate?
Contact the Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce
As an accredited intermediary organization, it will guide you step by step before filling out the official application form.
Build a relationship
Applications are evaluated within 2-3 weeks. If approved, they are entered into the European Commission database and become visible to other intermediary organizations, facilitating a rapid match with a host company.
Start the exchange or prepare to host a new entrepreneur
Once a compatible host is found, or for host entrepreneurs, the new entrepreneur will carry out the exchange at their company. The next step is to choose the dates and start.
Share your experience
Once the exchange is completed, share your success story on the official program pages.
