Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs 2026 Call: €20M Funding for Intermediary Organisations

Imagine gaining access to millions in EU funding while helping startups grow across borders. The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) 2026 Call for Intermediary Organisations offers business support groups a chance to lead this effort. This program builds stronger entrepreneurship networks in Europe and beyond.

What is the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) Programme?

The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme lets new business starters work with experienced owners in other countries for up to six months. It comes from the European Union to boost skills, partnerships, and small business growth. New entrepreneurs learn real-world lessons, while hosts share ideas and expand their reach.

The main goals include building practical skills, creating business ties abroad, making small and medium enterprises more competitive, and spreading new ideas across countries.

Purpose of the 2026 Intermediary Organisations Call

This call picks groups to run the program locally. It focuses on organizations that guide startups and small businesses. Selected groups join teams from different countries to make exchanges happen smoothly.

Role of Intermediary Organisations

These groups recruit new and host entrepreneurs, pair them up for trips abroad, offer advice and help with paperwork, and link people to a wider European network. They handle daily tasks to keep the program running well.

Funding Details and Grant Value

The total budget reaches €20 million. Each project can get €750,000 to €1.5 million, covering up to 75% of costs, or 100% for some tasks. This money pays for outreach, matching people, and running exchanges.

Who Can Apply?

Only organizations apply, not single people. Eligible types include business support groups, chambers of commerce, startup incubators, entrepreneurship nonprofits, public or private SME helpers, and innovation centers. Applicants need experience supporting new businesses.

To qualify, show skills in business help, join a team from several countries, manage EU projects, know EYE rules, and for leaders, have past program experience.

Eligible Countries

Organizations from EU member states can join. Single Market Programme associated countries like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Norway, Türkiye, and Moldova qualify too. Others include the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Singapore. Base eligibility on where the group works.

Who Benefits Overall?

New or early-stage entrepreneurs with under three years of experience gain hands-on training. Experienced small business owners get fresh ideas and global links. Organizations build their networks and skills.

Key Activities Funded

Funded work covers finding and checking entrepreneurs, matching pairs, setting up stays abroad, training and mentoring, tracking results, and building networks.

Benefits for Selected Organizations

Groups get EU money to run programs, connect with partners across Europe, grow their reputation, and help startups succeed in many places.

Application Process

First, read the full call documents and manual. Next, form a team with partners from eligible countries. Then, write a proposal with goals, plans, budget, and proof of skills. Submit through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal before the deadline.

Note that individual entrepreneurs apply later through these selected groups. The program runs ongoing for people, but this call ends soon.

Application Deadline

Submit by 21st April 2026 at 17:00 CEST. This chance lets organizations shape entrepreneurship in Europe with solid funding and partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme?

It lets new business starters work with experienced owners in other countries for up to six months to build skills, partnerships, and growth for small businesses.

Who can apply for the 2026 Intermediary Organisations Call?

Business support groups, chambers of commerce, startup incubators, and similar organizations with experience helping new businesses can apply, but not individuals.

What funding is available in this call?

The total budget is €20 million, with each project getting €750,000 to €1.5 million to cover up to 75% of costs or 100% for some tasks.

When is the application deadline?

Submit your application by 21st April 2026 at 17:00 CEST through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.