Are you an organization that supports startups and small businesses? The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) 2026 Call for Intermediary Organisations offers a major chance to get EU funding and join a network that boosts entrepreneurship across Europe and beyond. This program helps organizations like yours become local hubs for connecting new business starters with experienced owners in other countries.
What is the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) Programme?
The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program is an EU initiative that sends new or early-stage entrepreneurs to work with experienced business owners in another country for up to six months. It builds skills, sparks ideas, and helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grow through real-world experience. The goal is to create stronger ties between businesses in different places and share knowledge on innovation.
Key aims include sharpening entrepreneurial skills, building business partnerships across borders, making SMEs more competitive, and spreading new ideas. New entrepreneurs gain hands-on training, while hosts get fresh perspectives to improve their operations.
Purpose of the 2026 Intermediary Organisations Call
This call picks organizations to run the EYE program locally. It is not for individual entrepreneurs but for groups that guide startups and SMEs. Selected groups form teams across countries to handle the program’s daily work.
These intermediary organisations (IOs) link new entrepreneurs with hosts, offer advice, and manage exchanges. They build a web of support that reaches from local communities to the full European network.
Role of Intermediary Organisations
IOs take on key tasks like finding and screening new entrepreneurs and hosts, pairing them for stays abroad, and giving mentoring and paperwork help. They also run training sessions, track results, and host networking events. By doing this, they make sure exchanges run smoothly and create lasting business links.
Organizations in these roles join forces with partners from other countries. This teamwork helps deliver the program on a large scale.
Funding Details
The total budget for this call is €20 million. Each winning project can get between €750,000 and €1.5 million, covering up to 75% of costs, or 100% for certain tasks. Funds pay for outreach, matching entrepreneurs, travel support, and program management.
This money lets organizations expand their work without straining their own budgets.
Who Can Apply?
Only organizations qualify, such as business support groups, chambers of commerce, startup incubators, entrepreneurship nonprofits, SME agencies, and innovation centers. Applicants need a track record in helping entrepreneurs and startups.
They must apply as part of a group from multiple eligible countries. Leaders might need past experience with EYE or similar EU projects.
Required Qualifications
Organizations should show expertise in business support and knowledge of local startup scenes. They need the skills to recruit, match, and guide participants, plus the ability to handle EU grants. Understanding EYE rules is a must.
Operational strength, like staff and systems for project management, is key.
Eligible Countries
EU member states can all join. Associated countries under the Single Market Programme include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Norway, TĂĽrkiye, and Moldova. Others like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Singapore also qualify.
Focus is on where the organization operates, not staff nationalities.
Who Benefits Overall?
New entrepreneurs with under three years of experience or those starting out get practical training and global contacts. Experienced SME owners host them and gain new ideas for growth. Organizations build their reputation and networks through the program.
Key Activities Funded
Grants cover recruiting participants, matching pairs, setting up exchanges, mentoring, training workshops, outcome checks, and networking meetups. These steps ensure strong results for everyone involved.
Benefits for Selected Organizations
Winning groups get big EU funds to run programs. They connect with a wide European network of support organizations. Their own skills grow, along with their public image and trust level. Most importantly, they help startups and SMEs succeed across borders.
Application Process
Start by reading the full call documents and manual. Form a team with partners from different eligible countries. Build a proposal with clear goals, plans for running the program, a budget, and proof of your skills.
Submit everything through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Application Deadline
The deadline is 21st April 2026 at 17:00 CEST. Act fast to review details and prepare your bid. This is a prime chance for organizations ready to lead in entrepreneurship support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) programme?
The EYE programme is an EU initiative that lets new entrepreneurs work with experienced business owners in another country for up to six months to build skills and business ties.
Who can apply for the 2026 Intermediary Organisations call?
Business support groups, chambers of commerce, startup incubators, and similar organizations from eligible countries can apply as part of a team from multiple countries.
What funding is available in this call?
The total budget is €20 million, with each selected project getting €750,000 to €1.5 million to cover up to 75% of costs.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 21st April 2026 at 17:00 CEST through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.