An open call for a European exchange programme that helps new entrepreneurs to develop relevant skills for managing an SME by spending time working in another EU country with an experienced entrepreneur. The programme helps young entrepreneurs access new markets and find potential business partners. It also boosts networking opportunities between business people and SMEs. Experienced entrepreneurs (who own or manage an established SME in a European country) will also benefit from this programme by gaining new commercial relations and finding out more about opportunities in another EU country through young entrepreneurs.
Interested new and experienced entrepreneurs apply through the on-line registration form and establish contact with the intermediary organisations (IOs) that they have chosen. To date 102 intermediary organisations (IOs) have been selected to run the programme across 21 EU countries. They generally operate at national or regional level, support New Entrepreneurs (NEs) and Host Entrepreneurs (HEs) in finding the best matches, facilitate contacts and follow the relationships before the stay abroad starts. They offer local assistance to visiting NEs (such as with housing, transport, insurance, etc.) during their stay with the HEs.
West Midlands regional contacts that can assist are:
Coventry University Enterprises LimitedMs Barbara Jaszczyk, Project OfficerCoventry University Technology Park, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TTTel: +44 (0)24 7623 E-mail: [email protected] The University WolverhamptonMr. Steve Moore, Assistant Director of the Insitute for Innovation and EnterpriseShifnal Road, Priorslee,Telford, TF2 9NTTel: +44 1 902 518 960 E-mail: [email protected] ]]>