Are you an organization that helps startups and small businesses grow? The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) 2026 Call for Intermediary Organisations offers a big chance to get EU funding and join a network that boosts entrepreneurship across Europe and beyond.
This grant call, part of the Single Market Programme, targets groups like business support centers, chambers of commerce, and incubators. It provides up to €1.5 million per project to run local parts of the EYE program. Selected teams will connect new entrepreneurs with experienced ones for exchanges that last up to six months.
What is the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Programme?
The EYE program is an EU effort to build skills in new business owners through real-world stays abroad. New or early-stage entrepreneurs work with established business leaders in another country. This setup helps them learn about running a company, finding markets, and innovating.
The program’s goals include sharpening business skills, creating cross-border ties, and making small and medium enterprises stronger. It turns local support into global opportunities by linking people from different nations.
Purpose of the 2026 Intermediary Organisations Call
This call picks organizations to handle the program on the ground in their areas. These intermediary organisations form teams across countries to recruit people, pair them up, and offer help during exchanges.
They serve as main contact points. Tasks cover finding participants, matching new entrepreneurs with hosts, giving advice, and tracking results. Working in groups from multiple countries ensures smooth program delivery everywhere.
Funding Details
The total pot for this call stands at €20 million. Each winning project can get between €750,000 and €1,500,000. The EU covers up to 75% of costs, or 100% for certain tasks like training.
This money pays for daily operations, travel support for exchanges, events, and admin work. It lets organizations expand their reach without straining their own budgets.
Who Can Apply?
Only organizations qualify, not single people. Target groups include business support services, chambers of commerce, startup incubators, NGOs focused on entrepreneurs, public agencies for small businesses, and innovation centers.
Applicants need a track record in helping startups. They must join a team with partners from other eligible countries and show they can manage EU projects. Leaders of these teams might need past experience with EYE or similar setups.
Eligible Countries
Organizations from EU member states can apply. So can those in Single Market Programme partners like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Norway, Türkiye, and Moldova. Other spots include the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Singapore.
What counts most is where the organization operates, not the nationality of its staff.
Role and Qualifications of Intermediary Organisations
These groups recruit new entrepreneurs with under three years of experience or those starting out. They also find host business owners ready to mentor. Key skills include matching pairs well, offering guidance, and handling paperwork.
Teams need strong knowledge of local business scenes and EU rules. They must prove they can screen applicants, run exchanges, and measure success.
Who Benefits Overall?
New entrepreneurs gain hands-on learning and new contacts. Experienced ones get fresh ideas and chances to grow abroad. Organizations build their reputation, access funds, and connect with a wide network.
Key Activities Covered by the Grant
Funded work includes spotting talent, setting up matches, running the six-month stays, training sessions, and follow-up checks. Networking events help build lasting partnerships.
Benefits for Selected Organizations
Winning teams secure steady EU money to grow programs. They join a trusted European group, boost their profile, and help shape startup success stories.
How to Apply
Start by reading the full call documents and manual on the EU site. Form a team with partners from different eligible countries. Build a proposal with clear goals, steps, budget, and proof of skills.
Submit everything through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. The deadline is 21 April 2026 at 17:00 CEST.
Note that individual entrepreneurs apply later through these selected organizations, not directly here. This call focuses on building the support structure first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program?
It is an EU program that helps new entrepreneurs gain skills by working with experienced business owners in another country for up to six months.
Who can apply for the 2026 Intermediary Organisations Call?
Organizations like business support centers, chambers of commerce, and incubators from eligible countries can apply in teams with partners from other countries.
What funding is available in this call?
The total budget is €20 million, with each project able to receive €750,000 to €1,500,000, covering up to 75% or 100% of costs for certain tasks.
How do organizations apply and what is the deadline?
Submit a proposal through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by 21 April 2026 at 17:00 CEST, including goals, budget, and proof of skills.
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