EU business exchange programme unveiled in North East

An international exchange programme has been unveiled to give North East entrepreneurs business experience across the European Union.

The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) has joined forces with the European Union to help encourage the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme.

The programme, funded by the European Commission aims to help small to medium businesses in the EU by giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to work alongside the owner of an SME in a participating country.

By taking part the entrepreneur gains relevant management experience as well as building up a network of contacts essential to get a business up and running.

They can also learn new complementary skills and can learn about new markets and possible business opportunities.

Launched in 2009, the exchange is funded by the EU and with partners in Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands, the programme has so far received over 2500 applications.

Currently there are just under 200 entrepreneurs working alongside a business in another country.

Chief executive of the BIC Paul McEldon said: “I am delighted that the BIC can now offer this programme to the North East, it really is a win win for both interested parties.

“We will help guide applicants through the process and remain a point of contact during the exchange.

“The programme is ultimately about breaking barriers and crossing borders and it contributes to adopting an entrepreneurial mindset and behaviour, something the BIC has maintained over the years.”

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