07/06/10 Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs - why no Welsh involvement?

At the Collective, we are always keen to read about projects being run elsewhere to encourage a culture of entrepreneurship to thrive.  Our philosophy is about strength through diverse experience and shared knowledge, and we were therefore intrigued by Erasmus for Entrepreneurs.

According to its website, it provides practical and financial assistance for new entrepreneurs spending time in the business of experienced host entrepreneurs in other EU countries. New entrepreneurs travel to an experienced entrepreneur in another EU country and work with him/her for 1 to 6 months. The matching of the new entrepreneurs with the host entrepreneurs is carried out with the help of the intermediary organisations. 

It seems there are 178 intermediaries operating across 24 European countries.  However when we looked to see who in Wales was acting as an intermediary, we found... no one.  Despite there being 10 intermediaries in the UK, not one was based in Wales.

On the face of it, a project like this should provide significant benefit both for young Welsh entrepreneurs and those more seasoned business people alike.  We certainly have companies within our network that would be interested in learning more, and to that end we have initiated some research to find out:

  1. Whether the programme was approached by a potential intermediary in Wales;
  2. Whether entrepreneurs in Wales are aware of the programme; and
  3. Whether the Welsh Assembly was consulted about the programme, and its response.

As our research progresses, we'll update it here.

Some information about the programme:

The specific objectives of the programme are:
  • On-the-job-training for new entrepreneurs in SMEs elsewhere in the EU in order to facilitate a successful start and development of their business ideas;
  • Exchanges of experience and information between entrepreneurs on obstacles and challenges to starting up and developing their businesses;
  • To enhance market access and identification of potential partners for new and established businesses in other EU countries;
  • Networking by building on knowledge and experience from other European countries between entrepreneurs.
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is financed by the European Commission and operated across 24 EU countries by the help of more than 178 intermediary organisations competent in business support (e.g. Chambers of Commerce, start-up centres, incubators etc.). Their activities are coordinated at European level by EUROCHAMBRES, the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, which acts as Support Office.