Erasmus For Young Entrepreneurs 

Cork County Council through the Local Enterprise Office South Cork is participating for the first time in the EU business exchange programme, ‘Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs’.  A cross-border exchange programme, Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is open to all new or aspiring entrepreneurs and will give them the opportunity to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small businesses in other European Countries.

The exchange will take place during a stay with the experienced entrepreneur, helping the new entrepreneur acquire and develop the skills needed to run a small firm.  The host will also benefit from a fresh perspective on their business together with an opportunity to cooperate with foreign partners or learn about new markets.  The stay is partly financed by the European Commission.

Cork County Council, through the Local Enterprise Office South Cork, are happy to offer this opportunity in Cork, complimenting the existing suite of supports to SMEs.  Bridin Ryan, Enterprise Executive in the Local Enterprise Office South Cork would be delighted to talk potential entrepreneurs through the process, “I am very much looking forward to offering the incredible Cork entrepreneurs the opportunity to take part and learn from this programme.  If you, or someone you know is interested, please get in touch with us and we can discuss a plan that will work with their individual circumstances”.

Involving stays of between one and six months, there are opportunities in the programme not only to host an entrepreneur in Cork but also for Cork based entrepreneurs to visit one of the participating countries and gain insight from an experienced entrepreneur in the sector of your choice in a potential new market.  There are a variety of countries to choose from, with organisations on the ground in each Country to facilitate you through the exchange.

Current Erasmus participant, Italian Elisa Gallo Rossa but normally resident in the UK is halfway through a six month stay in Cork and working in Cork Community Artlink in Blackpool, is reaping the benefits of the programme, “I am gaining so much hands-on experience that will be invaluable to my own business in the future, while also enjoying my time exploring Cork.  I would say to any young entrepreneur thinking of participating in the programme to go for it.  When else will you get the chance to take the time to explore innovation or potential markets in your sector, certainly not when your business is established”.

For further information contact:

Bridin Ryan    021- 4975281  bridin.ryan@leo.corkcoco.ie