Can I start an exchanfe with a host company working in a different sector than mine?
The business sector is an important criterion for finding a suitable business partner with whom to start an exchange. You may choose up to four different sectors for the exchange, but it is recommended you choose a host company from the same sector, as you will learn more concrete skills for your business start-up
Can I go abroad for 6 months?
Only NEs coming from the overseas territories or NEs with disabilities can go abroad for a period of 6 months. A period abroad for periods of 5 months is reserved for entrepreneurs going abroad towards an Eastern European Country. Besides, the duration of the exchange needs to be agreed with the HE and the intermediary organisation. The duration of the exchange needs to be also justified by the activity plan the two entrepreneurs present
Who grant financial support to new entrepreneurs?
The details of the financial support are subject to an agreement between the new entrepreneur and his/her intermediary organisation and reflect the overall living costs of the country of the stay. Grant agreements awarded by payment of monthly lump sums to the entrepreneurs.
A lump sum is defined as a global amount deemed to cover all necessary expencss, such as travel, accommodation and subsistence. This amount is paid without any further justification of costs incurred.
The new entrepreneurs needs to find additional funds for his/her stay abroad?
Financial support to new entrepreneurs contributes to travel costs to and from the country of the stay and covers subsistence costs (in particular in terms of accommodation) during the visit.
Under no circumstances will the European Commission accept an amount higher than the set ceilings per country for average monthly financial assistance paid to new entrepreneurs. In the event where the financial grant is not enough to cover all expenses, the new entrepreneur must find other sources to cover such expenses.
The monthly amount is given for a full month of exchange. If the NE interrupts the stay, the days off will not be taken into account and will not be paid.
Can an independent profefssional (for instance an architect or a lawyer) applyto this programme?
Yes, according to the European Union definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprise, self-employed professionals are considered entrepreneurs. Independent professionals can participate in the programme as new entrepreneurs, provided that the following eligible criteria are met:
- The entrepreneur has either set up his own business in the last three years or is firmly planning to set up his own business in the coming months in the one of participating country;
- The entrepreneur must have a viable business plan and a sound educational and vocational background
Can I participate in the programme if i run a franchise?
Following the European Union definition of small and medium-sized enterprise, entrepreneurs running a franchise can participate in the programme. However, an exchange between two franchisors of the same company is strictly forbidden
How many years of experience must I hace to be a Host Entrepreneur?
A host entrepreneur is a successful and experienced entrepreneur, with a minimum of three years experience in his/her own business.
Can an independent professional (for instance an architect or a lawyer) apply to this programme?
Yes, according to the European Union definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprise, self-employed professionals are considered entrepreneurs. Independent professionals can participate in the programme as host entrepreneurs, provided that the following eligible criteria are met:
- Have more than 3 years experience;
- Run a business in one of the 27 European Member States or in any participating country;
- Ensure that the new entrepreneur will learn from the exchange and leave with invaluable skills and aptitudes to guarantee a successful business start-up
Can I participate in the programme if I run an incubator?
Yes, entrepreneurs running incubators may participate in the programme as host entrepreneurs providing they meet the eligibility requirements set by the programme for host entrepreneurs