Want to launch your start-up? Here’s how the EU can help!

Ostatnia aktualizacja środa, 22/10/2025

Starting a business can be a big step, but the European Union offers several programmes and supports to help young people bring their ideas to life as real businesses.

The European Commission describes entrepreneurship as the act of generating new ideas and transforming them into something beneficial, not only for profit but also for the community. The EU supports this through training, funding, mentoring, and international networking opportunities, all aimed at helping young entrepreneurs to succeed.

One of the main programmes is Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, which gives new or aspiring business owners the chance to work with experienced entrepreneurs in other EU countries. It lets you spend up to six months working alongside a seasoned entrepreneur in another EU country.

It's a great chance to get practical business know-how and build a network that crosses borders. Plus, the programme even helps with travel and living costs. For more information and on how to apply, you can check out their Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs website.

Now, when it comes to money, the EU gives start-ups the boost they need with funding options. The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator can give you grants or equity investments up to €2.5 million to help grow your business. If innovation and research are your thing, especially in technology or sustainability, the Horizon Europe programme might be your best bet. You can explore a variety of other grants on the EU Funding Portal too, all designed to give start-ups a leg up.

However, it’s also important to know the skills you’ll need when it comes to creating a startup, so the EU created the Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreComp) that emphasises skills such as creativity, planning, and teamwork. This is used in education across Europe, so you can build these skills whether you’re at school or learning outside the classroom

Starting a business isn’t easy, and the EU knows that, so they’ve set up mentoring, internships, and projects like the Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy (YEPA) to bring together young entrepreneurs with experts and policymakers to boost support throughout Europe.

And, if you're looking to connect with investors and larger companies, consider exploring the StartUp Europe Partnership. This project is designed to help you expand your network and discover more opportunities for securing investment, turning your idea into a success!

You can also get recognised through competitions and awards. For example, the AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award offers prizes and mentoring to help new businesses shine. The Young European Entrepreneur Award celebrates young innovators and gives coaching and exposure to help them grow their ideas.

If you’re just getting started, the Youth Start-Up Competition is a great chance to pitch your idea and get support. There are also events like Gen-e 2025, where young entrepreneurs from all over Europe come together to share ideas and inspiration.

So what are you waiting for? Go explore all options and start your entrepreneurial journey today! Head over to the EU Entrepreneurship Portal and see how the EU can help you turn your ideas into reality.

Written by Eurodesk Brussels Link