The EYE programme promotes entrepreneurialism and mobility throughout the continent by matching aspiring entrepreneurs (or New Entrepreneurs) with experienced business owners (Host Entrepreneurs = HE) in another European country. The HE commits to mentoring the NE with face-to-face counselling and supporting the development of the NE’s business plan so that they may return to their home country better prepared to embark on the otherwise daunting life of an entrepreneur. Unfortunately, as a consequence of Brexit, entrepreneurs from the UK are no longer eligible to participate.

Each exchange is for a minimum of one month and a maximum of six months. BPCC is currently encouraging applications from Portuguese-based aspiring entrepreneurs (irrespective of their original nationality) with a well-articulated business plan, and from experienced business owners willing to host and mentor an individual eager to learn from your journey since founding a company.

Applicant NE’s which comply with the eligibility criteria will receive financial support to subsidise their expenses for their overseas exchange – ranging from €530 to €1050, depending on the destination country.

HE’s often appreciates that the exchange presents an opportunity to get a toe-hold in a new potential market and have a representative or collaborator familiar with their methodology or products. Others see this as an ideal practice for honing their own mentoring skills and making them better leaders. However, the most acknowledged benefit appears to be the exchange of perspectives and injection of new ideas (at no financial cost to the Host).

BPCC has already administered approximately 140 of these exchanges throughout Portugal. Applicants can be from almost any sector; we have already supported entrepreneurs in agriculture, tourism, music, publishing, App development and digital marketing, though the single most popular category has been architecture.

Examples of previous Success Stories can be seen via this link. Full details of the EYE programme, including the eligibility criteria, can be found on the official website www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu or from Chris Barton at the BPCC on c.barton@bpcc.pt .