The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) continues to build on its success with the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme as it welcomes back Francesca, the latest exchange entrepreneur.
The Erasmus programme is a cross border exchange programme which offers those in the early stages of starting a business the opportunity to spend three to four months with a business in Europe.
Francesca Birch spent time with Ultra Studio based in Amsterdam to develop and gain new skills in preparation for the launch of her new business. Francesca is in the process of starting a consultancy business that offers innovative and sustainable design solutions and has spent time working on lighting and product design. She explains: “Through the Erasmus programme I was able to travel to Amsterdam and spend time in a well-established business, not only as a designer but as a student. The company acted as a mentor and together we worked on targeted goals each week. I learned about aspects of the business in which I lacked experience, including financial planning, customer relations and how the running of a studio works on a day to day basis.
“I also contributed to the host business and was involved in the design of an innovative lighting product.
“I would most definitely recommend the Erasmus programme to aspiring or newly established businesses. It’s been an excellent experience and the support I have received from the BIC has been brilliant.”
The BIC is a UK contact for anyone wishing to take part in the Erasmus programme. The Programme aims to place new entrepreneurs within an established business in Europe, and also to recruit UK based companies who are willing to host an entrepreneur from overseas. The placements, on average, run for 3 to 4 months.
Louise Hardy, business development manager and head of the programme at the BIC explains: “This is a fantastic opportunity for both the Entrepreneurs and the Host companies. The Host can welcome an entrepreneur into their business to complete a project which they themselves set, allowing the entrepreneur to acquire skills they may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience. In return the host will be able to benefit from the fresh ideas and skill set that the entrepreneur brings and exchange first-hand knowledge of international markets.
“I am delighted that Francesca benefited so much from participating in the programme and I am confident she will go on to use the skills she has acquired in her own business venture.” Louise concluded.
Programme criteriaYou can participate in the programme as a new entrepreneur if: You are firmly planning to start a business and have a concrete project or business idea based on a viable business plan You have started your own business within the last 3 years Be motivated and prepared to contribute to the development of the host entrepreneur's business and make your skills and competences availableAs a host entrepreneur you can participate in the programme if: You are a permanent resident in one of the participating countries You are the owner of a small or medium enterprise You have been running a company for more than 3 years You are willing to share your knowledge and experience with a new entrepreneur and act as a mentor
