Are you self-employed in the cultural and creative industries in Saxony, or are you about to start your own business or launch your own company? Do you want to expand your knowledge, build your network at the European level, and gain new insights for your business? Then Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is just right for you!

The program at a glance:

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is an EU-funded exchange program that connects you, as a young entrepreneur, with experienced entrepreneurs across Europe. The goal is to share knowledge, experiences, and international contacts, and to help you launch your business.

Your benefits:

  • Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing: Learn from experienced entrepreneurs and benefit from their expertise and professional network.
  • International Business Connections: Build valuable relationships with partners across Europe.
  • Practical Insights: Gain exposure to new markets, business practices, and ways of working.
  • Personal & Professional Development: Expand your entrepreneurial skills, develop new strategies, and gain fresh inspiration for your business.

Who can participate?

  • Young entrepreneurs: Individuals who have started a business or are about to do so.
  • Requirement: Submission of a current business plan.

Special focus: We specifically target self-employed individuals in the cultural and creative industries—including, for example:

  • Design & Fashion
  • Digital Media & Gaming
  • Music, Film & Performing Arts
  • Arts & Crafts & Cultural Education
  • Creative Startups in New Technologies

Partner Countries & Industry Focus

We connect participants with our project partners in Europe:

  • Poland: Gaming, digital media, IT-based startups
  • Austria: Music, theater, event management
  • Czech Republic: Film production, animation, design
  • Spain: Fashion, art & cultural education, creative tourism
  • Slovenia: Arts and crafts, music & performance
  • Slovakia: Digital media, design startups
  • France: Creative startups, fashion, design, audiovisual media

General conditions:

  • Placements last 1–4 months at a European host company
  • Participation is free of charge; EU funding covers part of the costs
  • The amount of funding depends on the destination country
  • Participants must arrange their own housing, though partners may be able to assist with this
  • A cooperation agreement is signed between the young entrepreneur and the host entrepreneur

Application deadline:

  • Only until February 29, 2026, for departure in the summer!
  • Please submit all documents in full:
    • Program registration
    • Business plan
    • Contact information and company profile

Register now:

Anyone in Saxony who is interested should register online via the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs platform and select the Landesverband der Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaft Sachsen e.V. as their intermediary organization (IO): https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-entrepreneurs/registration/application

Secure your spot on the international exchange program for summer 2026! The deadline is February 29: Submit your complete application by this date so we can plan your departure for the summer months. 

Late applications are welcome at any time, but we will then arrange for a later travel date.

Contact & Support:

If you have any questions or need help with your application, Tina Duarte from the Saxony Association of the Cultural and Creative Industries (Landesverband der Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaft Sachsen e.V.) will be happy to assist you:


+49 160 90322773

Take this opportunity to connect your business in the cultural and creative industries with an international network, gain new insights, and build long-term partnerships. Get started with your exchange program this summer!