by Ioanna Lougari, Journalist
Is it really possible for clever and innovative minds to see their plans run through the years? How much effort and money does it take to make money? Do you believe in your idea much enough to withstand all the negative and underestimating predictions about the end of your plans from your very close friends and family members? Are you willing to sleep again to your childhood’s bed at the age of 25, 30 or even 35 and consider this as an investment for the future?
These are only few of the questions raised when the “Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs” project was discussed on Friday the 9th of May 2014, in a room of European Parliament in Strasbourg between 100 young people and the most qualified expert in the field. “Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs” has nothing to do with Erasmus for students, but it is a project that Europe counts on for the birth of new innovative figures in any business sector. This is why Europe offers the network, the know-how, mentors and money to brilliant minds and ideas in order to help you build your idea or rebuild (in a profitable way) your plan. Europe counts on young people, as youth is expecting more from Europe.
The main idea of the project is that if luck is not knocking your door, you have to make it happen. It is indeed a life attitude that can lead your further, but it is not as romantic as it sounds! Actually, it is exactly the opposite, as from the start of your effort you will face obstacles and barriers that you have to climb over or pass by. If you get easily tired or you don’t even convince yourself that your idea is good enough to safeguard your future with a quality life, then you are surely not suitable for applying to this Erasmus project.
Christian Weinberger, the programme manager and Directorate-General for Enterprise at the European Commission, underlined many times during his statements that “you have to know what you want to do, to know your costumers, to be inspired”. The objective of the programme is to give young entrepreneurs the time and the network needed, but the important part springs from the individuals themselves. “This is the chance of your life”, Mr Weinberger says and adds “Funding is essential but can be found if your idea worths it. All you have to do is to get in contact with the intermediate organisations all over Europe”.
“We are matching persons and not companies. It’s like a puzzle”, Thomas Berger mentions – as a programme local contact point person from the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research e.V.- regarding the way the procedure goes. His organization has effectively helped more than 100 entrepreneurs during its 5 years life and as he underlines, the good news is that the term “young” does not refer to actual biological age, but mental one and more specifically to the freshness of your idea and your experience in enterprising. Be willing to cross boarders (literally and metaphorically). Be open in meeting new people, learn new things and be good at taking advantage of an endless network provided that you never know where it can lead you. Additionally, Thomas says, “Grades and school certificates or any work experience do not matter at all. All it matters is the business idea! Just be serious about it!”
The bad news is that, if you look closely to this project and the idea, you will see that the road is not covered with roses and the wind that blows away the petals is bureaucracy and real life’s surviving obstacles. As new entrepreneur who by now runs four companies Sebastien Aubert says, when he first started dealing with his idea, time and energy consuming where extremely high, while he also had to face his empty pockets going together with the negativity of his teachers, friends and family against his vision. He had to go back to his parents’ house at a mature age and also have his family providing him food, as he had no income for two years. But, as Sebastien mentions “You have to learn how to be charismatic, respective and raise your voice. We made it after all! Our films are now being sold to many TV channels and we earn serious money. Even though our plans have changed completely from the original, we are very pleased and satisfied”.
