The Republic has joined 23 other EU countries in offering a cross-border enterprise exchange programme for budding entrepreneurs.

The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme will enable early-stage entrepreneurs in Ireland to be matched with experienced small business owners in other European countries.

The programme, funded by the EU Commission, will also allow new business owners to travel to Ireland to learn management skills from “host” entrepreneurs.

The Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board in Co Dublin is the first organisation to introduce the programme to Ireland, and more county and city enterprise boards are expected to join as intermediaries this year.

Minister of State for Small Business John Perry launched a recruitment drive for the exchange programme yesterday. Information for Irish entrepreneurs wishing to be matched with host entrepreneurs abroad is at www.dlrceb.ie/eye