By Jean-Michel Pottier, EESC Employers' Group member

Almost 40% of young Europeans dream of becoming entrepreneurs. This ambition represents a major opportunity for Europe’s competitiveness, innovation and social cohesion. 

At EU level, financial support, mentoring, high‑quality incubation and training programmes can provide a solid foundation for young entrepreneurs, but these efforts must be supported by a stable and predictable regulatory framework. 

Entrepreneurship must also be nurtured through education and vocational training. Entrepreneurial thinking should be embedded across learning pathways, from schools to lifelong learning, and applied not only to business creation but also to social, cultural and sports initiatives. In this context, dual education and apprenticeships play a key role by combining theory with practical experience. Many successful craftspeople and SME owners in Europe started their careers this way.

Access to finance remains one of the main barriers for young entrepreneurs. Tailored grants, micro‑finance and capitalisation instruments are crucial, but funding alone is not enough. Strategic guidance and sound project evaluation are essential to strengthen business viability and reduce risk. While most Member States already offer personalised support schemes, these measures should be scaled up and more widely adopted at EU level.

Targeted strategies to promote self‑employment and female entrepreneurship show strong potential for job creation. Inclusive support must reach all young people who wish to start or take over a business, helping to reinforce equal opportunities and social cohesion.

In addition, closing the digital divide, improving access to technology and developing AI‑related skills are vital for innovation and competitiveness. Supporting SME internationalisation through mobility, networking and expanded programmes such as Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, will also help young business leaders access new markets.

By creating the right conditions today, Europe can empower young people to turn entrepreneurial ambition into sustainable business and therefore a prosperous economy.