Success stories

Period of exchange: 11/2009 until 12/2009
Duration of exchange: one month

Jorge Fernandes of Madeira, Portugal, runs a successful enterprise, Expedita - Arq Gest Sist Lda., in the fields of IT and tourism, which specialises in Research & Development projects.  When he heard about the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme, Jorge immediately applied to host a new entrepreneur, keen to exchange knowledge and experience and possibly expand his business activities to new markets and partners across Europe. In 2007, new entrepreneur Abigail from Spain set up Abirox Informática S.L., an IT company specialising in global computing services. Although her business activities had been improving with time, Abigail still felt like she needed more skills to meet her future goals for her business. In 2009, Abigail left her hometown and joined Jorge for a one month exchange in late 2009.

On site, Abigail took part in the daily routines of Jorge’s company, participated in the commercial activities and contacted clients. The new entrepreneur equally improved her own entrepreneurial knowledge and defined new strategies for the future of her own business.

Abigail studied Jorge’s management software and researched the possibilities of introducing this software in the Spanish market. In turn, Jorge was hoping to incorporate some of Abigail’s new ideas and dynamics to increase his economic activity in other fields. Abigail was enthusiastic at the thought of acquiring information about European markets and finding new business opportunities with potential partners.

Abigail developed practical managerial skills and worked on a marketing strategy to promote Jorge’s software on the Spanish market.  Jorge learned some of the different working techniques employed in Spain. Both entrepreneurs are now exploring the possibility for future working relationships.