A.C.T.4EU is a European project co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme under the KA220-YOU Cooperation Partnerships in Youth action. It aims to empower young creative entrepreneurs by equipping them with the skills, tools and support they need to become active agents of change in their communities and in the creative sector as a whole.
The project responds to two critical challenges affecting youth across Europe today. On one hand, there is a lack of meaningful youth participation and advocacy in policymaking processes related to the creative and cultural industries. On the other hand, many young people—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, including women, migrants and individuals with disabilities—struggle to access entrepreneurship opportunities and adequate support structures in these sectors. A.C.T.4EU works to address both issues by promoting active citizenship, inclusion, and sustainable creative entrepreneurship.
This project has a duration of two years, running from January 2025 to December 2026. It is led by a consortium of four organisations with strong experience in youth work, advocacy, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion: Réseau Solidaire et Participatif (France, project coordinator), GEYC – Group of the European Youth for Change (Romania), Social Hackers Academy (Greece), and EuroMuévete (Spain).
The project officially started with a transnational kick-off meeting held in Clermont-Ferrand, France, in April 2025. This meeting marked the beginning of the collaborative planning process and laid the groundwork for the development of the project’s tools, platforms and outreach strategies. From that moment on, the partners began working on the different phases of the project, which include community research and needs assessment, training and mentorship development, cross-sector collaboration activities between the creative and mental health sectors, the launch of digital tools and platforms, and the final dissemination of results at both national and European level.
Objectives and expected results:
Train at least 40 young creative entrepreneurs in advocacy and lobbying, resulting in 5 youth-led policy proposals aimed at improving support mechanisms for the creative sector.
Engage at least 20 participants from underrepresented backgrounds, supporting the creation or growth of 5 creative ventures through tailored resources and workshops.
Develop and implement a mentorship platform connecting young creatives with experienced professionals across Europe.
Organise 4 cross-sector roundtable discussions and co-design 1 pilot project using creative methods (e.g., art, music, performance) to address mental health challenges.
Produce 5 key project outputs: the Advocacy Toolbox, the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Accelerator, the Mentorship Platform, the Cross-Sector Collaboration Guidebook, and a Final Multiplier Event to present outcomes and recommendations.
A.C.T.4EU is a forward-looking, inclusive initiative that believes in the power of creativity not only as an artistic expression, but as a tool for social transformation. By building bridges between sectors and offering real opportunities to young people, this project aims to create lasting impact at both local and European levels.
Check out the project website to learn more: ACT4EU
