Are you looking for expert guidance to ensure the success of your project? The EIC Coaching Programme, a key initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC), is here to support entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators like you. Our programme connects you with experienced coaches who help you avoid common difficulties, sharpen your strategy, and enhance your leadership skills.
What the EIC Coaching Programme offers
The EIC Coaching Programme provides access to top-tier business coaches with extensive entrepreneurial and fundraising experience. These independent experts offer valuable insights and guidance, operating under a strict code of conduct to ensure confidentiality and protect your sensitive information.
Best of all, this coaching is provided free of charge by the EIC. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced entrepreneur, you’ll be matched with a coach who understands your industry and market. From refining your go-to-market strategy to securing partnerships and improving financial management, our coaches will challenge your assumptions and help you explore new opportunities.
Tailored coaching for your needs
The EIC Coaching Programme is designed to meet the specific needs of various participants:
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EIC Accelerator applicants (2nd stage) and Seal-of-Excellence teams: Enhance your value proposition, business plan, and investor pitch.
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EIC Pathfinder researchers: Discover innovation opportunities and explore entrepreneurship potential.
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EIC Transition teams: Analyse industry trends and develop a compelling value proposition.
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EIC Accelerator startups and scaleups: Strengthen business plans, implement strategies, accelerate market entry, scaleup and find investors.
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EIC Women Leadership Programme (WLP): Additional coaching to address potential glass ceiling issues.
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Seal of Excellence holders: Benefit from targeted support to advance your project.
How to get the right coach
EIC beneficiaries can access up to twelve coaching days while the other categories can benefit of three coaching days through a simple process:
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Notification: EIC beneficiaries can start using their coaching hours right away by choosing their preferred coach. Applicants working on their second-stage application can access coaching directly from their application module. Other beneficiaries will receive an email with instructions on how to begin the coaching process.
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Coach Search: Choose from over 400 business coaches based on your market, industry, and specific business needs.
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Matching Process: Shortlist a few coaches to confirm availability; they will respond within three working days.
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Selection: After a discussion (optional), select the coach that best fits your needs.
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Implementation: The EIC contracts your selected coach and covers the cost, handling all administrative process.
To encourage a global perspective, we suggest selecting a coach from a different country.
Interested? Learn more
Check out our resources to learn more about what to expect from your coach. Want to hear directly from others who have benefited from the programme? Watch Vesna's story on YouTube!
Become a coach
If you have a background in business development, entrepreneurship, or investment, consider joining our pool of coaches. Submit your application through the Call for expression of interest, including your industry experience, an executive summary, and a CV. Registration as an expert on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal is also required.
Your inclusion as an EIC business coach depends on:
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Demand for your expertise.
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Rotation to keep the coaching pool dynamic.
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Evaluation of your qualifications against set criteria.
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Feedback from those you have coached.
For more information, refer to our Handbook on EIC Business Coaching.
Get in touch
If you have any questions, contact us through the EIC Community’s contact page with the subject line 'EIC Coaching Programme'.
The EIC Coaching Programme is dedicated to helping European innovators reach their full potential. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your project to the next level with expert guidance.
Join the EIC Coaching Programme today!
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.