Calls for internationalization funds active as of March 24, 2025

Written by admin on March 24, 2025. Posted in Uncategorized.

This note provides an in-depth analysis of Italian calls for proposals related to internationalization that are still open and available as of March 24, 2025, drawing on information from official sources and an analysis of recent calls for proposals. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview for interested companies, taking into account the national and regional context, with the current deadline set for March 24, 2025, at 3:14 p.m. Italian time (10:14 a.m. EDT).

Context and Objectives

Calls for proposals for internationalization are subsidized financing programs that offer concrete support to Italian SMEs seeking to expand their commercial horizons. These calls for proposals, promoted at the national and regional levels, serve as a strategic capital injection, enabling companies to cover the costs associated with entering and establishing themselves in foreign markets. As of March 24, 2025, our research has identified open calls for proposals at both the national and regional levels, with a particular focus on SIMEST and the regions of Tuscany and Calabria.

Open National Calls

SIMEST Internationalization Programs
- SIMEST, a company of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group, offers a range of subsidized loans and non-repayable grants to support the international expansion of Italian SMEs. Among the available measures are:
  - “Market Entry,” for opening overseas offices or developing e-commerce.
  - “Certifications and Consultancies”, to obtain the certifications necessary for export.
  - “Fairs and Events, for participation in international trade fairs.
  - “Temporary Export Manager,” for the temporary placement of specialized managers.
- Current StatusThe programs are active and applications can be submitted continuously, with no fixed deadlines, until funds are exhausted. Research indicates that SIMEST recently updated its incentives, such as the “African Markets Enhancement” starting July 25, 2024, with a reserve of 200 million euros.
- Beneficiaries: All companies with their registered office and place of business in Italy, provided they meet the minimum requirements regarding filed financial statements (at least one for applications under 150,000 euros, two for applications above that amount).
- How to Apply: Questions must be submitted via the SIMEST online platform, available at www.simest.it. For more information, see the “For Businesses” > “Subsidized Loans” section.
- Financial Details: Low-interest loans (0.371% as of March 21, 2025) with non-repayable co-financing of up to 10-20%, depending on the category (e.g., businesses in Southern Italy or those run by young people or women).

Open Regional Calls for Proposals

2025 Internationalization Call for Proposals – Tuscany Region
- Description: Approved by Executive Decree No. 4341 of March 5, 2025, this call for proposals—part of the 2021–2027 ERDF Operational Program (Action 1.3.1), aims to support internationalization projects in non-EU countries, with a focus on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the manufacturing, tourism, and trade sectors. It offers non-repayable grants of up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a minimum investment of 10,000 euros and a maximum of 150,000 euros per individual enterprise.
- Current StatusThe opening was initially scheduled for March 17, 2025, but was postponed to March 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM due to adverse weather events. As of March 24, 2025 at 3:14 PM, the call for applications has just begun, offering an immediate opportunity for Tuscan SMEs. Closure will occur when available resources (9.4 million euros) are exhausted.
- Beneficiaries: Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with operational headquarters in Tuscany, with priority given to businesses led by young people, women, and those located in inland areas. Projects must include at least 60% worth of internationalization services (e.g., participation in trade shows, consulting, promotion).
- How to ApplyApplications must be submitted through the Sviluppo Toscana SpA portal, accessible at www.sviluppo.toscana.it. For more details, see the page dedicated to the call for proposals at www.regione.toscana.it.
- Unexpected DetailsAn interesting aspect is that the call for applications includes bonuses for companies with foreign turnover or located in inland municipalities, making support more accessible for less structured entities.
Call for Proposals on Internationalization – Calabria Region (Possibly Open)
- Description: According to unofficial sources, such as an article dated February 14, 2024, it appears that the Calabria Region has issued a call for proposals for internationalization, with the application period running from April 10, 2024, to April 10, 2026. It offers grants of up to 100% for participation in international events and 50% for export consulting services, with a focus on micro and small businesses.
- Current Status: Research suggests that the call for proposals may still be open, but as of March 24, 2025, there has been no official confirmation. This is a two-year program (2024–2026) with a rolling application process. However, the lack of recent updates makes this information uncertain.
- BeneficiariesSME with an operating unit in Calabria, including associative forms such as consortia and networks.
- How to ApplyFor details, check the official website calabriaeuropa.regione.calabria.it, looking for the specific public notice. It is recommended to contact [email protected] for clarification.
- Cautionary NotesGiven the uncertainty, it is recommended to confirm the status of the call for applications with the regional authorities, as it may be closed or have undocumented intermediate deadlines.

Comparative Analysis

To facilitate understanding, here is a table comparing the open calls:

Bando	Level	Opening	Closure	Max Contribution	Beneficiaries
SIMEST Financing	National	Ongoing (no fixed deadlines)	While supplies last	Variable (up to 80%)	All Italian businesses
Tuscany Internationalization	Regional	03/24/2025, 10:00 AM	Upon reaching the funding goal	50% (€150,000 max)	Tuscan MSMEs, specific sectors
Calabria Internationalization	Regional	Available from 04/10/2024	Available until 04/10/2026	100% (various)	SME based in Calabria

SUPPORT FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS WITH LINK2AMERICA

For those who want concrete support in submitting applications for calls for proposals, we invite you to visit the page https://link2america.us/finanziamenti-per-internazionalizzazione/, where a form is available to request assistance.

One of our specialized consultants will contact you within 48 hours of filling out the form to offer you an initial free consultation and guide you step by step through the internationalization process.