Tag: 1. # Funding for Industrial Innovation

Corporate conference on internationalization and financial instruments for Italian businesses. Managers discuss global expansion strategies with charts and market data on a digital screen. References to SIMEST, SACE, and Invitalia highlight economic support for companies. Modern, innovative, and professional environment

Strategic Funding for Internationalization: A Guide for Italian Companies

Written by admin on February 20, 2025. Posted in news.

This guide offers an operational and in-depth overview of the financial instruments designed to support Italian companies in their internationalization journey. The main instruments provided by SIMEST, SACE, and Invitalia will be examined, with specific details on:

Funding for Fairs and Events
Funding for the temporary placement of Temporary Managers
Specialized studies and consulting for internationalization
Funding for e-commerce projects

Additionally, at the end of the guide, you will find a final in-depth section highlighting further operational and practical details.

Objectives and Target Audience

To:
- Mainly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
- Accessible also to other companies with internationalization projects
Objectives:
- Strengthen international competitiveness
- Support investments in innovation, digitalization, sustainability, and ecological transition
- Promoting the opening of offices and participation in international fairs and events (in-person or virtual)
- Promoting the integration of specialized professionals (Temporary Managers) and access to studies/consulting to support growth in foreign markets

SIMEST: Subsidized Financing for Internationalization (Tools and operating procedures)

Types of Financing:
- Entry into Foreign Markets: Supports the opening or enhancement of commercial facilities abroad
- E-commerce
  - Support the creation, improvement, or development of online sales platforms
  - Including both proprietary platforms and dedicated spaces on third-party marketplaces
  - Dedicated terms until December 31, 2025 for projects destined for the African continent
- Trade Fairs and Events: Covers expenses to participate in international events (even virtual ones) to promote products and services
- Interim Manager It finances the temporary placement of a specialized professional to lead technological, digital, or ecological innovation projects.
- Certifications and Consulting: It covers expenses for specialized consulting, feasibility studies, and the acquisition of product certifications, sustainability certifications, and intellectual property protection.
- Digital or Ecological Transition: Support the adoption of digital technologies and sustainable processes
- Empowering African Markets: Dedicated line for businesses operating in Africa, with particularly advantageous conditions
General Economic Conditions:
- Preferential rate: 0.371%
- Total duration: 4–6 years, with approximately 2 years of grace period
- Non-repayable grant: up to 10% of the funded amount (maximum €100,000), which may be increased to 20% for projects in Africa carried out by companies based in Southern Italy (up to €200,000)
Application Procedure:
- Submission via the official SIMEST portal (upon registration)
- Required documentation:
  - Information on the legal representative and the beneficial owner
  - Corporate documentation (articles of association, dedicated account opening agreement, etc.)
  - Detailed business plan and technical documentation according to the operational circulars
  - Mandatory digital signature

SACE: Guarantees and Insurance Coverages for Export (Tools to mitigate risks and promote lending)

Internationalization Support:
- Export credit guarantees to mitigate political and commercial risks
- Integration with bank financing to strengthen the financial structure
- Training programs (SACE Education) to update export skills

Invitalia: Incentives for Innovation and Internationalization (Calls for tenders and innovative transformation support)

Programs and Calls for Proposals:
- Non-repayable grants to turn innovative projects into production realities
- Initiatives to integrate technological innovation and international expansion strategies, often through public-private partnerships

Insight: SIMEST Financing for Trade Fairs and Events (Operational details and eligible expenses)

Objectives:
- Promote visibility and entry into foreign markets
- Support participation in international events (including virtual formats), including events in Italy if of international relevance
Eligible Expenses:
- Exhibition Area
  - Booth rental, registration, setup and furniture (chairs, tables, brochure rack, desk)
  - Audio-video equipment, electricity, utilities and insurance
  - Staff compensation and translation/interpreting services
- Logistics Expenses Transport of exhibition material and samples
- Promotional Expenses Signage, promotional merchandise, advertising, brochures, and banners
- Product Certifications: Certification costs
- Business Meeting and Workshop: Expenses for B2B/B2C meetings and workshops to facilitate networking
- External Consulting and Digital Expenses:
  - Consulting in the digital field (Digital Manager, Social Media Manager, Digital Marketing Manager) and other professions (designers, architects, photographers)
  - Registration for virtual events, CRM platform development, web design, and digital marketing campaigns (banners, newsletters, social networks)
- Professional Consulting: Consulting costs related to environmental regulatory compliance and the management of funding applications (up to 5% of the project)
- Expenses for African Clients (if applicable): Travel and accommodation expenses for potential African clients, both for trade fairs in Africa and for events in Italy with an Africa focus

In-depth look: Financing for Temporary Managers (Details and conditions for the inclusion of specialized personnel)

Features:
- Intended for all businesses, particularly MSMEs
- Objective: Support technological, digital, or ecological innovation projects through the temporary integration of a specialized professional
- Duration: 4 years in total, with 2 years of grace period
- Financial Terms:
  - Preferential rate of 0.371%
  - Maximum eligible amount: the lesser of 20% of the average revenue from the last two financial statements, €500,000, or a minimum amount of €10,000
  - Non-repayable grant: up to 10% of the project cost (maximum €100,000)

Insight: Studies and Specialized Consultations Support for strategies, analysis, and certifications

What's Included:
- Specialized consulting to define internationalization and innovation strategies
- Feasibility studies to assess sustainability and potential success in foreign markets
- Studies for digital and technological innovation aimed at developing integrated solutions within the internationalization strategy
- Product certifications and intellectual property protection
- Sustainability certifications and technological innovation to attest to the company's environmental commitment and innovative capacity

In-depth analysis: E-commerce Financing (Details on digital investments and online platforms)

Scope:
- Creation of a Proprietary E-commerce Platform: Support for the creation of an online sales website or portal managed directly by the company
- Improvement or Development of an Existing Platform: Investments to upgrade or enhance a platform already in use
- Access to Third-Party Platforms (Marketplaces): Funding for the creation of a dedicated space (store) on third-party marketplaces
Specific Conditions:
- Financing limit: up to €500,000 or, in any case, not exceeding 20% of the average revenue reported in the last two financial statements filed for the platform (whether owned by the company or by a third party)
- Minimum loan amount: €10,000
- Special conditions: for projects aimed at the commercialization of products and services intended for the African continent, dedicated conditions are available until December 31, 2025

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.

DISCOVER THE CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE AS OF MARCH 24, 2025 CLICK HERE

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on SIMEST and SACE Financing for Internationalization

Who are SIMEST's subsidized loans for internationalization aimed at, and what are the main objectives?
SIMEST's subsidized financing is mainly aimed at Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), but is also accessible to other businesses. The main objective is to strengthen the international competitiveness of Italian companies by supporting investments in sustainability and digitalization, growth in foreign markets, and the strength of production supply chains. These loans aim to cover a wide range of needs, from opening foreign offices to developing e-commerce, and from participating in international trade fairs to engaging temporary managers.
What are the main types of financing offered by SIMEST and how do they differ?
SIMEST offers various types of financing, including:
Entry into Foreign Markets: For the opening or expansion of commercial facilities abroad.
E-commerce For the development of proprietary e-commerce platforms or access to foreign marketplaces.
Trade Fairs and Events: For participation in international events for the promotion of goods and services.
Interim Manager For the temporary hiring of specialized personnel for innovation and internationalization projects.
Certifications and Consulting: For specialist consulting and the obtaining of product and sustainability certifications.
Digital or ecological transitionFinancing for projects related to the digital or ecological transition.
What are the typical economic conditions of SIMEST financing, including interest rates and non-repayable grants?
SIMEST loans offer a preferential interest rate, typically equal to 0.371%. The loan term ranges from 4 to 6 years, with a 2-year grace period. A maximum grant portion is available, which can be up to 10% of the loan amount (up to a maximum of 100,000 €), which can be increased to 20% for companies with operational headquarters in Southern Italy that carry out projects in Africa (up to a maximum of €200,000).
How can one benefit from special conditions for projects focusing on Africa, and which additional expenses are eligible for funding?
Companies applying for funding for projects focused on Africa can benefit from special terms through December 31, 2025. This includes a non-repayable co-financing contribution of up to 10%, which can be increased to 20% for companies in Southern Italy. In addition, it is possible to request an exemption from providing guarantees. Eligible expenses also include those related to the professional training of African staff, both on-site and in Italy, as well as travel and living expenses in Italy for African staff.
What is the procedure for submitting a funding application to SIMEST and what documents are required?
The funding application must be submitted via the SIMEST online portal. It is necessary to register, fill out the application form, and attach the required documentation, including:
Required documentation as per the Circular.
Information on the legal representative and the beneficial owner of the company.
Dedicated current account opening agreement.
Company bylaws.
All documents must be digitally signed.
It is important to consult the reference documentation (ministerial decree, operational circular, facsimile of the application form) available on the SIMEST website to ensure you have all the necessary requirements and documents. The submission of the application does not guarantee approval, which is subject to the completeness of the request, the existence of the requirements, SIMEST's evaluation, and the availability of resources.
How does SACE support Italian businesses in their internationalization?
SACE offers guarantees and insurance coverage for export credits, support tools for access to credit, and incentives for international investments. SACE policies cover various risks (political, commercial, etc.) and can be integrated with bank financing. The offer is often tailored according to the size of the company and the volume of exports. SACE also offers training services through SACE Education.
What are Invitalia's initiatives and programs to support internationalization?
Invitalia offers funding programs and calls for tenders to support innovation and internationalization, often with non-repayable grants. It supports the growth and competitiveness of SMEs, with a particular focus on projects that integrate innovative technologies and expansion strategies into foreign markets. Invitalia's offerings are generally aimed at turning innovative projects into productive realities and increasing presence on global markets.
What is the role of the Regions and European funds in supporting the internationalization of Italian businesses?
Many Regions provide funding, non-repayable grants, and subsidized credit tools aimed at the internationalization of SMEs. The conditions, eligible sectors, and amount of aid vary significantly from Region to Region. European funds and programs (such as COSME, Horizon Europe, or the EIC Accelerator) offer financing for internationalization projects, although they often require cooperation with national or regional bodies for the project submission phase.

“Non-repayable grants for industrial innovation: an unmissable opportunity for SMEs and Startups within the framework of Industry 4.0”

Written by admin on July 11, 2023. Posted in news.

MADE call for the selection of innovation, industrial research and experimental development projects.

This call for proposals offers non-repayable grants to fund industrial research, experimental development, and feasibility study projects to be carried out within 12 months, with the aim of encouraging the provision of advanced and innovative technological services to businesses, especially SMEs, focusing on technologies and manufacturing specializations of excellence.

Who can apply for the grant

Microenterprises and startups, SMEs, medium enterprises, large enterprises, and consortia duly established as corporate entities and registered in the Business Register may submit an application;

Available financial allocation and funding rules

The total amount of resources allocated for the non-repayable grants is €12,500,000.00. The maximum contribution requested for the grant of each innovation project may not exceed the value of €400,000.00. The grants, awarded in the form of non-repayable financing, will be consistent with the following aid intensities:

• Funding of 50 % of eligible expenses dedicated to industrial research activities (as described in Article 25 of the GBER Regulation). This intensity may be increased up to a maximum intensity of 70 % of eligible costs as follows: 1) by 20 percentage points for small enterprises; 2) by 10 percentage points for medium-sized enterprises;

• Funding of 50 % of eligible expenses related to feasibility studies (as described in Article 25 of the GBER Regulation). This intensity may be increased up to a maximum of 70 % of eligible costs as follows: 1) by 20 percentage points for small enterprises; 2) by 10 percentage points for medium-sized enterprises;

• Funding of 25% of eligible expenses for experimental development activities (as described in Article 25 of the GBER Regulation); This aid intensity may be increased up to a maximum of 45 % of eligible costs as follows: 1) by 20 percentage points for small enterprises; 2) by 10 percentage points for medium-sized enterprises;

Eligible interventions and deductible expenses

Projects must be finalized and consistent with the activities of: industrial research, experimental development, and feasibility studies. Each company or aggregation of companies may submit a project proposal, each of which must be consistent with at least one of the project activities listed below: Technology transfer activities

• Industry 4.0 Strategy: implementation of a digital technology adoption plan and strategic skills to ensure a company's evolution towards Industry 4.0 in terms of process efficiency and effectiveness, consistently with corporate objectives;

• Innovation projects: industrial research, experimental development, and innovation projects (product, process, or organizational models) necessary to support the translation of innovative ideas into demonstrable concepts, also through the use of the 6 Areas and 25 technological Assets available in MADE; • Demos and testing: development of demos, prototypes, Proof of Concepts (PoCs), and Test-Beds in the field of Industry 4.0, using technical, technological, and methodological environments and tools, as well as know-how available in the 6 Areas and 25 technological Assets present in MADE;

• Technology scouting: identification of the most suitable technologies and technology partners to develop product and process innovation, defining a corporate technology strategy consistent with the trends characterizing the sector;

• Technology Consulting: consulting activities and feasibility studies aimed at the implementation of technological, organizational, and managerial solutions designed to improve business processes from an Industry 4.0 perspective;

• Validation of Industry 4.0 projects: evaluation of the adequacy of technologies, methodologies, and execution of innovation projects with respect to the set objectives and the state of the art. Access to instrumentation and technological islands

• Access to MADE's technological infrastructure and technologies: Provision of a wide range of services such as equipment rental, provision of technological infrastructure for platforms, laboratory facilities, and production support for testing and prototyping. Project activities must refer exclusively to Industry 4.0 and specifically to the following technical fields:

1 product design, engineering, and development;

2 production planning, progress control, and real-time monitoring;

3 digital technologies for product end-of-life management;

4 energy control and monitoring;

5 digital tools supporting circular economy and sustainability methodologies

6 product tracing and quality management;

7 digital operator support systems;

8 technologies and digital systems for the simulation of industrial processes;

9 technology and additive process;

10 collaborative robotics;

11 Industrial Cyber Security;

12 digital tools supporting Maintenance 4.0 policies;

13 digital tools supporting Lean 4.0 policies;

14 Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics;

15 internal logistics and traceability;

16 Digital tools and solutions based on the integration of 5G networks and emerging technologies in the industrial sector. For the purpose of quantifying the financial support, the following expense items are eligible for funding:

• personnel costs: researchers, technicians, and other support staff to the extent that they are employed on the project (these costs may not exceed 30% of the total value of the project proposal);

• Costs related to newly acquired instruments and equipment, to the extent and for the period during which they are used for the project. If the instruments and equipment are not used for the entire project duration, only the depreciation costs corresponding to the project duration, calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are considered eligible (these costs may not exceed 30% of the total project proposal costs);

• expenses for contract research, knowledge, and patents acquired or licensed from external sources under normal market conditions (these expenses must be entirely dedicated to utilizing the expertise and equipment that MADE has acquired for the development and implementation of projects. Furthermore, they must represent at least 70% of the total cost of the innovation project);

• Expenses related to consulting services and equivalent services used exclusively for the purposes of the project submitted by the company (these must be dedicated entirely to leveraging the expertise and tools that MADE has acquired for the development and implementation of projects. Furthermore, they must represent at least 70% of the total cost of the innovation project). Projects must have a total duration of no more than 12 months, starting from the date the contract is signed.