Lazio SME Internationalization Voucher 2026: A Real Opportunity to Enter the U.S. Market

Written by admin on October 22, 2025. Posted in news.

The Lazio Region has published the new “SME Internationalization Voucher 2026” Call for Applications”, an initiative by 10 million euros aimed at supporting the participation of local small and medium-sized enterprises in B2B international trade fairs, with the aim of promoting its expansion into foreign markets — including the United States.

Objective of the call

The program, included in the ERDF Lazio 2021–2027, aims to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainable growth of businesses in the Lazio region, supporting their direct presence at the most important international trade fairs.
The initiative is particularly relevant for companies interested in American market, where participation in trade fairs often represents the key to connecting with local distributors, buyers, and partners.

Types of funded activities

Each company can obtain a contribution for participate in up to 3 international B2B trade fairs that take place during 2026, both abroad (for example in the United States) is in Italy provided they are recognized as “international” by the official calendar of the Conference of Regions.

Participation must take place with their own exhibition space, contracted directly with the trade fair organizer or, in the case of events abroad, through an’local specialized agency.
Italian collective stands or intermediaries are not allowed.

Amount of the contribution

He non-repayable grant is granted as a title of De Minimis, for an amount fixed rate of 15,240 euros for each trade fair.
This amount includes:

€12.700 as a lump sum for participation in the trade fair (space rental, setup, logistics, and promotional material);
€2.540 (equal to 20%) to cover the direct costs of the employees.

Basically, a company participating in three trade fairs can receive up to €45.720 of total contribution.

Requirements for admission

The following may apply: SMEs registered in the Register of Enterprises against operational headquarters in Lazio.
Subjects that do not meet the general eligibility requirements (such as activities excluded from the ERDF or companies not up to date with social security contributions) are excluded.

Selection criteria and scoring

The assignment takes place via ranking, not with the “click day” system.
The score depends on various factors, including:

ratio of foreign turnover to total turnover (up to 40 points);
number of employees (up to 20 points);
project structure (more trade fairs, more points);
absence of previous contributions;
certifications of gender equality o environmental sustainability;
youth business.

Delivery and payment methods

The contribution is disbursed balance due, in a single payment, within 30 days from the conclusion of the last approved trade fair.
The refund request must be uploaded to the platform GeCoWEB Plus along with:

declaration of participation (self-certification);
contract with the organizer or local agency (with relative company profile);
descriptive report of the activity carried out;
photographic or video documentation of the stand and promotional material.

Once the reporting is approved, the The refund is credited directly to the beneficiary company's account, making the entire process simple and transparent.

Why it is a great opportunity for Lazio businesses

For Lazio companies that want to expand into the US market, this call for proposals represents a strategic opportunity:
Trade shows in the USA (such as Fancy Food Show, CES, Cosmoprof North America, NRA Show, or New York Build Expo) are the most effective gateway to meet American buyers, importers, and investors.

Thanks to the regional contribution, businesses can drastically reduce entry costs, improving its visibility and accelerating business contacts with foreign partners.

Operational support

Link2America, with over 14 years of direct experience in the United States, offers complete assistance for project submission, the selection of the most suitable trade fairs and the logistics and commercial management in the USA, including:

partner and distributor search;
customs and legal support;
organization of B2B meetings during trade fairs;
post-event follow-up.