Internationalization Voucher 2021: applications open from March 9

To boost Italian exports and support the digital transition of Italian SMEs, Invitalia has allocated 50 million euros in non-repayable grants through the 2021 Internationalization Voucher. Part of the Export Pact unveiled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in June 2020, the announcement is aimed at micro and small businesses that want to expand abroad and finances expenses for the temporary induction of a Temporary Export Manager (TEM) with digital skills into the company.

Who is the 2021 Internationalization Voucher aimed at?

The call is for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees in the manufacturing sector (Ateco code C) with registered offices in Italy. Networks between micro and small enterprises are also eligible.

How does it work?

Starting March 9 and ending March 22, micro and small enterprises (MPIs) can book the Voucher. Applications must be mailed from March 25 and by April 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays and pre-holidays. Applications are evaluated in chronological order of arrival.

From March 27, 10 a.m., a second time window will also be opened until 5 p.m. on April 15, 2021 when the platform will be reopened for filling out and preparing the application.

What does it fund?

The Voucher covers expenses for TEM consulting contracts recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the special list, for a minimum duration of one year. In the case of networks, the contract has a minimum duration of 24 months. In addition, the funding is designed for consultancies that include the following activities:

- Market analysis and research;
- Identification and acquisition of new customers;
- Assistance in contracting for internationalization;
- Increased presence in e-commerce platforms;
- Integration of online marketing channels;
- Evolved management of logistics flows.

How much is the contribution?

The grant, granted under de minimis, amounts to:

- 20,000 euros for micro and small enterprises against a consulting contract for an amount not less than, net of VAT, 30,000 euros;
- 40,000 euros for business networks against a consulting contract for an amount not less than, net of VAT, 60,000 euros.

In addition, you may receive an additional 10,000 euros if you achieve the following results on foreign sales volumes:

- Increase of at least 15% in the turnover from transactions to foreign countries recorded in FY2022, compared to the same turnover recorded in FY2021;
- incidence-in fiscal year 2022-at least equal to 6% of turnover from transactions to foreign countries on total turnover.

We at Octagona support companies that, like yours, strongly want to discover new markets and derive profits from them. We are already accredited to the MISE as a TEM, and we have supported numerous companies under the Internationalization Voucher, thanks to a team of experts present all over the world and active in the field of internationalization for over 18 years.

Do you have a project to sell abroad and would like to finance it through the Internationalization Voucher? Click on the link below, fill out the form and one of our staff members will take up your application as soon as possible.

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