The region supports international growth of your business with a grant of up to 50%: structured projects, Temporary Export Manager, trade fairs and promotion activities in foreign markets.
Main goals
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Strengthening the competitiveness of Emilia-Romagna enterprises in international markets.
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Foster structured internationalization paths (in-person trade shows, consulting activities, B2B, digital export, etc.).
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Incentivize projects with impact on sustainability and carbon neutrality, favoring projects to Extra-EU markets.
Dedicated resources for the 2026-2027 biennium total €5,000,000.
Who can participate
Eligible to apply: SMEs and REA-registered entities in single form or aggregations (ATI/ATS or Enterprise Networks) consisting of at least 3 entities.
All enterprises must have the relevant operating unit in Emilia-Romagna. Certain categories (excluding agricultural enterprises as defined by the c.c.) and sectors are covered in the notice and annexes.
Interventions and eligible expenses (in summary)
Main fundable items:
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Participation in international trade fairs in attendance (up to 4 fairs; also international fairs in Italy) held during the period 24/02/2026 - 31/12/2027.
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Specialist consultations: Temporary Export Manager (TEM), Digital Export Manager (DEM), marketing and communication plans for target countries, partner search services and B2B meeting support (excluding organizational costs such as rooms and catering).
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Overhead/indirect costs for project definition and management.
All activities and invoices must be dated and implemented between 02/24/2026 and 12/31/2027.
Minimum project requirements and reporting rules
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Minimum project amount: € 25,000 for single proposals; € 75,000 for aggregations.
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In reporting, the eligible expenses actually incurred must be at least 50% of the approved cost: below this threshold there is total revocation of the grant.
Amount of contribution and conditions
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Non-repayable grant equal to 50% of expenses eligible.
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Maximums: up to € 30.000 per single enterprise; up to € 140.000 For aggregations.
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In stipulated cases (youth enterprises, women's enterprises, mountain areas, etc.) the intensity can go up to 55% (see Art. 5.2 of the announcement).
- Aid will be provided in compliance with EU Regulation 2023/2831 (“de minimis”).
Timing, submission and early closure
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Submission window: from 11:00 a.m. on. February 24, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. on March 13, 2026 (final term).
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SFINGE 2020 platform: accessible from February 16, 2026 1:00 pm for compilation and validation.
- Important note: The Region may close the window early once the maximum number of 300 applications is reached; therefore, it is strategic to prepare the application in advance so as not to miss the opportunity. After submission, the company will receive the Unique Project Code (CUP), which must be indicated on all invoices for consultancy.
Evaluation procedure
The selection is made through a ranked evaluation procedure. The preliminary investigation includes: formal eligibility verification, substantive verification and merit evaluation (technical quality, ability to strengthen presence in foreign markets, economic-financial soundness of the project, elements of sustainability/climate action).
The process will be completed within 90 days after the deadline (up to 120 days if there are ≥ 200 applications).
How Octagona can support you: our added value
Octagona supports SMEs at all stages of the internationalization project:
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Pre-assessment and eligibility verification: quick analysis of your project idea and eligible budget.
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Dossier construction support through qualified technical partner.
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Operational and consulting support: Temporary Export Manager, Digital Export Manager, international marketing plans, B2B meeting organization and business partner search.
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Closing and submission of the file final through the support of qualified technical partner.
With our international presence and experience in similar projects, we turn the regional contribution opportunity into a concrete and measurable operational plan.
For more information, please visit the official website of the notice.
Want to figure out if your project is eligible and maximize your ranking score?
Write to octagona@octagona.com indicating “RER Call for Internationalisation 2026-27” to set an initial free consultation With one of our Senior Consultants.
