The Lombardy Region will soon open the tender "Internationalization Line 2021-2027. Projects for competitiveness on international markets” with the aim of supporting SMEs in internationalization processes, with a subsidy granted and disbursed up to 100% of eligible expenses. Let's find out in this article what it is, who can access it and how to apply.
Lombardy closed 2021 in the best possible way: the companies of the region exported goods and services abroad for a record value equal to 36 and a half billion euros in the fourth quarter of 2021, a figure never reached before. In particular, last year exports from Lombardy were worth almost 136 billion euros, or more than 26% of all Italian exports (source: Lombardy, record exports at 136 billion euros in 2021).
2022 did not go in the best way, due to the supply of raw materials, inflationary pressures and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and so now Lombard companies find themselves facing a crossroads: losing important slices of their market, or take immediate action to be able to look for new markets and new opportunities on foreign markets, to counter the problems of the domestic market.
Precisely for this reason the Lombardy Region will publish the tender in December “2021-2027 Internationalization Line. Projects for competitiveness on international markets”.
To find out, we must ask ourselves the following questions: who can access? What are the eligible expenses? Is there a minimum expense to be incurred? We find out the answers in the following paragraphs.
Who can apply for the grant?
SMEs with legal or operational headquarters in Lombardy.
What are the eligible expenses?
Participation in international fairs, in Italy and abroad and related events (e.g. workshops, B2b events, seminars, etc.), including expenses for participation in virtual fairs and for the use of related meeting matching platforms at fairs;
Temporary establishment abroad (6 months) of showrooms/exhibition spaces, showcases and virtual exhibitions for the promotion of products/brands on foreign markets;
Communication and advertising actions relating to the programme;
Development and/or adaptation of websites or access to cross border platforms (B2B/B2C) to consolidate one's position on foreign markets, also aimed at the online sale of products or services (also on the domestic market);
Consulting in relation to the Project and the program (including the cost of defining the project);
Foreign certifications (no consultancy) for products to be promoted in target countries;
Commissions for guarantees;
Training costs for personnel relating to the integrated program (10%);
Lump sum expenses for employees (in Italy and abroad) employed in the Project (20%);
Lump sum general expenses (7%).
Is there a minimum expense that my company must bear?
The subsidy is granted and disbursed up to 100% of the eligible expenses referred to 80% in the form of subsidized financing and 20% in the form of non-repayable contribution.
The benefit can range from a minimum of 35,000 euros and a maximum of 350,000 euros. The nominal annual interest rate applied to subsidized financing is fixed and is equal to 0%. The duration of the loan is between 3 and 6 years, with a maximum pre-amortization period until the disbursement of the balance and in any case not exceeding 24 months.
How do I go about submitting the application?
The application must be submitted on the online tender platform by 7 February 2023. The questions will be selected through an evaluation procedure at the counter (art. 5/III of Legislative Decree n. 123/1998) according to the chronological order of receipt of the same on the regional information system. Expenses must be completed within 18 months of granting the subsidy.
If you really want to participate in the tender, receive the grant and expand your business to increase turnover and make profits, then find out the 3 reasons why you should contact Octagona.
Speed of action
In order not to miss the opportunity and arrive before the funds are exhausted, it is necessary to move immediately, without waiting. However, speed should not come at the expense of quality and precision. We are used to working on projects, meeting deadlines and we know how to accelerate when needed thanks to our highly trained consultants.
International knowledge of markets
The non-repayable contribution is fundamental but so are the results and guarantees of success that you must look for. Octagona has been successfully involved in Internationalization and Digital Export for over 20 years. Our core business is to create strategies and bring them to fruition also thanks to our super reliable partners.
Specific knowledge of all Internationalization and Digital Export tools
The tender finances activities ranging from consultancy, to digital services, to the creation of marketing tools and much more. To move quickly and take advantage of this great opportunity, only one expert interlocutor is needed. Octagona takes care of just this: supporting you first in the creation of the strategy and then in the choice of tools and partners to achieve what we will have defined together.
Imagine the great competitive advantages that an international expansion and export strategy can bring to your business. Decide now what to do, contact us indicating your references and you will be contacted by one of our Senior consultants to get to know us and set up the next steps without hesitation
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