Emilia-Romagna Region internationalization call 2026-2027: opportunities for Emilia-Romagna SMEs
TLDR
The internationalization call 2026-2027 of the Emilia-Romagna Region allocates a total of 5,000,000 euros with a grant contribution equal to 50% of the eligible expenses.
The maximum amounts are 30,000 euros per individual enterprise and 140,000 euros for aggregations; the intensity can rise to 55 percent for young, female-led or mountain-based enterprises.
Applications are accepted from 11:00 on February 24, 2026, to 16:00 on March 13, 2026, with an early closing at the achievement of 300 applications.
They are eligible for funding for up to 4 international trade fairs, Temporary Export Manager, Digital Export Manager, marketing plans and partner research, with activities and invoices between 24/02/2026 and 31/12/2027.
The minimum project amounts to 25,000 euros for individual enterprises and 75,000 euros for aggregations; if less than 50% of the approved cost is spent, the contribution is revoked.
Index
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
Strengthening the competitiveness of Emilia-Romagna enterprises in international markets.
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:
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.
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).
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
Minimum project amount: € 25,000 for single proposals; € 75,000 for aggregations.
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
Non-repayable grant equal to 50% of expenses eligible.
Maximums: up to € 30.000 per single enterprise; up to € 140.000 For aggregations.
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
Submission window: from 11:00 a.m. on. February 24, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. on March 13, 2026 (final term).
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:
Pre-assessment and eligibility verification: quick analysis of your project idea and eligible budget.
Dossier construction support through qualified technical partner.
Operational and consulting support: Temporary Export Manager, Digital Export Manager, international marketing plans, B2B meeting organization and business partner search.
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 [email protected] indicating “RER Call for Internationalisation 2026-27” to set an initial free consultation With one of our Senior Consultants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the 2026-2027 internationalization call of the Emilia-Romagna Region?
SMEs and entities registered with REA can participate individually or in an aggregation (ATI/ATS or Business Networks) consisting of at least 3 entities. All enterprises must have the relevant operational unit in Emilia-Romagna. Agricultural enterprises, as defined by the Civil Code, are excluded, and some sectors are regulated by the call for applications and the annexes.
What is the grant contribution from the RER scheme for internationalization and what are the maximum amounts?
The grant contribution is equal to 50% of the eligible expenses, up to 30,000 euros per individual enterprise and up to 140,000 euros for aggregations. For young, female-led enterprises, mountain areas and other cases provided for, the intensity can reach 55% (Article 5.2 of the call). The aid complies with EU Regulation 2023/2831 on de minimis.
Which expenses are eligible under the Emilia-Romagna Internationalization 2026-2027 call?
Participation in up to 4 international trade fairs in person, including in Italy, and specialized consulting services are eligible for funding: Temporary Export Manager, Digital Export Manager, marketing and communication plans for target countries, partner research, and support for B2B meetings. General and indirect costs are also eligible. Organizational costs such as rooms and catering are excluded.
What are the deadlines for submitting an application for the RER 2026 internationalization call and when can it be completed?
The application period runs from 11:00 on February 24, 2026, to 16:00 on March 13, 2026. The SFINGE 2020 platform is accessible from February 16, 2026, at 13:00 for submission and validation. The Region may close the window early if it reaches 300 applications, so it is advisable to prepare in advance.
What is the minimum amount of the project and what reporting rules must be followed in the RER call for applications?
The minimum project amount is 25,000 euros for individual proposals and 75,000 euros for aggregations. Activities and invoices must be dated and completed between 24/02/2026 and 31/12/2027. In the reporting, the eligible expenses incurred must be at least 50% of the approved cost, otherwise the contribution is completely withdrawn.
How is the evaluation of the applications for the Emilia-Romagna internationalization call carried out and how long does it take to complete?
The selection is carried out through an evaluation procedure with a ranking system: formal verification of eligibility, substantive verification and merit assessment. Merit takes into account technical quality, ability to strengthen presence in foreign markets, economic and financial soundness, and sustainability or climate action. The process closes within 90 days from the deadline, up to 120 days if there are at least 200 applications.
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