The Lombardy Region will soon open the call for proposals “Internationalization Line 2021-2027. Projects for competitiveness in international markets” with the aim of supporting SMEs in internationalization paths, with a facility 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 ended 2021 on a high note: companies in the region exported a record amount of goods and services abroad amounting to 36.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021, a figure never reached before. Specifically, in all last year, Lombard exports were worth nearly 136 billion euros, or more than 26% of all Italian exports (source: Lombardy, record exports to 136 billion euros in 2021).
The year 2022 did not go in the best way, due to raw material supply, inflationary pressures and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and so now companies in Lombardy are at a crossroads: lose important slices of their market, or take immediate action to be able to look for new markets and new opportunities in foreign markets, to counter the problems in the domestic market.
For this very reason, the Lombardy Region in December will publish the announcement “Internationalization Line 2021-2027. Projects for competitiveness in international markets.”.
To find out, we need to ask the following questions: who is eligible? What are the eligible expenses? Is there a minimum expenditure to be incurred? Let's find out the answers in the following paragraphs.
Who can apply for the grant?
SMEs with registered or operational headquarters in the Lombard territory.
What are the eligible expenses?
Participation in international trade fairs, in Italy and abroad, and related events (e.g., workshops, B2b events, seminars, etc.), including expenses for participation in virtual trade fairs and for the use of meeting matching platforms related to trade fairs;
Temporary establishment abroad ( 6 months) of showrooms/exhibition spaces, showcases and virtual exhibitions for the promotion of products/brands in foreign markets;
Communication and advertising actions related to the program;
Development and/or adaptation of websites or access to cross-border (B2B/B2C) platforms to consolidate its position in foreign markets also aimed at online sales of products or services (including in the domestic market);
Consultations in relation to the Project and the program (including the cost for project definition);
Foreign certifications (no consulting) for products to be promoted in target countries;
Fees for surety guarantees;
Staff training expenses related to the integrated program (10%);
Lump sum expenses for salaried personnel (in Italy and abroad) employed in the Project (20%);
Flat-rate overhead (7%).
Is there a minimum expense that my business has to incur?
The facility is granted and disbursed up to 100% of eligible expenses of which 80% in the form of subsidized financing e 20% in the form of non-repayable grant.
The facility can be between a minimum of 35,000 euros and a maximum of 350,000 euros. The annual nominal interest rate applied to the subsidized loan is fixed and is equal to the 0%. The term of the loan is between 3 and 6 years, with a maximum grace period up to the disbursement of the balance and in any case not exceeding 24 months.
How should I go about submitting the application?
The application should be submitted on the online calls platform By February 7, 2023. Applications will be selected through a counter evaluation procedure (Art. 5/III of Legislative Decree No. 123/1998) according to the chronological order in which they are received on the Regional Information System. Expenditures must be completed within 18 months of the granting of the facility.
If you really want to participate in the call, receive the grant and expand your business to increase turnovers and derive profits then find out the 3 reasons why you should turn to Octagona.
Speed of action
In order not to miss the opportunity and get there before the funds are exhausted, it is necessary to move now, without waiting. Speed, however, should not come at the expense of quality and accuracy. We are used to working on projects, meeting deadlines, and we know how to speed up just when we need to thanks to our really knowledgeable consultants.
International knowledge of markets
The grant is crucial but so are the results and guarantees of success that you need to look for. Octagona has been successfully dealing with Internationalization and Digital Export for over 20 years. Our core business is creating strategies and bringing them to fruition also thanks to our super reliable partners.
Specific knowledge of all Internationalization and Digital Export tools
The call funds activities ranging from consulting, digital services, implementation of marketing tools and more. To move quickly and take advantage of this great opportunity, you need one expert contact person. Octagona does just that: support you first in creating the strategy and then in choosing the tools and partners to implement 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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