The operative truth
Terms
| Administering body | SIMEST for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|---|---|
| Instrument type | Combined Instruments |
| Tier | National Instruments |
| Ceiling | €500,000–4,000,000 depending on the line |
| Coverage | Subsidised loan with a non-repayable share, larger for southern applicants |
| Cost of money | Heavily subsidised |
| Term | 4–6 years with grace |
| Earliest reachable | Year 3 |
| Application to cash | 60–150 days |
Who qualifies
Enterprises with at least two deposited sets of annual accounts, seeking to develop foreign markets.
What it funds
Foreign market entry, trade fairs, e-commerce, temporary structures abroad, technical assistance and certification for export.
What disqualifies an applicant
What it stacks with
These instruments combine with this one. Grants generally cannot double-fund the same cost, but different components of the same project may each carry their own support, and tax credits stack more freely with grants than grants do with each other.
ICE Export Vouchers and Trade Support
Small and medium enterprises entering or expanding in foreign markets.
Artisan Export Finance Channel
Artisan and small enterprises with export activity or credible export plans, reached through the artisan banking channel.
SME Guarantee Fund
Small and medium enterprises including sole traders and agricultural undertakings. New enterprises qualify; the guarantee exists precisely to…
Ventures this funds
24 venture types in the atlas list this instrument in their capital stack.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Mill (Frantoio)
A cold-extraction mill pressing your own and neighbours' olives into bottled extra-virgin oil sold under your own label.
12–20 months
Estate Winery (Cantina)
Vineyard, cellar and bottling under a single estate label, sold direct, through importers and at the cellar door.
24–40 months
Vermouth and Botanical Aperitivo
Aromatised fortified wine built from local wild and cultivated botanicals, a high-margin use for ordinary base wine.
8–14 months
Fresh Pasta Workshop
Fresh and dried pasta made from identified regional grain, sold at retail, to restaurants and by post.
5–11 months
Regional Confectionery and Biscuits
Traditional dry pastries and biscuits with long shelf life, sold as gift and travel-retail lines.
4–9 months
Artisan Distillery — Gin and Grappa
Botanical gin and pomace grappa distilled from local material and sold into the premium spirits trade.
10–18 months
Tour Operator and Incoming Agency
Packaging accommodation, transport and experiences into sold itineraries for foreign visitors.
4–10 months
Ceramic Studio and Majolica Workshop
Hand-thrown and hand-painted ceramics in a regional tradition, sold at retail, to interiors buyers and by export.
5–12 months
Stone Carving and Marble Workshop
Cut, carved and finished stone for building, restoration, memorials and sculpture.
6–14 months
Glassblowing and Decorative Glass
Blown, cast and fused glass for decorative, lighting and architectural applications.
8–16 months
Handloom Weaving and Textile Studio
Woven cloth, rugs and furnishing textiles produced on hand or semi-automatic looms.
5–12 months
Leather Goods Workshop
Hand-cut and stitched bags, belts and small leather goods under an own or contracted label.
4–10 months
Musical Instrument Making
Hand construction and repair of stringed and traditional folk instruments.
6–14 months
Natural Cosmetics and Skincare
Creams, oils and balms formulated from local botanicals under an own certified brand.
6–14 months
Jewellery and Silversmithing
Handmade jewellery in precious and non-precious metal, including regional traditional forms.
4–10 months
Toy, Game and Wooden Object Making
Wooden toys, games and household objects made to safety standard for retail and export.
4–10 months
Knife and Blade Making
Forged and finished knives in regional patterns for kitchen, shepherding and collector markets.
5–12 months
Cycle Tourism Guiding and Support
Guided road and gravel cycling with vehicle support, luggage transfer and route design.
3–8 months
Wine and Food Tour Operation
Curated visits to producers, cellars and kitchens with transport, tasting and interpretation.
3–8 months
Italian Language School for Foreigners
Residential and day language courses combining tuition with cultural immersion.
6–14 months
Genealogy and Roots Tourism
Archival research and guided visits for descendants tracing family origins in Italian communes.
3–8 months
Export and Internationalisation Advisory
Helping food, wine and craft producers reach and serve foreign buyers.
4–10 months
Estate Agency for Rural Property
Brokerage of rural houses, land and businesses, particularly to foreign and diaspora buyers.
4–12 months
E-Commerce Operations and Fulfilment
Running online sales channels and order fulfilment on behalf of producers who cannot.
3–8 months
Note on sources. This page is generated from the VentureItalica research registry. Figures and legal references reflect the corpus as verified at the last review and are indicative rather than advice. Instruments change; always confirm the current call text with the administering body before acting.
