From October 1, 2024, it is possible to apply for the 2024 Restaurants, Pastry and Ice Cream Shops Bonus, a measure designed to support the recruitment of young graduates and the purchase of professional equipment for activities in the food and wine and pastry sector.
The benefit consists of non-repayable contributions of up to 30,000 euros, intended both for the inclusion of young workers and for the purchase of machinery and capital goods to improve the competitiveness of companies. The measure has been refinanced to allow more companies to access these resources
.
In this guide, we’ll find out all the details on how the bonus works and how to apply.
What is the 2024 Restaurants, Confectioneries and Ice Cream Shops Bonus?
The 2024 Restaurants, Pastry and Ice Cream Shops Bonus is an initiative that provides non-repayable contributions to support the recruitment of young graduates under 30 and for the purchase of professional machinery and equipment necessary for commercial activities in the sector.
The subsidy is part of the “Funds for the support of the excellence of Italian gastronomy and agri-food” established by the 2022 Budget Law and aims to encourage the restaurant and confectionery sector through two main channels of intervention:
1. Recruitment of young graduates: companies that hire young people under 30 with a first-level apprenticeship contract may request a non-repayable contribution
.
2. Purchase of machinery and capital goods: funds intended for companies to renew the equipment necessary for their
business.
Implementing decree and available funds
The Implementing Decree of September 9, 2024 has reopened the counter for applications for access to the bonus, with resources still available equal to 9.3 million euros for the recruitment of young graduates. In addition, funds of about 33 million euros are planned for the purchase of machinery, with new calls for tenders opening in the coming weeks
.
Who is entitled to the Bonus?
The Bonus is aimed at companies that operate in the restaurant, pastry and ice cream sector and that meet the following requirements:
• Restaurants (ATECO code 56.10.11): they must be active for at least 10 years or have purchased DOP, IGP, SQNPI, SQNZ or organic products for at least 25% of the total food.
• Ice cream and pastry shops (ATECO codes 56.10.30 and 10.71.20): they must be active for at least 10 years or have purchased certified products for at least 5% of the total food.
Companies must also be in good standing with contribution obligations (DURC) and tax obligations and not be in a state of difficulty or liquidation.
How to apply
Companies can apply for the “Young Graduates” Bonus starting from October 1, 2024 until October 31, 2024, by accessing the dedicated platform after being authenticated through SPID, CIE or CNS.
Contributions for the purchase of machinery are currently not available, but MASAF has announced that additional decrees will be published to allow companies to access remaining funds.
How does the Bonus work
The contribution covers 70% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of 30,000 euros per company. Companies can also request an advance of 50% of the contribution.
The payment must be tracked and managed through a dedicated current account in the name of the company, and the admitted expenses must be reported within 30 days from the conclusion.
Requirements for hiring young graduates
Companies that hire young people under 30 with a first-level apprenticeship contract can obtain the contribution. Young people must have obtained a diploma from a State Professional Institute for Food and Wine and Hotel Hospitality (IPSEOA) for no more than
5 years.
Contacts and assistance
For assistance on the application, you can contact Invitalia at eccellenzegastronomiche@postacert.invitalia.it, specifying “Young Graduates” in the subject line.
The 2024 Restaurants, Pastry Shops and Ice Cream Shops Bonus represents a significant opportunity for companies that want to invest in young talent and new equipment. With funds still available, companies have until October to take advantage of this facility, which aims to support the quality and competitiveness of the sector
.