Non-repayable contributions represent an important opportunity for companies, young entrepreneurs, women and other categories. These are concessions that do not provide for the return of the capital disbursed and that are often used to encourage economic development in
specific sectors or geographical areas.
In this guide we see what non-repayable contributions are, which calls are open in Italy in 2024 and how to apply to obtain the available funds.
Table of Contents:
What Are Non-repayable Contributions
Non-repayable contributions are sums of money disbursed to businesses or individuals that do not require the return of either capital or interest. This type of financing differs from concessional loans and does not require guarantees or preliminary economic evaluations by the lending entity (Regions, Municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, Ministries,
etc.).
The main non-repayable contributions of 2024
In 2024, numerous calls are available offering non-repayable contributions, many of which are funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). Let’s see the main open and upcoming calls
.
1) ON — Beyond New Zero-Rate Businesses
This call is aimed at young people and women who wish to start a new business. In addition to a non-repayable contribution, the program provides zero-interest financing for projects of up to 3 million euros, covering up to 90% of eligible expenses. The application must be submitted online through Invitalia
.
2) Rest in the South
The Rest in the South incentive supports the start of new business activities in the South and in the smaller islands. The measure provides for a contribution of 50% to non-repayable funds and the remaining 50% as financing. Young people between 18 and 55 years old can apply. Also in this case, the application must be submitted through the Invitalia portal
.
3) SME Mezzogiorno bonus
This incentive is reserved for SMEs in central-southern Italy and covers up to 75% of investments, with a part in the form of a non-repayable contribution and a part as subsidized financing. The regions involved include Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sicily
and Sardinia.
4) Smart and Start Italia
Intended for innovative startups, Smart and Start Italia finances projects between 100,000 euros and 1.5 million euros. In southern regions and areas affected by earthquakes, a non-repayable contribution is provided. The application must be submitted online.
5) Creative SMEs Fund
The Creative SMEs Fund supports projects in the cultural and creative sector through non-repayable contributions and concessions. Although the application desk is currently closed, the fund has been refinanced for 2024, and is expected
to reopen.
Contributions to the Lost Fund for Southern Italy
The South continues to be one of the areas most supported by non-repayable contributions, with several specific programs:
- Rest in the South 2.0: incentive package for young people under 35 in southern regions and in areas affected by the earthquake in Central Italy, with contributions that cover up to 75% of investments.
- SME Mezzogiorno bonus: funding for innovative projects in southern regions, covering up to 75% of expenses.
Funds for Green Transition and Innovation
Companies that invest in environmental sustainability and technological innovation can benefit from various benefits:
- Green New Deal Italia: encourages circular economy and decarbonization projects, with contributions of up to 40 million euros.
- Sustainable Growth Fund (R&D): allocates funds to research and development projects for the circular economy, with grants of up to 2 million euros.
Concessions for the Tourism Sector
In 2024, the Lost Fund for Sustainable Tourism offers contributions for hotels and accommodation facilities that invest in ecological technologies. The measure will remain active until 2025
.
Contributions for Textile and Fashion Companies
The Fund for Textile and Fashion Companies supports the ecological and digital transition of the sector, with non-repayable contributions that cover up to 50% of expenses, for a maximum of 60,000 euros.
Regional and Local Contributions
In addition to national calls, there are several opportunities at the regional level:
- Caserta Double Transition 2024 call: contributions of up to 6,000 euros for digitalization and ecology projects.
- Call for Digitization of SMEs in Lombardy: up to 100,000 euros in contributions for the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises.
How to Apply for Non-Repayable Contributions
The application to obtain non-repayable contributions must be submitted online, generally through the portals of managing bodies, such as Invitalia or the Chambers of Commerce. It is essential to follow the instructions in the calls carefully, making sure to meet the deadlines and provide all the
required documentation.
2024 offers numerous opportunities to obtain non-repayable contributions in different sectors and for various categories of beneficiaries. From incentives for startups, to funds for the South and to concessions for the ecological transition, companies can access important resources for development
and innovation.
