Non-repayable contributions are a significant opportunity for individuals and businesses that wish to obtain financing without the obligation to return. In 2024, numerous calls are available in Italy, aimed at young people, women, new businesses and activities that are already operating. In this guide, we explain what non-repayable contributions are, who can benefit from them and how
to apply.
What Are Non-repayable Contributions
Non-repayable contributions are loans that do not require the return of the capital disbursed or the payment of interest. Unlike soft loans, no guarantee or income assessment is necessary. This feature makes them particularly accessible and useful for those who want to start or strengthen an entrepreneurial activity
.
Non-repayable grants available in Italy in 2024
In 2024, several calls are active offering non-repayable contributions for young people, women, businesses and freelancers. Below is a detailed list of the main benefits available:
1. ON — Beyond New Zero-Rate Businesses
This incentive is aimed at young people and women who want to start a business. It covers up to 90% of eligible expenses with a mix of non-repayable contributions and zero-interest financing, for projects up to 3 million euros
.
2. Rest in the South
Resto al Sud supports new business activities in the South, in areas affected by seismic events and in the smaller islands of the Center-North. The incentive provides for a non-repayable contribution for 50% of the expenses and a loan for the remaining 50%
.
3. SME Mezzogiorno bonus
This bonus is dedicated to innovative investments in the regions of Southern Italy and covers up to 75% of eligible expenses through a non-repayable contribution and subsidized financing.
4. Rest in the South 2.0
Resto al Sud 2.0 offers vouchers and non-repayable contributions of up to 75% of investments, for young people under 35 who want to start a business in the South.
5. Smart & Start Italy
This incentive supports the birth and growth of innovative startups, with zero-interest financing and non-repayable contributions for southern regions and areas affected by earthquakes.
6. Creative SMEs Fund
The Creative SMEs Fund finances cultural and creative projects through non-repayable contributions. It is aimed at micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the cultural and creative sector.
7. IPCEI 2024 Fund
The IPCEI Fund supports large scale industrial projects, in particular in the hydrogen sector and industrial collaboration between EU member states.
8. R&D Sustainable Growth Fund
This fund finances research and development projects for the circular economy, with grants ranging from 500,000 to 2 million euros.
9. Lost Fund for Sustainable Tourism
These contributions are intended for tourist facilities to purchase instruments with low environmental impact. Applications are open until 2025.
10. Development Agreement
The Development Contract is aimed at companies in the industrial, agro-industrial, tourism and environmental sectors, with non-repayable contributions among the available concessions.
11. Contributions for SMEs in Crisis
SMEs in crisis may request a non-repayable contribution to lower the interest rate on loans, in accordance with European regulations on state aid.
12. Nuova Sabatini
The Nuova Sabatini 2024 offers contributions on bank loans or leasing for the purchase of new machinery and equipment, with additional concessions for Southern Italy.
13. Business Energy Bonus
These incentives are aimed at energy-intensive companies, with non-repayable contributions for energy savings.
14. Incentives for Social Economy Enterprises
Social, cultural and cooperative enterprises can access non-refundable contributions for investments between 100,000 and 10 million euros.
15. Green New Deal Italia
benefits
The Green New Deal Italia finances decarbonization and circular economy projects with non-repayable contributions for projects of up to 40 million euros.
16. Contributions for Ski Businesses
This fund, introduced by the Omnibus Decree 2024, offers refreshments to ski businesses in the Apennine ridge affected by the scarcity of snow between 2023 and 2024.
2024 offers numerous opportunities to obtain non-repayable contributions in various sectors. It is important to monitor calls and apply in a timely manner to make the most of these benefits. The regions may also offer additional specific calls at the local level.