In 2024, numerous national and regional incentives are available to facilitate youth entrepreneurship in Italy. This guide will provide you with a detailed overview of active opportunities, from soft loans to non-repayable contributions, to credit support
.
National incentives for youth entrepreneurship 2024
Rest in the South
The “Rest in the South” program is designed to support the birth and development of new entrepreneurial and freelance activities in the regions of Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia, Sicily and in the areas of the seismic crater of Central Italy. Aimed at people aged 18 to 55, it combines bank financing with non-repayable contributions. The application is submitted through Invitalia
.
Rest in the South 2.0
Introduced by Decree-Law No. 60 of 07-05-2024, “Rest in the South 2.0” is aimed at young people under 35 who want to start a business in the South. It offers vouchers from 40,000 to 50,000 euros for the purchase of goods and services or non-repayable contributions of up to 75% of investments, with a maximum of 200,000
euros.
Green and digital self-employment incentives
The Decree of May 1, 2024 introduces incentives for green and digital self-employment, for young people under 35. It provides for a monthly economic contribution of 500 euros and the exemption from paying 100% of social security contributions if employees are hired
.
Self-employment incentives for companies in the North Center
Also with the Decree of May 1, 2024, incentives for self-employment have been introduced in Central and Northern Italy, aimed at young people under 35. They offer vouchers from 30,000 to 40,000 euros or non-repayable contributions of up to 65% for investments of up to 200,000
euros.
ON Beyond New Zero-Rate Businesses
This incentive combines non-repayable contributions and zero-interest financing to support micro and small businesses composed mainly of young people under 35 or women of any age. The application must be submitted through Invitalia
.
Start Cup
The Start Cup is a regional competition that rewards the best innovative start-up and spin-off projects. Each region has its own annual call, which supports research teams and university students with training programs, mentorship and access to regional incubators
.
Smart & Start Italy
Managed by Invitalia, “Smart & Start Italia” supports business projects worth between 100,000 and 1.5 million euros. This incentive is aimed at innovative start-ups.
Culture Create 2.0
Aimed at the Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Puglia and Sicily regions, “Cultura Crea 2.0” supports new businesses and non-profit initiatives in the tourist-cultural sector.
Women’s Business Fund
This national fund supports the birth and consolidation of women-led businesses, financing investment programs in the sectors of industry, crafts, services, commerce and tourism.
Regional incentives for youth entrepreneurship 2024
Friuli Venezia Giulia: SISSI 2.0 Project
The SISSI 2.0 project supports entrepreneurial development among young people, women, the unemployed and new entrepreneurs, offering guidance, coaching and training.
Liguria: Measure 7.2 Youth Guarantee
This measure supports the start of new small business and self-employment initiatives, offering subsidized financing at zero rates for spending programs between 10,000 and 25,000 euros, without interest and guarantees.
Brands: Business Creation
The Marche Region promotes self-employment and self-entrepreneurship through targeted training and consultancy interventions for young people who want to start a business.
Puglia: NIDI Fund
The Puglia Region’s NIDI Fund supports the creation of associated professional firms or micro-enterprises with non-repayable contributions and repayable loans.
Sicily: Youth Policy Fund
This fund finances projects of young Sicilians between 14 and 35 years old, promoting inclusive participation in the social life of the territory with contributions that cover 100% of the eligible costs.
Tuscany: Water Resources Investments in Agriculture
The Tuscany Region supports professional agricultural entrepreneurs who make investments for the efficient use of water, with capital contributions of 40%, increased to 50% for young farmers.