Resto al Sud is an initiative aimed at supporting the development of new business activities and the growth of those existing in the South and in other areas of Central Italy. Initially launched for young people, the measure has been extended to people up to 55 years of age and covers a wide range of sectors, with funding and contributions that can reach 200,000 euros
.
What is Rest in the South 2024
Resto al Sud is an incentive for entrepreneurs in the South that aims to support the birth and growth of entrepreneurial and freelance activities. The initiative involves economic contributions, some of which are non-repayable, with a total budget of 1 billion and 250 million euros
.
The measure was introduced by Decree-Law no. 91 of 20 June 2017, and is managed by the National Agency for the Attraction of Investments and Business Development SpA (Invitalia). Over the years, Resto al Sud has expanded its reach, including an increasing number of beneficiaries
and territories.
Requirements for Accessing Rest of the South
To access Resto al Sud 2024 funding, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 55 years old.
- Be resident in the areas covered by the announcement or move within 60 days of the approval of the application (120 days for residents abroad).
- Do not have an indefinite employment contract for the duration of the loan.
- Not be the owner of another business activity as of 21 June 2017.
- Not having had a VAT number in the 12 months preceding the application for activities similar to the one proposed.
- Not having received other national benefits for self-entrepreneurship in the last 3 years.
Territories and Beneficiaries
Resto al Sud is active for residents in the following areas:
- Regions: Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily.
- Seismic crater municipalities in Lazio, Marche and Umbria.
- Minor marine, lagoon and lake islands, such as the Island of Elba, Ponza, the islands of Lake Garda, and others.
Concessions and How They Work
The concessions provided by Resto al Sud cover up to 100% of eligible expenses, divided into:
- 50% non-repayable contribution.
- 50% bank financing, guaranteed by the Guarantee Fund for SMEs, with interest paid by Invitalia.
The maximum loan is 50,000 euros for each applicant, with a maximum of 200,000 euros per company with four partners. For sole proprietorships, the maximum is 60,000 euros. There is also an additional non-repayable contribution for working capital needs: 15,000 euros for sole proprietorships and up to 40,000
euros for companies.
Financiable Activities
Resto al Sud finances activities in the sectors of:
- Industry, crafts, processing of agricultural products, fishing and aquaculture.
- Services to businesses and individuals.
- Tourism.
- Trade (limited to the smaller islands and the seismic crater).
- Liberal professions (both individually and in a corporate form).
Traditional agricultural and commercial activities, both retail and wholesale, are not eligible for financing.
How to Apply
Applications for Rest in the South must be submitted online through the Invitalia portal. It is necessary to:
- Have a digital identity (SPID, CIE, CNS) to access the platform.
- Fill out the application and upload the business plan and attachments.
- Digitally sign the application and submit it through the system.
Once the application has been submitted, Invitalia will evaluate the project within 60 days, including an online interview with the proposers.
Extension of the Measure
Resto al Sud has been extended over the years thanks to various regulatory interventions, including:
- Extension of the maximum age of beneficiaries to 55 years.
- Inclusion of the municipalities of the seismic crater.
- Extension to commercial activities and smaller islands.
Examples of Funded Projects
Some examples of activities that can be financed with Resto al Sud include:
- Bars and restaurants.
- Beauty centers and hairdressers.
- Hotels.
- Laundries.
- Rotisseries.
Resto al Sud financed 17,429 projects up to February 1, 2024, with 881 million euros granted and 61,283 jobs created.
Resto al Sud 2024 represents a concrete opportunity for those who want to start or develop a business activity in the South or in other specific areas of Italy. With targeted contributions and funding, this measure supports self-entrepreneurship and favors the economic development of southern regions and
other disadvantaged areas.
