In 2026 there are about 60 active grants in Italy specifically dedicated to artisan businesses, spread across regional, chamber and national sources. Almost all provide non-repayable contributions (i.e., not to be returned) between 30% and 70% of eligible expenses, with caps ranging from €5,000 for digitization vouchers to €200,000 for internationalization programs. Knowing where to look and when to apply is the difference between an artisan who grows and one who stays still.
The 4 categories of 2026 grants
1. Digitization and e-commerce
Vouchers for website, e-commerce, management software, digital marketing, software training. Typical amounts: €3,000-€10,000 non-repayable. Simplified procedure (de minimis) and short reporting (60-120 days). Available in almost all regions via Chambers.
2. Workshop machinery and equipment
Purchase of kilns, lathes, industrial sewing machines, presses, professional equipment. Amounts: €15,000-€100,000, typical 40-50% non-repayable + subsidized loan on the rest. Longer times (18-24 month reporting). Annual grants in all regions.
3. Internationalization and export
Foreign fairs, website translations, certifications, international trademarks and patents, multilingual packaging. Regional management + SACE-SIMEST nationally. Amounts: €20,000-€200,000. Particularly active in Tuscany, Veneto, Emilia, Marche, Apulia.
4. Generational succession and new businesses
Grants for under-35s taking over an existing artisan business or opening a new one. Include Resto al Sud (Southern Italy + selected Central-Northern inner areas) and Invitalia's ON. Amounts: up to €200,000 mixed non-repayable + 0% loan.
Main 2026 regional grants
Lombardy: "Storie di Eccellenza"
2026 budget: €15 million. Beneficiaries: Lombardy-based artisans with at least 1 year of Register enrollment. Eligible expenses: communication, branding, design, e-commerce, promotional videos. Contribution: 50% non-repayable, max €30,000. Typical deadline: April and October (ranked window).
Lazio: "Artigianato Lazio Crea"
Budget: €8 million. Bonus for apprentice training projects + workshop investments. Average contribution €15,000-€25,000, 60% non-repayable. Priority to historic shops and new openings in the historic centers of Rome/Frosinone/Latina.
Tuscany: "Manifatturiero e Artigianato 4.0"
Focus on digitization and Industry 4.0 applied to crafts (3D printing, integrated management, IoT sensors). Budget: €12 million. Up to 60% of eligible expenses, minimum €10,000, maximum €80,000. Next window: September 2026.
Emilia-Romagna: "Botteghe del Saper Fare"
Reserved for artisan businesses recognized as Typical-Traditional or Artistic. Budget: €6 million. Covers apprentice training and transmission of historic techniques. Up to €40,000, 70% non-repayable. Window opens: March and September.
Apulia: "PugliaSviluppo Artigianato"
Historic open-window regional grant (always active until funds exhausted). 2026 budget: €25 million. Mix of non-repayable contribution (40%) + 0.5% subsidized loan on the rest. Minimum investment €20,000, max €1 million. Fast disbursement: within 6 months of grant.
Sicily, Sardinia, Campania, Calabria, Basilicata, Molise
All 6 Southern regions + Abruzzo can access Resto al Sud (Invitalia): up to €200,000 per person, 50% non-repayable + 50% 0% loan. Requirement: age 18-55 and residence in eligible regions. Online application on Invitalia.it, decision within 60 days.
Always-active national grants 2026
- Nuove Imprese a Tasso Zero (ON, Invitalia): under 36, 0% loan, max €1.5M
- Smart&Start Italia (Invitalia): innovative high-tech startups, max €1.5M
- Resto al Sud (Invitalia): 8 eligible regions, max €200K, 50% non-repayable
- SIMEST 394/81 (export): subsidized rates for foreign fairs, export e-commerce, certifications
- INAIL ISI Call: workshop safety, non-repayable up to €130K
How to prepare before the grant opens
- Identify 2-3 clear projects (digitization, machinery, training) with cost estimates
- Request quotes from suppliers at least 60 days before expected deadline
- Keep chamber report, DURC (contributions compliance) and anti-mafia updated
- Open a dedicated digital folder (Drive or local) with pre-prepared documents
- Consider an accountant or grant consultant: regional grants reject 40% of applications for formal errors
- Always keep original invoices and receipts, even digital, for later reporting
Domande frequenti
- Are regional grants combinable with national ones?
- Almost always yes, within the de minimis cap: €200,000 in cumulative public aid over 3 years. Above that threshold specific EU approval is needed.
- Can I apply if I opened my VAT less than a year ago?
- Yes, in many cases. "New business" grants are specific to those who opened in the last 24 or 36 months. "Investment" grants often require at least 12 months of seniority.
- What happens if I don't report on time?
- The body revokes the contribution and asks for repayment plus interest. Always request formal extension 30 days before deadline: granted in 80% of cases if motivated.
- Does Handsome help with grant applications?
- We do not offer direct consulting, but we keep this article updated and notify our enrolled artisans of the most relevant grants via newsletter. Subscribe from your dashboard to receive alerts.
