Starting today, it is possible to submit applications for the “New Business” grant, an initiative by the Lombardy Region that allocates 5.56 million euros to encourage the opening of new commercial activities in small municipalities with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants. The goal is to support entrepreneurship and combat depopulation by offering non-repayable grants of up to 40,000 euros, covering up to 80% of eligible expenses for investments made by December 31, 2025. Applications can be submitted online through the “Bandi e Servizi” platform until 4 PM on November 13, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. The grant is aimed at new businesses active from January 1, 2025, or those that have opened a new local unit since that date in areas that have been without such activities for at least six months. Barbara Quaresmini, President of Confesercenti Lombardy East, emphasized the importance of making this measure structural, stating that small municipalities can only become attractive to entrepreneurs with adequate financial and administrative tools. Andrea Maggioni, Confesercenti coordinator for Lake Garda, highlighted that proximity commerce holds not only economic value but also social significance, serving as a fundamental presence in local communities. Italian Version
New Business Announcement: support for entrepreneurship in small municipalities of Lombardy
