Grants
Resto al Sud 2.0
Vouchers and grants for eligible people aged 18 to 34 who want to start a business in Sicily or southern Italy. Invitalia also specifies employment and territorial requirements.
Official source ↗Public incentives · Sicily and Italy
Incentives and financing for businesses
We compare grants, subsidised loans and guarantees for bank credit. Each entry explains who the instrument is for and links to the official information.
Invitalia advisory in Messina and Sicily
I advise people who want to start or grow a business. My partners and I compare programmes, review eligibility and prepare the business plan and supporting documents.
At the first meeting I review the activity, the municipality where the investment would be made and the estimated cost. If a programme has already been identified, we check which expenses might qualify. The administering body assesses the application and decides whether to approve it.
Invitalia and national incentives
Zero-interest financing
ON – Oltre Nuove Imprese a Tasso Zero
A programme for businesses with majority ownership by young people or women. Check Invitalia’s latest notices for the type of support and available funding.
Official source ↗Innovative startups
Smart&Start Italia
Support for the launch and growth of technology-focused innovative startups. The programme provides zero-interest financing, with a grant component in territories designated by Invitalia.
Official source ↗Programme directory
Invitalia, formerly Sviluppo Italia
Invitalia lists instruments for starting and developing a business. The earlier Resto al Sud closed to new applications on 14 October 2025. Resto al Sud 2.0 has its own criteria.
Official source ↗Calls and business financing in Sicily
Craft businesses and subsidised credit
IRCA Sicilia, formerly CRIAS
CRIAS and IRCAC were brought together in IRCA. Craft businesses can review credit products and check the rules and availability of Più Artigianato support.
Official source ↗Fondo Sicilia and regional notices
IRFIS FinSicilia
Review the Fondo Sicilia lines and notices for businesses. Eligible costs, type of support and application process depend on the measure.
Official source ↗Regional calls
Regione Siciliana
Official notices identify eligible applicants and expenditure, deadlines and how to apply. Check the attachments and any extensions as well.
Official source ↗Banks, guarantees and microcredit
Public guarantee
SME Guarantee Fund
A public guarantee can help an SME access financing. The business approaches a bank or intermediary, which assesses the transaction and can request the guarantee.
Official source ↗Loans or leases for investment
Nuova Sabatini
A Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) contribution linked to a loan or lease for eligible capital goods. Applications go through a participating bank or intermediary.
Official source ↗Microbusiness and self-employment
Business microcredit
Financing with support services for starting or developing a small business. The Italian National Microcredit Agency provides information about participating intermediaries.
Official source ↗Restricted bank account
Banks participating in Resto al Sud 2.0
Invitalia publishes the list of banks that offer the restricted account used when requesting a grant payment against invoices that have not yet been paid.
Official source ↗