The landscape of subsidized finance in Italy in 2024: opportunities and challenges for businesses

In 2024, subsidized finance continues to be an essential tool for the growth of Italian companies, despite the decline in the number of calls compared to previous years. However, the reduction in the availability of subsidies has not slowed down the interest of companies, which continue to take advantage of contributions, tax credits and incentives to maintain competitiveness and modernize their structures. But what are the most requested subsidies in this changing scenario?

The main concessions requested in 2024

From the data collected as of September 30, 2024, some key trends emerge in the incentives most requested by Italian companies. These include:

1. New Sabatini The New Sabatini is confirmed as one of the most important measures to support investments in capital goods. Although the average amounts of requests are lower than in the past, this incentive still represents a fundamental piece for the innovation of the productive fabric. The measure covers approximately 20% of the requests submitted, reflecting a recovery in interest in the purchase of machinery and equipment by companies, albeit with a certain caution in the amounts invested.

2. ZES Unica Tax Credit Launched to incentivize economic development in the Special Economic Zones (ZES) of Southern Italy, the ZES Unica tax credit has collected over 50% of the total requests for incentives. The new measure is generating great interest both for the tax benefits it offers and for the potential economic impact in the areas involved, confirming itself as a strategic tool for attracting investments in the regions of Southern Italy.

3. Employment incentives Hiring incentives have seen a significant increase compared to 2023. Measures such as the Southern tax relief and the contribution exemption for young people and disadvantaged women have proven to be particularly effective, stimulating employment growth and strengthening human capital in strategic sectors.

4. Regional Programs The subsidized finance programs managed by the Regions have become a crucial tool for businesses, especially in a context of reduction of national calls for tenders. These programs support local entrepreneurship and offer specific incentives, adapted to the economic development and employment needs of each territory.

5. Training incentives Funds for skills training have also recorded a positive trend, with a particular focus on training 4.0. Among the most relevant measures is the New Skills Fund 2024, which offers contributions of up to 60% of the cost of labor, supporting internal training of companies. The MIT contributions for training in the road haulage sector also represent an important support for professional updating.

   
   

Final Thoughts: Towards an Innovative and Sustainable Future

The analysis of trends for 2024 highlights a varied and constantly evolving panorama. On the one hand, historical incentives such as the Nuova Sabatini remain fundamental for investments in capital goods, while new measures such as the ZES Unica tax credit offer strategic incentives aimed at the regions of Southern Italy. On the other hand, the growing attention towards training and technological innovation, stimulated by tools such as the New Skills Fund, confirms the importance of skills growth for companies that aim to maintain competitiveness and sustainability in the long term.

With the support of Italiano & Partners, companies can navigate this complex context, identifying the most suitable financing opportunities and maximizing the impact of their investments. In a period in which the ability to adapt and innovation represent key elements for success, subsidized finance confirms itself as a fundamental resource for building the future of Italian entrepreneurship.