The Export Digital Plus Bonus, managed by Invitalia and promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation with the ICE Agency, aims to stimulate the internationalisation of micro and small Italian manufacturing companies. This incentive promotes the adoption of digital solutions for export, such as the development of e-commerce platforms and services, in order to enhance the capabilities of companies in the foreign market.
Through the bonus, companies can strengthen their digital strategies by improving e-commerce, websites and smartphone apps, as well as communication and marketing tactics. The ultimate goal is to strengthen ties with foreign markets and expand the customer base, enabling companies to compete more effectively on an international scale.
Who it is aimed at
The call for proposals is open to all micro and small manufacturing enterprises resident in Italy, also aggregated in networks or consortia. Companies that have benefited from the previous ‘Digital Export Bonus’ funding can also apply for the second bonus only if they have completed the necessary procedures and reported within the required deadlines.
The grant is paid in amounts of:
- EUR 10,000 to enterprises for eligible expenditure of not less than EUR 12,500 net of VAT;
- EUR 22,500 to networks and consortia for eligible expenditure of not less than EUR 25,000 net of VAT.
The support will be paid in a single instalment following the reporting of expenses incurred with supplier companies registered in the list of suppliers of digital export solutions. Supplier companies that can register are all those based in one of the EU states that have carried out activities similar to those subsidised by the bonus for at least EUR 200,000 in the last three years. An important aspect to be considered is that only expenditure certificates in electronic format issued after the application for the subsidy by listed suppliers concerning the purchase of digital export solutions are eligible.
In addition, a reserve of EUR 3 million is set aside in favour of companies with operating/production sites in Emilia-Romagna, Marche and Tuscany declared in a state of emergency in May 2023 and a reserve of EUR 1.5 million in favour of companies with operating/production sites in the Tuscan provinces declared in a state of emergency in November 2023.
Submission of the application
The application can be submitted by all Italian companies with fewer than 50 employees and a turnover of less than EUR 10 million. From 13 February to 12 April 2024, provided they have a digital identity (SPID or CNS), a digital signature and a certified e-mail address (PEC), they can submit the application. The application can be submitted online by accessing a dedicated area on the site. For companies administered by entities other than natural persons, access to the platform can only take place after registering with it and after Invitalia has verified the signature powers of the legal representative. Following the submission of the application, the company receives a Unique Project Code (CUP) to be quoted on each expenditure voucher and attached payment title.
For European supplying companies, theregistration to the respective list must be transmitted via the dedicated platform from 12 February to 30 September 2024, by the legal representative of the company as recorded in the Trade Register. Registration for each entity can only take place via PEC. The subsequent fulfilments and obligations are the same as for Italian companies.
For further details and application submission, please refer to the Invitalia portal and the specific page of the initiative: https://www.invitalia.it/cosa-facciamo/rafforziamo-le-imprese/bonus-export-digitale-plus.
Sources: https://www.invitalia.it/
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