Guido Guidesi: Over €4,6 million to Lombardy SMEs for international trade fairs

The Lombardy Region is strengthening policies to support the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) , making new resources available to support companies on their growth, sales promotion, and internationalization journeys. The second window of the program, dedicated to SME participation in international trade fairs held in the region, opened on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Trade fairs as a tool for growth

The project recognizes the strategic role of trade fairs in business development. Participating in an international trade fair allows companies to showcase their products and services, meet potential customers, establish relationships with professionals, and consolidate their presence in Italian and international markets.

The aim of the regional measure

The measure, promoted by the regional councilor for economic development, Guido Guidesi , aims to strengthen the ability of Lombardy's businesses to compete in an increasingly international economic environment. The regional support is primarily designed to reduce some of the costs that often limit the participation of smaller businesses in trade fairs.

New opportunities in foreign markets

International trade fairs are one of the main ways for companies to connect with buyers, distributors, importers, and business operators from various countries. Attending these events can foster new business partnerships and allow companies to directly assess market interest in their offerings.

A measure dedicated to SMEs

The call for proposals is titled "Contributions for SME participation in international trade fairs in Lombardy – second window ." Applications are open to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises with at least one operational headquarters in Lombardy and intending to participate in one of the eligible events.

Questions through Calls and Services

Grant applications must be submitted through the regional Bandi e Servizi platform , following the procedures and deadlines indicated in the official documentation. Interested companies must submit a project consistent with the objectives of the measure and indicate the expected costs of participating in the trade fair.

An allocation of over 4,6 million

For the second window, the Lombardy Region has allocated a total of €4.668.350 . The resources will be used to support both companies participating in a given trade fair for the first time and those that have participated in the same event in the past.

Up to 15 thousand euros for new exhibitors

New exhibitors will be eligible for a maximum grant of €15.000 . This increased level of support is intended to encourage new businesses to enter international trade fair circuits, helping them meet the initial costs of setting up exhibition space and organizing their presence at the event.

Contributions of up to 8 thousand euros for regular exhibitors

For regular exhibitors, the incentive can reach a maximum of €8.000 . The financing will allow companies already present at trade fairs to consolidate their participation, strengthen existing business relationships, and continue their promotional activities on international markets.

Projects with at least 6 thousand euros of expenditure

Projects with a total cost of at least €6.000 will be eligible for funding . This minimum threshold is designed to focus resources on structured initiatives, characterized by an effective promotional strategy and an investment appropriate to the event's scope.

Discounts from 50 to 60 percent

The intensity of the aid will range from 50% to 60% of the eligible expenditure . The actual percentage will depend on the characteristics of the project and the applicant company, with a mechanism aimed at granting greater support to smaller businesses and initiatives deemed particularly significant.

Microenterprises and startups awarded

Particular attention will be given to projects involving microenterprises and startups . These businesses may face greater difficulty independently covering the costs of attending an international trade fair, despite the fact that such events can represent an important opportunity to gain visibility, identify partners, and reach new customers.

The costs for exhibition spaces

Eligible items include costs related to rental of exhibition space . This is one of the most significant financial components for companies participating in a trade fair, especially when the event is international in scope or takes place within the main exhibition centers in Lombardy.

Direct costs for personnel

The grant may also cover direct costs incurred for the personnel involved in the trade fair project. The presence of qualified employees and collaborators is essential for adequately presenting products, welcoming visitors, managing meetings with buyers, and developing new business relationships.

Indirect expenses are also allowed

The measure also provides for the recognition of other types of indirect costs related to participation in the fair. The individual items must be indicated in the application and meet the eligibility criteria established by the regional call for proposals, which also defines the expense reporting methods.

The period of permitted demonstrations

Applications may concern international trade fairs scheduled in Lombardy between September 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027. This particularly long period allows companies to plan their participation in advance and integrate the trade fair experience into a medium-term commercial strategy.

Programming and internationalization

The ability to submit projects extending to 2027 allows companies to plan investments, promotional campaigns, and business development activities with greater certainty. Participating in a trade show often requires months of preparation, from choosing the space and preparing materials to selecting staff and organizing meetings.

Support for Lombardy's competitiveness

The second window is part of the Lombardy Region's broader strategy to strengthen the competitiveness of the local production system. The region hosts a significant number of nationally and internationally important trade fairs, attracting operators, investors, and professionals from numerous markets.

Direct meetings with buyers and operators

One of the key aspects of the measure is the opportunity for companies to meet directly with buyers and business partners. Personal contact continues to play an important role in business relationships, especially in sectors where it's necessary to physically demonstrate a product, explain its features, or build a relationship of trust with potential customers.

Visibility even for the smallest businesses

For micro and small businesses, participating in an international event can significantly boost their visibility. Access to regional funding allows them to narrow the gap with more established companies and present themselves on the market with spaces, materials, and services more suited to the event's caliber.

A lever for commercial development

The funding isn't just for a physical presence in the exhibition space, but also supports an activity that can generate results in the months to come. Contacts made during the trade show can lead to negotiations, distribution agreements, industrial collaborations, or new orders, contributing to the company's commercial development.

How to get all the information

Interested businesses should consult the Lombardy Region's official website, which is entirely dedicated to economic activities. The full text of the measure, the required requirements, eligible expenses, operating instructions, and application procedures through the Calls and Services platform are available here.

A new opportunity for Lombard SMEs

With over €4,6 million available, the second window represents a new opportunity for companies seeking to strengthen their presence at international trade fairs and develop relationships with foreign customers and operators. Regional support thus aims to transform trade fair participation into a concrete investment in the growth and competitiveness of Lombardy's manufacturing sector.