The Ministry of Culture (MiC) recently presented a new call for proposals for "Support Vouchers for Small Publishers," an initiative that is part of the policies to revitalize the Italian publishing sector. The proposed allocation amounts to €5 million, earmarked to support small publishing companies through non-repayable grants. The initiative, promoted by the MiC through the Center for Books and Reading, aims to strengthen the ability of small publishing houses to address market challenges and reinforce their crucial role in protecting bibliodiversity and promoting culture.
The fundamental role of small publishing houses
Small publishing houses have always been a key component of the Italian cultural ecosystem. Despite their limited size, these businesses are capable of responding flexibly and creatively to the needs of the publishing market, often offering bold and innovative productions. According to the Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, "small publishers are a vital component of our cultural ecosystem; they champion bibliodiversity and fuel the richness of national intellectual debate." Furthermore, the minister highlighted how the initial signs of the Culture Decree, which contributed to this support, are positive, with significant growth in book sales, particularly in independent bookstores, which recorded an 8,7% increase in value and 7,1% in copies sold in the first quarter of 2026.
Supporting creativity and the quality of cultural production
Paola Passarelli, Director General of Libraries and Cultural Institutes at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, emphasized how reading and supporting small publishing companies are essential tools for the country's cultural growth. "Reading is one of the most effective tools for fostering and nurturing creativity," she stated, emphasizing that the ministerial intervention is not limited to the mere provision of funds, but aims to support the entire production process of small publishing houses. The goal is to foster the digitalization of publishing processes, promote participation in book fairs, and incentivize the hiring of qualified personnel.
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The value of bibliodiversity
Luciano Lanna, Director of the Center for Books and Reading, highlighted the cultural value of small publishing houses, calling them "outposts of the cultural avant-garde." According to Lanna, these organizations not only preserve narrative diversity and protect the plurality of voices, but also help keep alive a fundamental part of culture and the collective imagination. Without them, many stories would have remained invisible, and with them a whole series of cultural elements that risk being marginalized by the dominance of market logic.
The call for proposals and opportunities for publishing micro-enterprises
The call, presented by Roberto Pasetti of Invitalia, is aimed at publishing micro-businesses, meaning those with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover of less than €2 million. Businesses that meet these requirements will be eligible for a non-repayable grant of up to €15.000, which can be used to support activities such as participation in trade fairs, the digitalization of business processes, and the adoption of innovative technologies for book production and promotion. This support also aims to stimulate employment growth in the publishing sector by incentivizing the hiring of new staff and the consolidation of existing positions.
Details for submitting applications
Interested companies may submit their applications exclusively through the Invitalia portal, with applications opening on June 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM. This support is part of a broader framework of policies to support the publishing sector, which includes the launch of a project dedicated to the entire book industry later this year, with an €8 million fund earmarked to foster the growth of the cultural industry.
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