Objective
The “Grants for the Participation of MSMEs in International Trade Fairs through Collective Participation – 2026–2028 Edition” scheme, promoted by Regione Lombardia under the 2021–2027 ERDF Regional Programme, supports the internationalisation of MSMEs based in Lombardy and strengthens their competitiveness in foreign markets.
The scheme provides non-repayable grants for MSMEs seeking to develop and consolidate their position in international markets through collective participation in international trade fairs. The initiatives must focus on strategic sectors such as aerospace, energy, mobility, life sciences, and advanced technologies, with the aim of fostering innovation and sustainable development.
Beneficiaries
Partnerships composed of at least five MSMEs and/or equivalent associations, in accordance with EU Regulation No. 651/2014, are eligible to apply. Participating companies must be active and registered with the Companies Register or the Economic and Administrative Index (REA), have an operational headquarters in Lombardy at the time of grant disbursement, and take part through a Partnership Agreement led by a Lead Partner.
Each company may participate in only one partnership. Aggregating bodies (such as trade associations and clusters) are also eligible to participate, although they are not direct beneficiaries unless they meet the required eligibility criteria.
Entities that do not comply with the regulatory requirements are excluded, including those operating in prohibited sectors or failing to meet de minimis, DURC, anti-mafia, financial viability, or other eligibility requirements set out in the call.
Eligible Costs
The scheme finances projects involving collective participation in international trade fairs by Partnerships. Eligible costs are those related to the organisation and joint presence of companies at trade fairs approved under the regional programme.
Eligible expenses include exhibition space, stand setup, ancillary services (hostesses, interpretation, logistics, insurance), trade fair registration fees, and flat-rate indirect costs of 7%. Personnel costs, meals, accommodation, catering, and external promotional activities are not eligible.
The stand must be a single shared space for the Partnership and must display the EU, national, and Regione Lombardia logos. All expenses must comply with the DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) principle.
Budget and Type of Incentive
The total budget amounts to €4,646,882.96, financed through the ERDF (FESR), state funds, and regional resources.
The incentive takes the form of a non-repayable grant covering up to 90% of eligible costs, with a maximum contribution of €200,000 per partnership and per trade fair (up to a maximum of two trade fairs under the call). The support is granted under the de minimis regime (up to €300,000 over three fiscal years per undertaking) and may be cumulated up to 100% of eligible costs, excluding PNRR funding.
Timelines and Deadlines
Applications must be submitted online via Regione Lombardia from 19 May 2026 to 30 September 2027, subject to the availability of funds or any possible extensions.
Trade fairs must take place by March 2028, and at least six months after the submission of the application. Expenditure must be reported by the Lead Partner within 60 days of the end of the event.
The procedure is open on a rolling basis and applications are assessed in chronological order. The scheme is managed by Unioncamere Lombardia on behalf of Regione Lombardia.
Contact
For further information on the programme content, please write to: euprojects@promositalia.com.