by InTrieste
The regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia on Thursday presented a new funding program aimed at supporting businesses led by entrepreneurs under the age of 40, expanding eligibility beyond start-ups to include young-owned firms regardless of how long they have been operating.
The initiative was introduced in Udine by Sergio Emidio Bini, the regional councillor for productive activities and tourism, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the region’s economic fabric across sectors ranging from manufacturing and services to research and innovation.
Unlike previous editions, which limited access to companies established within the past 36 months, the new call for applications is open to all youth-led enterprises, provided that a majority of both company administrators and shareholders are under 40. Regional officials described the change as an effort to offer longer-term institutional support to younger entrepreneurs, whose path to business ownership is often marked by financial and structural challenges.
The program provides non-repayable grants covering up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. To qualify, projects must have a minimum value of €10,000, with individual contributions capped at €40,000. Eligible applicants include small businesses, start-ups and research spin-offs based in the region.
Applications may be submitted between February 25 and March 25, 2026, through the regional government’s online portal. The total funding allocation amounts to €3.03 million, divided according to the distribution of active businesses across the region. Approximately €779,000 has been earmarked for the Gorizia–Trieste area, while €2.25 million will be allocated to the Pordenone–Udine area.
Regional authorities have also introduced procedural changes intended to speed up access to funds. The program will operate on a rolling basis rather than through a ranking system, and management of applications has been delegated to the local Chambers of Commerce, a move expected to shorten review times.
The initiative builds on earlier versions of the program, first launched in 2021. Over subsequent years, its budget was increased to nearly €5 million, enabling the financing of 228 youth-led projects. Regional officials say those results demonstrate the role young entrepreneurs play in renewing the local economy and sustaining growth over the medium and long term.
