by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interviews: Sergio Emidio Bini, Councilor for Economic Development and Tourism; Graziano Tilatti, President of Confartigianato Friuli Venezia Giulia and Confartigianato Udine
The Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia has announced the introduction of a new funding channel dedicated to traditional artisan enterprises, set to open on June 15, 2026.
The initiative was presented by Regional Councilor for Productive Activities Sergio Emidio Bini through the latest Stability Law and formally approved by the Regional Executive via a regulatory amendment. It carries an initial budget of €300,000 for 2026, with access to a broader €7 million allocation earmarked for the artisan sector should additional resources be required.
Eligible businesses must be registered artisan enterprises operating in one of seven designated sectors: woodworking; stone and ceramics; wrought iron; textiles and embroidery; leatherwork; lutherie; and traditional food processing. To qualify, enterprises must also hold a recognized quality mark (DOP, IGP, PAT, or De.C.O.) or meet at least two of the following criteria: traditionalism, uniqueness, and cultural identity.
Grants will be non-repayable, with a base funding rate of 30%, rising to 40% for youth-led, women-led, or mountain-area businesses. Eligible expenditures include business succession, workshop renovation, knowledge transfer initiatives, participation in trade fairs, quality mark registration, and the formation of business networks.
In 2025, the artisan sector recorded 2,748 applications—a historic peak—generating €42.8 million in total private investment, with a leverage ratio of approximately 2.7:1 compared to public funding. Regional support has increased significantly, rising from €4.5 million in 2018 to €13.8 million in 2025.
Applications will be managed by the Cata FVG. The opening date of June 15, 2026, has been confirmed following a regulatory coordination process aimed at simplifying administrative procedures for applicants.
