By Avv. Stefano Rossi – Partner EXP Legal
Italy has recently strengthened its support for internationalization with the launch of SIMEST’s new “USA Measure”: a dedicated financial package aimed at fostering Italian companies’ presence in the United States.
The initiative combines subsidised financing and equity instruments, offering an integrated approach to support both market entry and long-term consolidation. It is worth noting that this is not a standalone SIMEST product, but rather a package of additional incentives to be combined with existing SIMEST internationalisation financing tools.
With an overall allocation exceeding €300 million, the measure reflects a broader export strategy promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A key feature is the availability of soft loans at highly favorable rates, coupled with non-repayable grants of up to 10% of the financed amount. Additional advantages include 50% advances through an increased first disbursement tranche, as well as financing durations extendable up to 8 years for the “Digital or Ecological Transition” and “Entry into Foreign Markets” products.
In addition, SIMEST can directly support Italian companies through equity investments in U.S. subsidiaries, facilitating the establishment of local entities or joint ventures with American partners.
Eligible projects include a wide range of activities: setting up commercial networks, strengthening capitalization of U.S. subsidiaries, conducting market analysis, and developing partnerships. The measure is also accessible to companies that are not yet exporters but are part of internationally oriented supply chains.
Overall, the SIMEST USA Measure offers a concrete opportunity for Italian companies entering the U.S. market. In this context, we remain available, together with the IACCSE, to help companies assess project feasibility, eligibility requirements, and the most appropriate structuring of their investment path.