The first semester of 2025 ends with a positive balance for Calabrian crafts, but the numbers, if read carefully, return the image of a sector that resists with tenacity to the difficulties without however finding full momentum.
This is what emerges from the latest report of the MPI Observatory of Confartigianato Calabria companies, which analyzes employment, demographic and productive dynamics of micro regional companies. In the first six months of the year, Calabria recorded a positive balance of +98 artisan companies, with 1,282 new inscriptions and 1,184 cessations. A figure that marks a slight improvement compared to the +67 of the first semester 2024, but which remains lower than the +125 of 2023 and far from the post-pandemic record of +251 recorded in 2022. In relative terms, the growth rate stood at 0.51%, positioning Calabria in fifth place between the Italian regions for craftsmanship in relation to the number of existing companies. Despite the most sign, the trend shows a slowdown compared to the growth of previous years. This trend suggests a widespread resilience, but also a growing difficulty in supporting new activities, especially in local contexts where the economic and social context continues to put structural obstacles. The construction sector continues to tow growth: +155 companies on the semester, still benefiting, albeit in an attenuated way, of the superbonus effect and building incentives.
The positive data on the balance of artisan enterprises shows that the Calabrian entrepreneurial fabric is still alive and determined – says Salvatore Ascioti, president of Confartigianato Imprese Calabria – but we cannot be satisfied with a modest and tiring growth. The slowdown of recent years requires a serious reflection on how to really support those who make business in our territories. We need more agile credit tools, targeted incentives and above all a leaner bureaucracy. Calabrian craftsmen are used to rolling up their sleeves and work with passion, but alone they cannot withstand the impact of the increases and uncertainties. It is important – concludes President Ascioti – to define a long -term regional strategy that points on formation, digitization and local production chains. We must bet on the quality and ability of our companies to make a system “. In conclusion, a careful examination of the data of the MPI observatory allows us to underline how much the Calabrian craftsmanship continues to represent a fundamental garrison of employment, skills and economic identity. But the vitality of the sector is proof of conditions of context still unfavorable: politics and institutions should recognize the role of micro and small businesses, and create the conditions for a real restart, founded Accessible credit, structural investments and coherent public policies.
Followed by vehicles repair and installation of plants with +39, and the wellness sector (hairdressers, beauticians) with +28. The data on food crafts and metalworking processes are also positive. On the other hand, business services marked the step (-31), textile-clothing manufacture (-9), graphic and printing activities (-3) and those related to information and communication (-3), demonstrating how inflationary difficulties and instability of consumption are braking the innovation and digitization of the craftsmanship sector. Analyzing the dynamics of registrations, a flexion is observed: from 1,303 new openings in the first half of 2024 you drop to 1,282 in 2025. The cessations remain almost unchanged: 1,184 against 1,236 of the previous year. This means that growth is due to a slight contraction of the closures than to an increase in new activities. A signal, this, which allows widespread prudence to be glimpsed and difficulty accessing the market for nascent companies. The report underlines the growing weight of financing and inflation costs on business accounts. Access to bank credit remains critical for many micro and small realities, in particular for unstructured ones. The cost of money and the rigidity of the credit offer are limiting the possibility of investing in technology, training and innovation, precisely at a time when the digital and green transition would require greater momentum.
The Calabria Region supports the coastal municipalities for the promotion of fishing products
The implementation tender of the specific objective 2.2 – Action 4, operations 15 and 16 of the PN Feampa 2021-2027, called “Azzurro di Calabria 2025”, relating to the annuity 2025, was published on the institutional website of the Calabria Region, in the section dedicated to the Agriculture and Development Department. admissible expenditure. Each beneficiary may request a contribution for expenses up to 150,000 euros. “Supporting the blue economy in Calabria means strengthening the identity of our coastal territories, enhancing local fish productions and promoting the culture of the sea as an economic and environmental resource – said the regional councilor for agriculture Gianluca Gallo -. With ‘Azzurro di Calabria 2025’ we want to offer municipalities a concrete tool to invest in promotion, innovation and awareness thus contributing to the sustainable growth in the sector”. The coastal municipalities of the Calabria Region made in associated form may present an application, pursuant to article 30 of Tuel. The proposals must concern activities aimed at enhancing, promoting and marketing of sustainable fishing and aquaculture products (follows) (Italpress).
Among others, participation in national and international events, the creation of educational workshops and awareness courses, the organization of B2B and B2C meetings, the design of integrated communication campaigns, editorial, training and marketing activities aimed at strengthening the image and quality of the Calabrian fish sector, are allowed. (Italpress).
Among others, participation in national and international events, the creation of educational workshops and awareness courses, the organization of B2B and B2C meetings, the design of integrated communication campaigns, editorial, training and marketing activities aimed at strengthening the image and quality of the Calabrian fish sector, are allowed. (Italpress).
Catanzaro (Italpress) – It was published on the institutional website of the Calabria Region, in the section dedicated to the Agriculture and Rural Development Department, the implementation notice of the specific objective 2.2 – Action 4, operations 15 and 16 of the PN Feampa 2021-2027, called “Azzurro di Calabria 2025”, relating to the annuity 2025. The announcement provides for an overall financial allocation of 600,000 euros, With a maximum public contribution equal to 50% of the eligible expenditure. Each beneficiary may request a contribution for expenses up to 150,000 euros. “Supporting the blue economy in Calabria means strengthening the identity of our coastal territories, enhancing local fish productions and promoting the culture of the sea as an economic and environmental resource – said the regional councilor for agriculture Gianluca Gallo -. With ‘Azzurro di Calabria 2025’ we want to offer municipalities a concrete tool to invest in promotion, innovation and awareness thus contributing to the sustainable growth in the sector”. The coastal municipalities of the Calabria Region made in associated form may present an application, pursuant to article 30 of Tuel. The proposals must concern activities aimed at enhancing, promoting and marketing of sustainable fishing and aquaculture products.