There is a Calabria that wants to get out of isolation, which intends to position itself on international markets no longer as a tail light but as a protagonist, thanks to its production excellence and a new business culture. This is the vision that animated the meeting promoted by Confartigianato Imprese Catanzaroin collaboration with Confartigianato Calabria And SIMESTWednesday 18 June a Falerna Marinaon the theme: “The Simest 2025 news for micro and small businesses: new measures and new eligible expenses”.
The event, moderated by the journalist Francesca Lagotetahas brought together entrepreneurs, technicians, institutional representatives and the banking world to take stock of the new opportunities offered by the SIMEST programming, which starting from June 27 will make available to Italian companies – with particular attention to the South – Successful tools for growth abroad, public co-financing and simplified access to credit.
After the introductory greetings of the Provincial President of Confartigianato Catanzaro Vincenzo Bano – in the presence of the regional president Salvatore Ascioti and of the provincial secretary Raffaele Mostaccioli – intervened representing Confartigianato Nazionale Gabriella Deganowhich underlined the urgency to strengthen the bridge between micro -enterprises and abroad: «The new SIMEST platform is a fundamental tool to overcome the historical obstacles that have limited the competitiveness of our SMEs. Growth passes from innovation and internationalization, but a real, daily accompaniment is needed. That’s why Confartigianato is also investing in the training, technical assistance and in the creation of territorial networks ».
Rosario VarìRegional Councilor for Economic Development, has relaunched the commitment of the Calabria Region for a more competitive production system:
«Our goal is to create a favorable ecosystem, capable of concretely supporting those who want to export. With SIMEST and with events like this we want to provide responses to businesses, but also to create confidence. We are working on structural measures that encourage exports, and we consider the contribution of trade associations to bring the opportunities to the territory fundamental “.
The heart of the day was the technical study edited by Viola di Caccamosenior manager external relationships of SIMEST SPAwhich illustrated the details of the eight financing lines provided for in the new plan. «From 27 June it will be possible to submit an application through a renewed portal. The most important news? Up to 20% contributions for 20% for southern companies, expanded eligible expenses (including communication, staff, software, logistics costs) and a line dedicated to internationalization to Latin and Africa America, two markets with very high potential “.
Dario Picardiresponsible for Desk Miamihe told how the structure created in the United States works in collaboration with Confartigianato works: «We have built a physical garrison in Florida which allows Italian companies to have a support point, with customs concessions, linguistic support and institutional relationships. It is not just about selling products, but of opening stable commercial relations. And many businesses in the South can find fertile ground there ».
Hamlet Impalonigeneral secretary of Confartigianato Piedmont Eastern, brought the experience of northern Italy, praising the cooperation model between territories:
«Our goal is to create a network that cancels the distances between companies. We are happy to share good practices and to see that Calabria also moves with a strategic and concrete vision ».
On the banking front, Vito Verrastro of the team BPER Foreign illustrated the synergies between the financial and associative world: «The banking system must not be an obstacle, but an ally. We accompany companies not only in credit, but in the preparation for the foreign challenge. We have international desks in several countries and collaborations with Italian embassies and chambers of trade ».
Paolo PraticòGeneral Manager of the Economic Development Department, emphasized the need to transform data into strategic choices: «For Calabria, internationalization is a challenge that we must collectly grasp with courage and concreteness. The numbers tell us that only a small part of the companies export: we must act so that the new measures become leverage for a real transition towards the opening of the markets. We work with SIMEST and with banking and territorial partners to create a favorable environment, but companies need to feel protagonists. Our task, as a region, is to view and tools, but a productive fabric is needed that lets itself be accompanied in this qualitative leap »
Has closed the works Silvano Barbalaceregional secretary of Confartigianato Calabria, who recalled the importance of the unit of intent: «Today more than ever a territorial pact for internationalization is needed. The measures are there, but they must be brought to the territories, explained, translated into the languages of small businesses. We are there: as Confartigianato we built Desk, we offer individual advice and continue to fight because even the smallest shop can find its space in the world. We have to believe it all together ».