SIMEST, the Italian government-owned financial institution that supports Italian companies in their international expansion through subsidized loans, grants, export credit, and equity investments, has launched a new dedicated measure aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Italian companies that plan to start, expand, or consolidate their business presence in the United States. The initiative is designed to support Made in Italy enterprises at a strategic moment for transatlantic trade and long-term industrial cooperation.
The USA Measure provides a total funding ceiling of 200 million euros, specifically allocated to incentives for companies with active or planned operations in the U.S. market. Financing is offered at a highly subsidized interest rate of around 0.3 %, creating favorable conditions for investment and growth. In addition, companies may benefit from a non-repayable grant covering up to 10 % of the financed amount, further reducing the financial burden.
To improve liquidity and accelerate project implementation, the measure increases the advance disbursement to 50 %of the approved financing. The duration of loans can be extended up to eight years for instruments supporting Digital and Ecological Transition projects as well as Market Entry and Expansion initiatives.
Within the Digital and Ecological Transition instrument, up to 80 % of the financing may be allocated to fixed assets. The measure also allows Italian companies to strengthen their U.S. subsidiaries through capital increases and shareholder loans, with eligible amounts of up to one million euros for U.S.-based controlled companies.
The program also includes support for direct investments in the United States through participatory investments, enabling Italian firms to enter the capital of local subsidiaries, and through equity interventions aimed at supporting the U.S. development of innovative start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Overall, this new SIMEST measure represents a concrete opportunity to invest in the United States while enhancing the international competitiveness and long-term growth of Made in Italy companies.
