September 2026 opens with several new regional incentives for exports and internationalization. Alongside the well-established national instruments, starting with SIMEST financing, the Regions are in fact strengthening their policies to support SMEs in particular in entering new markets.
The most interesting development isn't just the increase in available resources. In addition to the traditional incentives for participating in an international trade fair, more complex programs are being added, which include market analysis, training, dedicated professionals, digitalization of commercial processes, B2B meetings, business missions and follow-up activities.
The case of Lombardy
One of the most recent initiatives is that of the Lombardy, where the Region and Unioncamere have launched Export su Misura 2026, a program aimed at micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises with operational headquarters in the region. The total budget is €862.500, and the program can involve up to 75 companies. Applications are open from 11:00 a.m. on September 2, 2026, until 4:00 p.m. on October 9, 2026.
In this case, we are not dealing with the traditional contribution with which the company incurs an expense and subsequently obtains reimbursement. The value of the incentive consists mainly in: a structured path of services for internationalizationEach selected company will receive training on the target market, develop a customized strategic plan, conduct matchmaking activities involving 4-6 meetings with potential partners, a trade mission to the target country, and follow-up on the contacts generated.
The eight target markets are Denmark, France, Morocco, Poland, Romania, Spain, and Türkiye, United KingdomLombardy therefore seems to be focusing, at least in this edition, primarily on Europe and nearby markets, which are likely more easily approachable even by SMEs with a less advanced level of international maturity.
The case of Emilia-Romagna
The new Digital Export Call 2026-2027, created by jointly by the Emilia-Romagna Region and the regional chamber of commerce systemThe total funding amounts to approximately €1,12 million: €819.877,50 comes from the regional Chambers of Commerce and another €300.000 from the Emilia-Romagna Region. The call is open to micro, small, and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises, both exporters and those not yet present on international markets, with registered offices or active operations in the Region.
The grant is non-repayable and covers 50% of eligible expenses, with a minimum of €10.000 and a maximum of €20.000. In terms of investment, this means: projects approximately between 20.000 and 40.000 eurosThe application window will be particularly short: from 12:00 PM on September 28th to 12:00 PM on October 5th, 2026. The grant is awarded under the de minimis regime. Companies must submit a project consisting of at least two different project actions, confirming their desire to fund structured processes rather than isolated interventions.
The case of the North-East
However, it is not a contribution that can be directly requested by the individual company. the new project Internationalization of the North East System 2026, but it's still important news for understanding the direction of regional policies. Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and the Autonomous Province of Trento have each allocated €100.000, making a total of €300.000 available for joint initiatives in 2026.
Particularly significant is the choice of markets to focus on: Western Balkans, Serbia and the Istrian areaThe goal is not only to increase exports, but also to foster new relationships within European value chains, diversify supplies, attract investment, and develop technology transfer opportunities. The program includes analysis of trade and investment flows, business training, promotional initiatives, missions, and market awareness activities. Finest acts as operational coordinator, while for the 2026 project, Unioncamere Veneto is the implementing body and Venicepromex is the executing body.
