Lombardy’s “Export su misura 2026” call for proposals for SMEs is now open

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) – The “Export su Misura 2026” initiative, a new scheme from the Lombardy Region aimed at strengthening the international competitiveness of Lombardy’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, is now underway. The initiative is managed by Unioncamere Lombardia, in collaboration with Promos Italia, and offers personalised programmes geared towards concrete results, with new business missions planned for 2027. The aim is to bring an increasing number of Lombardy-based businesses onto international markets, supporting them not only in entering new countries but also in building commercial and industrial relationships capable of standing the test of time. ‘Export su Misura 2026’, which has a budget of 862,500 euros, forms part of the wider regional internationalisation strategy, which aims to enhance the international profile of Lombardy’s manufacturing sector and, at the same time, to strengthen the region’s capacity to engage with international economic ecosystems.

“Lombardy has a characteristic that we must continue to promote: it is a region that knows how to produce and compete at an international level,” emphasises Guido Guidesi, the Lombardy Regional Council’s Councillor for Economic Development. “The export figures demonstrate the strength of our businesses, but above all they highlight the ability of an entire economic system to compete on a daily basis in extremely competitive markets,” he continues. Indeed, Lombardy accounts for around a quarter of Italia’s exports, thanks to a production system that is deeply integrated into global value chains and characterised by an extraordinary diversity of sectors: from engineering to chemicals, from pharmaceuticals to fashion, and from design to advanced manufacturing.

“Export su Misura 2026” focuses on eight markets considered strategic for businesses in Lombardy: Denmark, France, Morocco, Poland, the United Kingdom, Romania, Spain and Turkey. These are, in fact, the countries where business missions will take place during 2027. Focusing on a specific number of countries reflects a clear approach adopted by the Region: internationalisation is not seen as a vague presence on global markets, but as a strategy built around the characteristics of businesses, supply chains and the opportunities offered by individual economic ecosystems. Applications must be submitted via Infocamere’s Restart platform, from 11.00 on 2 September 2026 until 16.00 on 9 October 2026. For further information, please visit the Lombardy Region’s website dedicated entirely to businesses www.imprese.regione.lombardia.it.

“Export su Misura 2026” aims to build on the progress already made this year, with the first edition of the call for applications, which, in 2026, will involve five business missions to Brazil, the United States, Singapore, India and Saudi Arabia. In particular, during the first half of the year, missions took place in the United States and Brazil, involving 36 companies from Lombardy and generating a total of 226 B2B meetings: 116 in Brazil and 110 in the United States. Overall, during the first two application rounds, 169 unique companies applied and 90 were selected. Finally, the ‘Doing Business’ training sessions for the five markets attracted 321 participants. The upcoming trade missions to Singapore and India are scheduled for 23 to 25 September and 12 to 15 October respectively, whilst the date for the mission to Saudi Arabia is still to be confirmed.

As set out in the scheme, each eligible business will receive an integrated package of services, tailored to its specific needs. The programme includes online training on the characteristics of the target markets, the development of a bespoke strategic plan, match-making activities involving B2B meetings, an on-site trade mission, and follow-up and monitoring of the contacts established. The aim is to support the company through every stage of the internationalisation process, from preparation for market entry through to the assessment of the commercial opportunities generated. It should be noted that this grant can be combined with other incentives to cover up to 100 per cent of the investment. Selection will take place through a ranking-based assessment procedure, comprising a formal preliminary review and a technical evaluation, carried out by a committee comprising the Lombardy Region, Unioncamere Lombardia and Promos Italia.