SIMEST e-commerce: funding an online shop for export

How it works

The e-commerce line is part of the 394 Fund run by SIMEST, under de minimis rules.

• eligible spending from EUR 10,000 up to 20% of average revenue in the last two accounts, capped at EUR 500,000;
• up to 4 years, including 2 interest-only;
• a rate fixed for the whole term: on 31 October 2026 SIMEST gives 0.371%, 10% of the EU reference rate;
• an advance of up to 25% (50% if the shop targets the United States), then the balance on reported costs;
• guarantees that rise with the scoring class;
• applications through the SIMEST portal, handled in order of arrival.

A new platform, improving an existing one, or a marketplace with your own space all qualify. At least 50% of the funding must go to the platform and related investment; the rest can cover promotion, training and consulting.

Your own platform or a marketplace

A marketplace starts faster and brings traffic, but the fees are theirs and so are the customers. Your own shop costs more at first and needs promoting, but the data stays with you. A brand already selling well abroad usually does better with its own shop; to try a new market, use the marketplace.

What I build

• a shop on WooCommerce, PrestaShop, Shopify or custom-built, with languages, currencies and shipping by country;
• the connection to your business software, so orders and stock aren't retyped;
• the withdrawal button if you sell to EU consumers, and accessibility;
• the invoices and technical documents needed for reporting.

I give you a quote split into the line's items before you apply.

What I don't do

I don't file the application or check your scoring. This page summarises SIMEST's page and the circular updated on 15 September 2026, as read on 31 October 2026. Terms and rates change, so the current SIMEST circular is the reference.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a grant?

Mostly no: it's a loan you repay. A grant share of up to 10%, capped at EUR 100,000, goes to certain companies: young, women-led or innovative SMEs, those with at least 20% export, with certifications or in southern Italy, and those selling to the United States. It rises to 20%, capped at EUR 200,000, for companies targeting Africa, Central and South America or India that are based in southern Italy or are innovative SMEs.

Who can apply?

Companies with a registered and operating office in Italy, at least two filed annual accounts for full years and a class from 1 to 9 in the Guarantee Fund's scoring.

Does it work for selling only in Italy?

No: it's for selling Italian products on foreign markets, with goods made in Italy or under an Italian brand. The shop must let customers complete the purchase online.

When can costs be incurred?

From SIMEST's CUP notice and within 12 months of signing the contract. Don't start work earlier.

Read more

• The service: Online shops
• More pages like this: Italian grants and incentives for IT