Disclaimer: This English translation is provided for informational purposes only. In the event of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or difference in interpretation between this translation and the original Italian version, the original Italian version shall prevail.

Overall Description

Beni strumentali – Nuova Sabatini (New Sabatini) is an Italian incentive promoted by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT). It is designed to facilitate SMEs’ access to credit and increase the competitiveness of the Italian productive system.

The measure supports SMEs in purchasing or acquiring through leasing new machinery, plant and equipment for productive use. It also specifically supports digital transformation through Industry 4.0 investments and the ecological transition through green investments.

Funding Amount

The underlying bank or financial-intermediary financing must be between €20,000 and €4 million and have a duration of no more than five years. The financing may be supported by the Italian SME Guarantee Fund.

In connection with this financing, MIMIT provides a capital grant (contributo in conto impianti). The grant is conventionally calculated as the value of interest on a five-year loan equal to the amount of the investment, using the following annual interest rates:

• 2.75% for ordinary capital goods investments;
• 3.575% for Industry 4.0 investments;
• 3.575% for green investments.

These percentages are not direct grant percentages of the investment cost; they are the conventional interest rates used to calculate the value of the MIMIT contribution.

Submission Deadlines

• No fixed submission deadline.
• The incentive is currently active, and applications may be submitted on a rolling basis until the available resources are exhausted and the application window is consequently closed.

Submission Conditions

Applications must be completed exclusively electronically through the dedicated Nuova Sabatini platform. The application process is linked to obtaining financing from a participating bank or financial intermediary.

The procedure operates as follows:

1. The SME submits its financing request and application for the contribution to a bank or financial intermediary.
2. The bank/intermediary checks the documentation and verifies the applicant's SME status, then reserves the resources required for the contribution.
3. Following MIMIT's confirmation that resources are available, the bank/intermediary grants the financing to the SME.
4. The bank/intermediary adopts the financing decision and forwards the application and any required supplementary documentation to MIMIT.
5. MIMIT issues the decree granting the contribution within 30 days of receiving the application from the bank/intermediary.

Eligible Types of Businesses

The incentive is specifically available to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are duly established and registered in the competent Companies Register.

Eligible SMEs may operate in all productive sectors, including agriculture and fisheries, with the exception of the financial and insurance sector.

At the relevant stage, applicants must also:

• Not be undergoing voluntary liquidation or insolvency proceedings;
• Not qualify as an “undertaking in difficulty.”

Large enterprises, universities and research organisations are not eligible beneficiaries under this measure.

Eligible Countries

Italy. Eligible SMEs may have:

• Their registered office in Italy; or
• Their registered office in another EU Member State, provided that they have a local establishment/unit in Italy.

The investment measure operates across Italy rather than being restricted to particular Italian regions.