Invitalia has opened a support fund that awards vouchers to small Italian publishers through non-repayable grants of up to 15,000 euro. Applications can be submitted online from 22 June 2026 at 12:00 through the dedicated portal and are assessed in chronological order while funds last. Applying early therefore improves the chances of obtaining the grant.
Who can apply for the voucher?
Applications for the voucher piccoli editori can be made by micro-enterprises with Ateco code 58.11.00 (book publishing), set up before 1 January 2020 and with at least 10 titles published in the previous three years. Limited companies, partnerships, sole traders and Third Sector organisations registered with the REA and the RUNTS are eligible, provided they have a local unit duly registered with the Camera di Commercio for their area.
The grant is calculated on the expenses actually incurred in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 financial years: raw materials, costs for services, use of third-party assets and staff costs. Invitalia will check everything against financial statements or tax returns, so the soundness of the accounting records is in itself something not to be underestimated when preparing the application for the voucher piccoli editori.
Voucher piccoli editori: how is the assessment carried out?
The process has three stages:
- formal check of the documentation submitted
- check of the eligibility requirements
- assessment of merit
The last stage cross-checks the costs incurred against the strategic objectives set out in the business plan. This is where much of the outcome is decided. Invitalia looks at how consistent the grant requested is with the direction the company intends to take, and assesses four specific areas: participation in trade fairs and sector events, digitalisation of processes, job creation and revenue growth.
Once the application has been assessed, Invitalia issues either the “Provvedimento di concessione delle agevolazioni”, the decision granting the aid, or a rejection. The first of the two, sent by certified e-mail (PEC), must be countersigned in acceptance within 30 days of receipt
Why is digitalisation at the heart of this call?
Among the four strategic objectives that count towards the assessment of merit, support for the digitalisation of small publishing houses holds a prominent place. It means adopting innovative technology for the production, management, sale and promotion of publishing products. A business plan that shows a credible path towards digital innovation, with well-defined objectives and clear tools, strengthens the application substantially compared with one that sets out only generic intentions.
Why work with a specialist partner to obtain the voucher piccoli editori
Building a business plan geared towards digitalisation is a good occasion to rethink processes, tools and models of distribution and promotion. Publishing has significant and often underestimated room for innovation: from direct sales through the publisher’s own e-commerce site, which reduces dependence on the large distributors, to digital catalogue management and the use of email marketing to build a lasting relationship with readers. Alongside these, custom management software can organise and automate internal processes, such as receiving and assessing manuscripts, handling editorial workflows, monitoring production, calculating royalties, reporting to authors and coordinating the editorial, administrative and sales teams. Promotion on social channels and a presence on audiobook or e-book platforms are concrete levers too, within reach of small organisations and with limited investment.
Having alongside you people who know these tools, can build them technically and can turn them into a credible plan makes the difference, both for the voucher piccoli editori call and for the strength of the project over time.
If you would like to look further into the requirements and opportunities of this call, we are available for an introductory call with no obligation.
