sostegni

Sostegni is the name given to a series of Italian government measures designed to support businesses, self-employed workers, and professionals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was introduced through decree-laws and law regulations beginning in 2020 and expanded in subsequent packages, commonly referred to as Piano Sostegni, Sostegni-bis, and Sostegni-ter. The core element of these measures consisted of non-repayable grants intended to help cover part of operating costs for eligible entities.

The first package established a framework for grants (contributi a fondo perduto) for Italian VAT-registered businesses that experienced a drop in turnover or were forced to close due to pandemic restrictions. Subsequent iterations broadened eligibility criteria, adjusted funding scales, and extended support to additional sectors and types of workers. The aim was to provide rapid liquidity to small and medium-sized enterprises, freelancers, and self-employed individuals facing financial difficulties.

Eligibility generally depended on factors such as a decline in revenue in a reference period relative to a previous year, the sector of activity, and the presence of a continuous business activity. The grants were administered through centralized processes, with applications submitted via the Agenzia delle Entrate’s online portal and funds disbursed to recipients through the state’s financial channels. The Sostegni measures complemented other pandemic responses, including wage subsidies and loan facilities, forming a key component of Italy’s economic stabilization efforts during the emergency.

See also: COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, Decree-Law Sostegni, economic measures during the pandemic.