An SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) is a company with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than EUR 50 million. It is divided into three main categories:
- Micro enterprise: less than 10 employees, maximum turnover of EUR 2 million.
- Small enterprise: up to 50 employees, turnover up to EUR 10 million.
- Medium-sized enterprises: up to 250 employees, turnover up to EUR 50 million or total budget not exceeding EUR 43 million.
Not to be confused with innovative start-ups, SMEs can still access important funding and incentives for growth and digitisation.
Facilities for innovative SMEs in 2025
In 2025, Italy confirms its support for innovative SMEs through tax measures and financial incentives. Among the main instruments available
- Transition 5.0 Tax Credit: supports investments in digitisation and energy efficiency, covering up to 63% of expenses under certain conditions.
- Nuova Sabatini: facilitates the purchase of machinery and equipment for Industry 4.0, with subsidised loans of up to EUR 4 million.
- New Patent Box: incentivises the exploitation of patents, software and trade marks with a 110% tax deduction on research and development expenses.
- Tax Credit for Special Economic Zones (SEZ): aimed at companies located in Southern Italy, it covers up to 50 per cent of investments in capital goods and new facilities.
- Training 5.0 and the New Skills Fund: finance staff upgrading in strategic technological areas, with tax credits of up to 70 per cent of expenditure.
How to invest in SMEs
Investors can choose between different strategies to participate in SME capital:
- Investments in listed SMEs: buying shares via a bank or online trading platforms.
- Individual Savings Plans (PIR): medium- to long-term investment instruments with tax advantages.
- Equity crowdfunding: platforms such as 2meet2biz.com allow one to become a partner of an SME through fundraising campaigns.
Investing in innovative SMEs brings tax benefits, such as a 30% IRPEF deduction on the amount invested, with the possibility of up to 50% relief in certain cases.
Requirements for an innovative SME
To be recognised as an innovative SME, a company must fulfil certain criteria, including:
- Based in Italy or in an EU/EEA country.
- Less than 250 employees and turnover of less than EUR 50 million.
- No listing on regulated markets.
- Audited financial statements.
- Research and development expenditure of at least 3% of the value of production.
- Qualified staff (at least one-third with master's degrees or one-fifth with doctorates and research activities).
- Possession of patents or industrial property rights.
Advantages of investing in innovative SMEs
Investing in innovative SMEs in 2025 offers several advantages:
- Flexible corporate structure.
- Equity Incentive Plans.
- Facilitated access to bank credit and public funding.
- Possibility of investment through equity crowdfunding.
- Significant tax breaks for investors.
In order for investors to benefit from tax deductions, they must obtain certification from the innovative SME on the contributions received (maximum EUR 15 million) and a detailed business plan.
In conclusion, 2025 represents a year of great opportunities for those wishing to invest in SMEs, thanks to government incentives and crowdfunding platforms. The combination of innovation, digitisation and tax breaks makes this sector increasingly attractive to private and institutional investors.