On 27 June, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Day was celebrated, an occasion to recognise and value the central role that these realities play in Italy's productive fabric. A more than deserved consideration, if we consider that SMEs represent more than 96% of the companies active in Italy and employ around 75% of the people working in our country.
What do we mean by SMEs?
According to the European Commission's definition (Recommendation 2003/361/EC), SMEs are divided into:
- Micro enterprises: fewer than 10 employees and annual turnover or balance sheet less than EUR 2 million;
- Small enterprises: between 10 and 49 employees and annual turnover of less than EUR 10 million;
- Medium-sized enterprises: between 50 and 249 employees, with a turnover of less than EUR 50 million or an annual balance sheet of less than EUR 43 million.
In addition to these are innovative SMEs, recognised in the Companies Register and supported by tax breaks and growth incentives.
The beating heart of the real economy
Although only about 4.4 per cent of Italian companies fall into the small and medium enterprise bracket (excluding micros), their economic weight is enormous:
- They account for 37.9% of national added value;
- They generate 40% of total turnover;
- They employ 33% of the private workforce (Source: Digital Innovation Observatory of the Politecnico di Milano and ISTAT).
These data show how SMEs are the backbone of the Italian real economy: they produce goods and services, create employment and generate widespread wealth.
From manufacturing to design: the strength of SMEs in key sectors
SMEs play a leading role in some of the most distinctive Made in Italy sectors:
- 40% of agrifood turnover;
- 43% of the fashion sector;
- 41% of furniture and design.
The best results, in terms of production value, are recorded in the manufacturing (EUR 700 million), commercial (EUR 275 million) and construction (EUR 250 million) sectors. It is clear that supporting SMEs means supporting the country's productive and cultural heritage.
Why investing in SMEs pays off for everyone
Supporting the development of SMEs is not only an institutional duty, but also a great opportunity for investors. Investing in Italian SMEs means:
- Financing the real economy;
- Participating in the growth of dynamic and innovative enterprises;
- Obtaining potentially attractive economic returns;
- Contributing to the creation of jobs and collective well-being.
Alternative finance: a concrete way to invest
One of the main obstacles for SMEs is access to bank credit. This is where alternative finance becomes decisive. In particular, crowdfunding has established itself as an accessible, transparent and democratic way to raise capital quickly and easily.
On our platform, you can find equity and debt campaigns that allow you to invest directly in SMEs selected by our team of experts.
Thanks to the tax deductions provided for those investing in start-ups and innovative SMEs, it is now even easier and more advantageous to enter the world of real economy investments.
In conclusion
SME Day is not just a celebratory occasion: it is a concrete invitation to look with attention, confidence and participation at a vital sector of the Italian economy. SMEs are not 'small' in ambition: they are laboratories of innovation, resilience and economic identity.
Investing in them today means believing in a future of inclusive growth, competitiveness and shared value.