Background information

The Futurae programme was established to promote and support entrepreneurship among migrants in Italy, including second generations, recognising the importance of migrant-led businesses for social inclusion and economic development. The programme is a national initiative promoted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies, implemented with support from Unioncamere (Italian Union of Chambers of Commerce) and local Chambers of Commerce.

Content of measure

Futurae offers comprehensive support for new and existing migrant entrepreneurs through four main objectives: promoting the creation of new migrant businesses and self-employment activities, with particular attention to female participation; supporting access to credit and financing opportunities; facilitating access to Chamber of Commerce services; and aiding the growth and consolidation of already active migrant businesses. The programme provides free orientation, training and accompaniment services for business idea development, training cycles on technical, managerial and intercultural skills, personalised assistance for business creation, and support for accessing credit. Eligible participants include people with migrant backgrounds (including second generations) without age limits, who are legally present in Italy and motivated to pursue entrepreneurship or self-employment, as well as existing migrant entrepreneurs interested in strengthening and developing their business.

It is financially backed by the National Migration Policy Fund with a budget of €1.5 million. for its second edition running from December 2022 to December 2024

Use of measure

On 13 May 2024, Unioncamere, Banca Etica and PerMicro have signed a collaboration agreement to provide financing opportunities for 36 aspiring foreign entrepreneurs residing in Italy. The agreement targets first and second-generation migrants participating in training courses under the Futurae project, promoted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies and implemented by Unioncamere and six Chambers of Commerce (Rome, Turin, Milan, Verona, Pavia, Bari). Under the arrangement, PerMicro will assess loan applications, assist with business plan preparation and credit evaluation, while approved financing will be disbursed through accounts held at Banca Etica.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Does not apply to businesses	Migrants or refugees

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Public support service providers	National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Unknown	Unknown
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

Type of involvement not specified.

Views and reactions

No information available.

Sources

• 01 December 2022: Futurae. Programma imprese migrant (www.lavoro.gov.it)
• 13 May 2024: Imprese migranti: al via la collaborazione tra Unioncamere, Banca Etica e PerMicro per la concessione di prestiti a 36 aspiranti imprenditori stranieri (www.unioncamere.gov.it)