In the recent session of the Regional Council of Puglia, significant changes were introduced to the Program Contracts, an important facilitation tool mainly aimed at large enterprises in synergy with SMEs and startups. These innovations include seven new incentives that allow companies to benefit from an additional 10% non-repayable grant.

One of the main priorities of the new Program Contracts is the increase in employment, particularly among women, youth, and people coming from companies in difficulty. Companies that promote employment in these categories will receive additional incentives. Moreover, particular attention has been given to the protection of the territory, with rewards for the purchase and recovery of unused real estate and for interactions with the system of SMEs, technological startups, and innovative companies.

The incentives now include expenses for the purchase or recovery of existing and unusable real estate, the hiring of personnel from companies in crisis, and much more. These measures reward companies that promote gender equality and the adoption of environmental, social, and governance policies.

Among the businesses eligible for these incentives are benefit corporations registered in the Puglia Region Register or B Corps, as well as SMEs with a legality rating. Furthermore, companies that increase employment receive proportional incentives.

The changes made to the Program Contracts represent a significant step towards facilitating businesses and promoting employment in key sectors of the Puglian economy. These innovations make the facilitation tools more inclusive and with a greater impact on the territory.