Milan, 7 April 2016 – Yesterday, the Regional Committee of the Young Entrepreneurs of Confindustria Lombardia met with Mauro Parolini, Regional Minister for Economic Development, at the Confindustria Lombardia headquarters in Milan. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss issues of importance to young Lombard entrepreneurs, including upcoming regional calls for start-ups and measures to support youth entrepreneurship.

The Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs of Confindustria Lombardia, Federico Ghidini, while thanking Minister Parolini for attending the Regional Committee meeting, emphasised that "this is a favourable time for youth entrepreneurship in Lombardy: an ecosystem linked to start-ups and young entrepreneurship is emerging. For this reason," added Ghidini, "the Young Entrepreneurs wish to make their own contribution by collaborating with the Lombardy Region and other stakeholders."

The Minister, Mr Parolini, for his part, noted that "the economy is driven by businesses and institutions," while also highlighting the important role of business as a social entity that generates jobs, wealth, and well-being, and promotes a sustainable development model."

During the meeting, the first 'Start-up' call from the Lombardy Region was discussed in detail. It will be launched in the coming months, with 30 million euros to be allocated over 18 months. The overall measures for start-ups, supported by a total financial commitment of 80 million euros, will be based on two lines:

- support for the creation of start-ups;

- measures to assist with survival (mentoring, tutoring, networking with universities, and credit support).

Minister Parolini further specified that the call will be aimed at start-ups (not only innovative ones) that have their headquarters and operations in Lombardy.

The contributions made by representatives from the individual Lombard territories during the meeting were highly significant. In particular, they highlighted the need to foster synergy between the research and industrial sectors, as well as the various entities within the economic fabric, to encourage technology transfer; to promote pathways for start-ups to grow in the medium to long term and to equip "start-uppers" with an industrial culture; to provide training linked to practical skills; and the need for greater regulatory simplification to increase the attractiveness of the regions.

Attachments

• note meeting Young Entrepreneurs-Parolini - 7apr2016.pdf