The Ministry of Culture is making 4 million euros available to open or support new independent bookshops. Here’s who can request the contribution, for what expenses and how to submit the application
There is still a month to make your dream of opening your own bookshop a reality. The Ministry of Culture has extended to October 13, 2026 the expiry of the under 35 bookshop bonus, the measure to support the start-up of new book sales outlets. They are on the plate 4 million euros for under 35s who want to open (or have already recently opened) an independent bookshop.
Who can apply: personal and professional requirements
The contribution is aimed at natural persons who are owners or legal representatives of independent or affiliated bookstores, provided that they are not part of publishing chains or groups. To participate, you must not have yet reached the age of 35 on 28 December 2024, the day the decree-law that established the measure came into force. You must not have final criminal convictions for crimes against the public administration, be involved in ongoing insolvency proceedings or have serious professional misconduct behind you.
How funds are divided between new and existing libraries
The 4 million euros available are divided into two tranches with different recipients. A first fund, of 1 million eurosis reserved for those who have already started the business after 30 December 2023 in small municipalities or disadvantaged areas, where there is no other book sales point. In this case it is also necessary to demonstrate that the sale of books accounted for at least 30% of the turnover in the last two months before the application. The second fund, of 3 million euros, it is open to all of Italy and concerns bookstores that opened after 30 June 2024 or are yet to be launched. In both cases it is necessary to have the primary ATECO code dedicated to the trade of books (new or used). Those who have not yet opened their doors must undertake to do so within 180 days of communication of the outcome of the application, under penalty of losing the contribution.
How much can you get and for what costs
The non-repayable contribution can reach up to 25 thousand euros, maximum ceiling including the training bonus. The money cannot be spent freely: it must be documented with invoices or estimates and can cover, among other things, the renovation of the premises, the purchase of shelving, security and anti-shoplifting systems, the digitalisation of the business and administrative costs (excluding taxes and duties). However, the costs for purchasing books for resale are not covered.
How and where to submit the application
The question is asked through PECat the address (email protected)using the forms downloadable from the website of the General Directorate for Libraries and Cultural Institutes of the Ministry of Culture. The application must be sent by 3pm on 13 October 2026: anyone who exceeds the time even slightly risks exclusion, so it’s better not to wait until the last minute.
