Pilot Crowdfunding Campaign with Fund Matching: Fostering Innovation in the Marche Region

The Marche Region has launched a groundbreaking initiative to support SMEs through a pilot crowdfunding campaign with public fund-matching. This initiative focuses on fostering innovation in the cultural sector and in product or service development, providing an alternative funding mechanism that combines private and public resources.

Key features of the pilot

Public Call for SMEs:
SMEs with innovative projects in the cultural sector or offering socially impactful products or services are invited to apply.

Reward-Based Crowdfunding with Fund Matching:
Projects selected through a due diligence process will participate in “all or nothing” crowdfunding campaigns. Successful campaigns that meet their funding targets will receive a public contribution equal to the amount raised, doubling their financial resources.

Example: A project raising €5,000 through crowdfunding will receive an additional €5,000 from the Marche Region.

Allocated Budget:
The Marche Region has allocated €50,000 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for this initiative.

Purpose and goals

The primary goal is to support access to credit for SMEs in the Marche Region, particularly for those developing innovative products or services with a clear social and/or cultural impact. This pilot campaign aims to:

• Fill the gap in access to traditional credit lines for regional SMEs.
• Encourage private-public co-investment to strengthen financial sustainability.
• Promote social and cultural innovation in the regional economy.

Key beneficiaries and expected benefits

Beneficiaries:

• SMEs based in the Marche Region proposing innovative products or services with significant social or cultural value.

Expected benefits for beneficiaries:

• Increased Funding Opportunities: SMEs can double the resources raised through crowdfunding with public fund-matching.
• Enhanced Credibility: Success in a public-private funding initiative can increase investor confidence and public visibility.
• Support for Innovation: Access to financial resources for implementing projects that drive social and cultural progress.

A First-of-its-kind initiative

This is the first time the Marche Region has adopted a fund-matching scheme, combining private and public funds to support SME innovation. By addressing gaps in traditional credit access, the initiative strengthens the region’s economic and cultural landscape, fostering a more innovative and inclusive economy.