500,000 francs for Lugano projects: how to apply

Di Valerie Linc ·

Ersl offers 500,000 francs for projects in Lugano. Learn how to request contributions and selection criteria.

Contesto

In brief - 500'000 francs for projects in Lugano - 27 projects funded in 2025 - 5.5 million francs in investments generated ## Key facts - What: Regional promotion fund for projects in Lugano - When: 2026 - Where: Lugano, Canton Ticino - Who: Ente regionale per lo sviluppo del luganese (Ersl) - Amount: 500'000 francs - Leverage effect: 8 francs of investment for every franc allocated The Ente regionale per lo sviluppo del luganese (Ersl) has made half a million francs available to support small and medium-sized projects in the Lugano area. The aim is to stimulate regional economic development, supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, projects to enhance local potential, and measures to maintain or strengthen basic services in the more peripheral areas. In 2025, the Ersl supported 27 projects for a total of 655'291 francs in contributions, generating total investments of around 5.5 million francs. This has made it possible to activate a significant leverage effect, capable of activating eight francs of investment for every franc allocated. ### How to participate To learn more about how the fund works, the Ersl is organizing a free webinar on May 20 at 6 PM. The event is free but registration is required on the Ersl website www.ersl.ch. The fund is aimed at individuals and legal entities, associations, foundations, and public bodies active in the Lugano area. Contributions can be granted as non-repayable grants or as interest-free loans, up to a maximum of 50% of the planned investment and with a limit of 60'000 francs per project. The fund particularly supports costs related to the start-up or development of an initiative, such as the purchase of machinery, equipment, or furniture. Current management expenses, promotional activities, and maintenance costs are exclud...

Dettagli operativi

Analysis of Opportunities The regional promotion fund represents a great opportunity for cross-border workers and local businesses in Lugano. With a leverage effect of 8 francs for every franc allocated, the contributions can make a difference in starting or developing a business. ### Practical Scenarios 1. Starting a Business: A cross-border worker who works in Switzerland and resides in Italy can use the fund to start a business in Lugano. For example, the purchase of machinery for a craft workshop can be financed up to 50% of the cost. 2. Developing an Existing Business: A local company can apply for a contribution to purchase new equipment or furniture, thus improving its competitiveness. 3. Enhancement Projects: A local association can submit a project for the enhancement of a natural area, such as the Camoghè Nature Park, obtaining funding for the purchase of necessary equipment. ### Comparison with the Previous Situation In 2025, the Ersl has already financed 27 projects, generating investments of 5.5 million francs. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the fund in stimulating local economic development. Cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy can benefit from these opportunities to start or develop business activities in Lugano. ### Practical Implications Contributions can be granted as non-repayable grants or as interest-free loans, with a limit of 60,000 francs per project. This means that a company can obtain up to 30,000 francs as a non-repayable grant or 60,000 francs as an interest-free loan, depending on the needs. ### Exclusion of Expenses It is important to note that current management expenses, promotional activities, and maintenance costs are excluded from the contributions. This means that the funds must be used fo...

Punti chiave

How to apply for contributions To apply for contributions from the Lugano Regional Promotion Fund, you need to follow some key steps. Here's a practical guide to submitting your application: 1. Attend the webinar: On May 20th at 6 PM, Ersl is organizing a free webinar to explain how the fund works. Registration is mandatory and can be done on the website www.ersl.ch. 2. Check the eligibility criteria: All information on the evaluation criteria for funding applications is available on the Ersl website. 3. Submit your application: Fill out the form available on the Ersl website and send it along with the required documentation. ### Required documentation - Detailed project: A detailed description of the project, including objectives, planned activities, and costs. - Budget: A detailed estimate of costs and funding sources. - Curriculum vitae: For individual applicants, a curriculum vitae demonstrating relevant experience and skills. - Statute and balance sheet: For associations, foundations, and public entities, the statute and the last approved balance sheet. ### Deadlines and timelines Funding applications can be submitted at any time, but it is advisable to attend the webinar to get all the necessary information. Ersl will evaluate the applications based on the established criteria and communicate the outcome within a reasonable timeframe. ### Useful tools To calculate the impact of contributions on your project, you can use the investment calculator. Additionally, to compare the costs and benefits of different scenarios, consult the project comparator. ### Conclusion The Lugano Regional Promotion Fund represents a great opportunity for cross-border workers and local businesses. Attend the May 20th webinar and submit your application to obtain the contributio...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"Who can apply for the Regional Promotion Fund's contributions?","a":"Individuals, legal entities, associations, foundations, and public bodies active in Lugano can apply for these contributions. Cross-border workers who live in Italy and work in Switzerland can also benefit from these opportunities to start or develop business activities in Lugano."},{"q":"What are the criteria for evaluating funding applications?","a":"Evaluation criteria include economic, environmental, and social sustainability, the solidity and feasibility of the initiative, the degree of innovation, the medium-to-long-term impact, and the ability to generate synergies and collaborations in the region."},{"q":"What is the maximum contribution limit per project?","a":"The maximum contribution per project is 60,000 francs. Contributions can be granted as non-repayable grants or as interest-free loans, up to a maximum of 50% of the planned investment."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Regional Promotion Fund's contributions?
Individuals, legal entities, associations, foundations, and public bodies active in Lugano can apply for these contributions. Cross-border workers who live in Italy and work in Switzerland can also benefit from these opportunities to start or develop business activities in Lugano.
What are the criteria for evaluating funding applications?
Evaluation criteria include economic, environmental, and social sustainability, the solidity and feasibility of the initiative, the degree of innovation, the medium-to-long-term impact, and the ability to generate synergies and collaborations in the region.
What is the maximum contribution limit per project?
The maximum contribution per project is 60,000 francs. Contributions can be granted as non-repayable grants or as interest-free loans, up to a maximum of 50% of the planned investment.

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