Thinking of opening an independent bookstore in Italy? Here’s the Ministry of Culture’s call for proposals

At a time when many independent bookstores are closing their doors and reading is facing a real crisis, a new initiative aims to reverse the trend. The Ministry of Culture has launched the “Bookstores for Under-35s” call for proposals, a 4-million-euro fund designed to support young entrepreneurs who wish to open an independent bookstore in Italy.

This initiative aims not only to create new cultural activities but also to strengthen the presence of books in the most vulnerable areas, from isolated rural regions to small towns lacking bookstores or public libraries. The goal is to transform bookstores into local cultural spaces—places where communities can meet, thrive, and share.

What the program entails

The grant is non-repayable and can be up to 24,000 euros per project. Additional support of 1,000 euros is also provided to cover the training and mentoring costs essential to launching the business. The funds may be allocated to various types of expenses, including:

• renovation and bringing the premises up to code;
• purchasing shelving and furniture;
• security systems;
• digitization tools;
• administrative costs necessary for launching the business.

This funding is provided under the Fund established by the Ministry of Culture through the ministerial decree of October 27, 2025. This is one of the measures associated with the “Olivetti Plan for Culture,” which aims to promote books and reading throughout the country.

Who can apply

The call for proposals is open to young people who, as of December 28, 2024, had not yet reached the age of 35. Applications are open to both individual project leaders and groups of partners who have already opened or plan to open an independent bookstore, provided that the bookstore is not owned by a retail chain or a publishing group.

The following are eligible:

• bookstores that opened after June 30, 2024;
• bookstores that opened after December 30, 2023, in municipalities with no other book retail outlets;
• new bookstores currently being established, which must open their doors within 180 days of the grant being awarded.

A specific portion of the fund, amounting to 1 million euros, is also reserved for initiatives located in municipalities where no bookstore currently exists.

The ministry also intends to encourage the opening of new bookstores in isolated rural areas, disadvantaged regions, and municipalities with limited cultural offerings. This decision recognizes the role of bookstores as true focal points for the social and cultural life of communities.

In many regions of the country, the closure of bookstores in recent years has contributed to deepening educational poverty and reducing the number of cultural gathering spaces.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively via certified email (the Italian PEC system) to the address provided by the Ministry of Culture.

The deadline is September 13, 2026. Applications must be completed using the official forms available on the website of the General Directorate of Libraries and Cultural Institutions.

Source: MiC