Intesa Sanpaolo has launched a new initiative aimed at supporting sustainability and growth among small businesses across Italy. This project includes the CresciBusiness Progettiamo Sostenibile program, which highlights companies engaged in environmentally friendly practices. Over 120 small enterprises were recognized for their innovative approaches to sustainability during the presentation held at the Grattacielo di Intesa Sanpaolo in Turin.
The CresciBusiness program, now entering its second edition, aims to promote sustainable practices allied with financial growth. Running from February 28 through April 9, 2025, this program will tour various towns and cities throughout Italy, facilitating direct interaction between the public and these businesses. The program offers significant support, including €5 billion allocated for investments focused on sustainability, digitalization, and commercial development linked to Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
According to Stefano Barrese, head of the Divisione Banca dei Territori at Intesa Sanpaolo, "Today, we confirm our commitment to accompany sustainable growth for all enterprises, be they SMEs, startups, or small family-run businesses. To listen to the needs of these latter entities, we have zeroed out for all of 2025 the fees on micropayments until €10, continuing to place sustainability at the heart of our strategy."
This effort aims to help small businesses leverage ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals not just as ethical imperatives but as financial advantages as well.
The program attracted over 2,000 applicants. Among them, 120 were awarded recognition for their exceptional sustainability projects. These include plastic-free restaurants dedicated to waste management and sustainable lodging facilities utilizing eco-friendly building materials and solar panels to reduce their environmental footprint. The diversity of participants highlights the potential for small enterprises to embrace sustainable practices resulting in improved financial profiles and growth opportunities.
Intesa Sanpaolo has also made strategic financial moves to bolster SMEs. Recently, the bank secured financing amounting to €50 million with SACE's Garanzia Futuro scheme for Casillo S.p.A. This funding is intended to support export activities and launch its innovative product, Altograno®, which aligns with the rising consumer demand for healthy and sustainable food options.
On February 25, Intesa Sanpaolo and Confcommercio Impeise per l’Italia formalized their agreement to deliver €5 billion worth of new credit. This credit aims to finance competitiveness and innovation transactions aligned with the PNRR objectives. Carlo Sangalli, president of Confcommercio, stated, "The renewal of the agreement with Intesa Sanpaolo is an important initiative within the framework of a long-term partnership... It offers solutions greatly needed by our businesses, especially concerning payments, which are fundamental for all enterprises' daily interactions with consumers."
This measure, extending reduced commissions on payments made via POS and eliminating the fees for micropayments, aims to incentivize more small businesses to adopt digital payment tools effectively.
Intesa Sanpaolo's efforts to streamline credit access have gained momentum, particularly for smaller enterprises. Financial products are now directly accessible through dedicated online channels, simplifying the application and approval process. Notably, throughout the period from 2020 to 2024, Intesa Sanpaolo has injected approximately €18 billion to support Italian retail and wholesale companies, showcasing its dedication to ensuring positive growth and development.
Concluding remarks from Stefano Barrese suggest the importance of collaboration between banks and business associations. He remarked, "The agreement confirms the collaboration with category associations and listening to our clients is fundamental to providing concrete responses to their needs. The zero fees for micropayments and high accessibility to credit via digital channels allow us to support investments, and we strongly support the technological and energy efficiency initiatives necessary for enhancing competitiveness among small retailers." This drives the bank's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of small businesses across diverse sectors.