At a time when several independent bookstores are closing their doors and there is a real crisis in reading, a measure arrives that tries to go against the trend. The Ministry of Culture has published the “Bookshops under 35” tender, a 4 million euro fund intended to support young entrepreneurs who want to open an independent bookshop in Italy.
An initiative that aims not only to create new cultural activities, but also to strengthen the presence of books in the most fragile territories, from internal areas to small municipalities without bookshops or public libraries.
The objective should be to transform bookshops into local cultural centers, places of meeting, growth and participation for communities.
What does the measurement consist of?
The contribution is non-repayable and can reach up to 24 thousand euros per project, with a further support of 1,000 euros intended to cover training and tutoring costs useful for starting the business. The resources can be used for different types of expenditure, including:
The financing is part of the Fund established by the Ministry of Culture with the ministerial decree of 27 October 2025 and is one of the measures linked to the Olivetti Plan for Culture, which aims to strengthen the diffusion of books and reading on the national territory.
Who can participate
The call is aimed at young people who, as of 28 December 2024, had not yet turned 35. Both individual citizens and associated entities who have already opened or intend to open an independent bookshop can apply, as long as it does not belong to commercial chains or publishing groups.
The following are allowed:
A specific portion of the fund, equal to 1 million euros, is reserved for initiatives located in municipalities where another bookshop does not already exist.
The Ministry also intends to encourage the opening of new bookshops in internal areas, in disadvantaged areas and in municipalities characterized by a lesser cultural offer. A choice that recognizes the role of bookshops as real points of reference for the social and cultural life of communities.
In fact, in many areas of the country, the closure of bookshops in recent years has contributed to increasing the phenomenon of educational poverty and reducing the meeting spaces dedicated to culture.
How to submit the application
Applications must be sent exclusively via Certified Electronic Mail (PEC) to the address indicated by the Ministry of Culture.
The deadline is set for 13 September 2026 and the application must be completed using the official forms available on the website of the General Directorate of Libraries and Cultural Institutes.
