The importance of subsidized financing for starting a coworking space
In the current entrepreneurial landscape, opening a coworking space is one of the most dynamic business opportunities. However, the main challenge remains access to capital. In this interview, Lorenzo Grillo, founder of Changes Coworking, and Daniele Mogavero, founder of Bando Easy, explore how subsidized financing can become a strategic ally for anyone wanting to launch a coworking space or other entrepreneurial ventures. We'll discuss how these financial tools, when properly leveraged, can facilitate business expansion and the role of Bando Easy in making this process accessible to everyone.
Making subsidized finance understandable to everyone
Subsidized financing is often seen as a complex topic, far removed from the daily reality of many small and medium-sized businesses. However, as Lorenzo Grillo emphasizes, subsidized financing is crucial to the development of the Changes Coworking franchise. Many of the spaces created by Changes have been funded through public tenders and grants. This has allowed the company to support its franchisees in opening their spaces, reducing initial costs and ensuring a more secure start.
As Daniele Mogavero explains, subsidized financing is particularly useful for entrepreneurial projects that require funding to cover start-up costs such as rent, staff, and equipment. The basic concept is to make subsidized financing "sexy"—more understandable and accessible—through platforms like Bando Easy.
Easy Call: Simplifying access to funding
Bando Easy is a platform designed to simplify access to subsidized financing. With over 1,200 calls for proposals available, the platform allows businesses to find the ones best suited to their needs. "Even though there are 1,200 calls for proposals, that's not all there is!" says Mogavero, emphasizing the vast array of opportunities available at the regional, national, and European levels.
The process is simple: the platform collects information about the user and their project, identifying the most relevant calls for proposals. A team of experts then supports the company in applying and managing reporting. This approach is particularly useful for those looking to open a coworking space, as most of the initial costs—rent, staff, hardware—can be covered by specific calls for proposals.
The role of the New Sabatini in subsidized finance
One of the most mentioned tools during the talk is the New Sabatini, a call for proposals that allows for up to €4 million in interest-free financing with a one-year grace period. This means the company receives the funds immediately and has one year to begin repaying them. It's a beneficial opportunity for those who need to cover large initial expenses, such as purchasing furniture or equipment for a new coworking space. Thanks to this type of financial support, entrepreneurs can launch their businesses without the immediate pressure of having to repay the capital.
Feasibility Study and Business Plan: The Importance of Strategy
Lorenzo emphasizes the importance of a feasibility study to determine the sustainability of a new coworking space. Changes Coworking works closely with its affiliates to develop detailed business plans that demonstrate the project's viability and facilitate access to subsidized funding.
The key to success lies in a well-structured strategy, which includes the use of multiple calls for proposals at different stages of the project. Daniele explains that many entrepreneurs can raise seed capital in the early months of business through simpler calls for proposals, then access more substantial funding as the business grows. This modular approach allows them to balance the need for immediate capital with long-term growth opportunities.
Italian vs. European Calls: What's the Difference?
One of the most frequently asked questions among entrepreneurs concerns the choice between Italian and European calls for proposals. Although Italian calls for proposals are often considered complex due to bureaucracy, Mogavero emphasizes that European calls for proposals can be even more difficult to manage. For example, the renowned Horizon program offered up to €3.5 million in grants for innovative projects, but the success rate of applicants was only 131%.
European tenders often require lengthier and more complex application processes, with applications written in English and highly bureaucratic procedures. For this reason, for beginners, it's advisable to focus on regional or national tenders, which are more accessible and offer quicker response times. Only once your business is well established does it make sense to explore the opportunities offered by European tenders.
The Importance of Training and Support Continues
Another crucial point of the discussion is the need to train entrepreneurs on subsidized financing. While it's not a "sexy" topic, as Mogavero emphasizes, it's crucial to the success of many projects. Bando Easy not only simplifies access to funding, but also provides training and ongoing support, helping companies understand how to best utilize available incentives.
In conclusion
Opening a coworking space with Changes and taking advantage of subsidized financing is a real and accessible opportunity for anyone looking to enter the world of franchising. With the support of platforms like Bando Easy and a well-constructed feasibility study, it's possible to overcome financial challenges and launch a successful business. The key lies in strategy, careful planning, and access to the right financial tools.
If you are thinking of opening a coworking space or want to learn more about the opportunities offered by subsidized financing, visit our website and book a free call at this address. links, we will offer you all the support you need to make your project a successful reality.