Confartigianato Imprese Catanzaro is a partner of the Habilitas project, promoted by the International Italian-American Organization (IILA) with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the aim of supporting Latin American associations operating in the small business sector, increasing their competitiveness and entrepreneurial and technological collaborations.
In this context, the Confartigianato of Catanzaro will host until November 27th four officials from the organizations representing SMEs from Paraguay, Mexico, Argentina and the Dominican Republic.
By participating in the project you will have the opportunity to develop greater knowledge of Latin American countries and business opportunities, thanks to the numerous affinities of our entrepreneurial fabric with the Latin American one.
Here is a detailed illustration of the Habilitas 2024 Project:
Internships for the strengthening of Latin American business associations to improve the services offered to SMEs
Confartigianato Imprese Catanzaro
General Program of Activities
Line of activity on services to associated businesses of Confartigianato: In particular, the operational models and innovative methods of providing the following services will be analysed:
- Administration and taxation: Administrative and fiscal management of companies.
- Internationalization assistance: Support for businesses to expand into foreign markets.
- Training programs: Courses and seminars for the professional growth of entrepreneurs.
- Access to credit: Facilitation in obtaining financing.
- Work relations: Management of the employment relationship and related regulations.
- Safety at work: Protection of health and safety in the workplace.
- Relations with public institutions: Relationships with local, regional and national authorities.
- Promotion of female entrepreneurship: Support for women entrepreneurs.
- Programs for generational change: Facilitating generational transition in family businesses.
- Programs for seniors: Services dedicated to older entrepreneurs.
Line of activity on visits and meetings:
- Visits to Confartigianato associated companies: Direct contact with entrepreneurial realities.
- Meetings with subnational institutions: Dialogue with local and regional authorities.
- Visits to knowledge centers: Universities, technology centers and laboratories.
- Visits to vocational training centers: Institutes offering technical and professional training.
- Meetings with banks and financial intermediaries: Analysis of financing opportunities.
Line of activity on Confartigianato programs and events:
- European, national and regional programmes: Participation in projects financed by European and national funds.
- Participation in events and fairs: Presence at sector events.
Line of activity on ecological transition and digitalisation:
- Analysis of Confartigianato strategies: Study of how Confartigianato is addressing the challenges of environmental sustainability and digital innovation.
Final activity:
- Seminar in Rome: Organization of a seminar with the national Confartigianato Imprese, with the participation of representatives of the territorial associations involved in the project and the interns.
Use: The detailed program will be presented and discussed with the selected interns.
Explanation: The Habilitas 2024 project focuses on developing trainees’ skills within the services offered by business associations, with particular attention to SMEs. Interns will have the opportunity to delve into various topics, from administrative management to internationalisation, through sustainability and digitalisation. Through visits, meetings and participation in events, interns will be able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the functioning of a trade association and the challenges that businesses face.
In summary, the objective of the project is to train professional figures capable of supporting SMEs in their growth and development.
Regarding international trade opportunities, and insufficient technological advancement. The Habilitas project aims to address these challenges by providing training and resources that empower professionals to better assist SMEs in navigating these obstacles.
Thank you for your time today. Could you please introduce yourself and your role within the International Italian-American Organization (IILA)?
Guest 1: My name is [Guest 1], and I am the [Position] of the International Italian-American Organization (IILA). My main responsibility is to manage and coordinate the Habilitas project, which aims to strengthen Latin American business associations and support their SMEs.
Guest 2: Hi, I’m [Guest 2], and I represent the Confartigianato Imprese Catanzaro, an association part of the Italian Confartigianato Imprese National Federation. Our role in the project is to host interns from Latin American countries and share our expertise in various fields related to SMEs.
The Habilitas project aims to train professionals from Latin American countries in providing services to SMEs. How do you think this initiative can contribute to the economic development of those countries?
Guest 1: The Habilitas project aims to enhance the capabilities of the participating Latin American countries by strengthening their business associations. With improved services, businesses will have access to better support, which in turn can lead to increased competition, job creation, and economic growth. The training provided through the project will equip professionals with the necessary skills to assist SMEs in addressing challenges they face, such as accessing credit, international markets, and technological innovation.
Guest 2: The participation of small and medium-sized enterprises is essential for any country’s economic growth, and the Habilitas project provides a unique opportunity for professionals from these sectors to learn and collaborate with their European counterparts. By providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge, they will be able to support their local businesses more effectively, leading to increased competitiveness and sustainability. Moreover, this collaboration could potentially facilitate new business opportunities and investments between Italy and Latin America.
What are some of the challenges that SMEs in Latin America face that the Habilitas project aims to address?
Guest 1: One of the main challenges faced by SMEs in Latin America is their limited access to funding, both in terms of credits and equity financing. Additionally, there are issues related to market access, lack of information
