Call for Expressions of Interest: SIEG 2026

By Provincial Executive Resolution No. 2222 of 23 December 2024, the new “Criteria and procedures for the implementation of Article 61(2)(a) and (3) of the 2010 Provincial Law on Trade – Measures to encourage the establishment and continued operation of economic activities in mountain areas’, hereinafter referred to as the ‘criteria’.

These criteria provide, amongst other things, that the Autonomous Province of Trento may entrust to businesses operating retail outlets selling food and essential goods, situated in specific localities, with the provision of services of general economic interest (SGEI) identified by the criteria themselves, subject to verification by the relevant local authorities of the most pressing needs of the population in the locality concerned. In return for providing the services in question, the appointed business may apply for aid to offset the costs incurred, in accordance with the procedures set out in the criteria.

The publication ofthe “SIEG 2026 Call for Expressions of Interest” is intended to encourage businesses meeting the requirements set out below to express their interest in providing the services described.

The expression of interest submitted constitutes a declaration of willingness to carry out the identified activities, which may be followed by acknowledgement by the Autonomous Province of Trento and the consequent possibility for the company to apply for financial assistance to offset the costs incurred, in accordance with the procedures and timelines set out in the criteria.

It is understood that the Province assumes no obligation regarding the continuation of the procedure relating to this notice, and those expressing their willingness to participate cannot make any claim in this regard.

For the purposes of this incentive, only multi-service activities carried out after the date of collection of the distinctive sign, as provided for in Annex D to Provincial Council Resolution No. 2778 of 3 December 2010, shall be taken into account.

The businesses appointed must display the following outside the shop in question:

• the distinctive sign of the multi-service business;
• the opening hours;
• a list of the services offered, specifying which ones are free of charge.

All businesses must be open to the public for at least 6 days a week for at least 3 hours a day, or for at least 5 days a week, provided that on at least one of those days they are open for a total of at least 6 hours spread across the morning and afternoon.

Businesses may suspend operations for a maximum of 40 calendar days in the relevant calendar year, or for a period proportionate to the duration of the contract, to be notified via certified email (PEC) to the relevant department by the day following the start of the suspension.

Only businesses operating retail outlets selling food and essential goods may express an interest:

• which are registered in the Trento Register of Companies;
• which have their registered office and/or the local operational unit that will provide the SGEIs within the province;
• not subject to any ongoing insolvency proceedings;
• with a turnover of less than €591,560;
• with a workforce (excluding owners, family members and apprentices) of fewer than 2.5 full-time equivalents;
• with a sales area of between 50 and 300 square metres;
• which guarantee a minimum opening time of 3 hours a day for at least 6 days a week (or 5 days under specific conditions);
• which have not installed gaming machines (slot machines).

and which are situated in mountain areas:

• with a minimum of 100 inhabitants;
• with no other similar permanent shops;
• at least 2 km away from other permanent shops of the same type (subject to exceptions certified by the local council);
• at an altitude of at least 500 metres (subject to exceptions certified by the local council).

Expressions of interest must be submitted exclusively online to the certified email address of the department responsible for trade; failure to do so will result in the expression of interest being deemed inadmissible. Please follow these steps:

1. Read the“SIEG 2026 Expression of Interest Notice” carefully
1. Complete the form for submitting the expression of interest, specifying the multi-service activities you intend to carry out (at least four);
2. Have the form signed by the company’s legal representative;
3. attach a photocopy of a valid identity document belonging to the legal representative;
4. Send all documentation exclusively via certified email (PEC) to the address “serv.artcom@pec.provincia.tn.it”, stating in the subject line: “Expression of interest in providing Services of General Economic Interest in mountain areas for the year 2026”.

• a completed and signed expression of interest form;
• a copy of the signatory’s valid identity document;
• any certificates from the local council regarding the requirements for the location;
• any existing agreements or arrangements in place in relation to the activities listed under points 1), 4), 5) and 8).

Interested businesses may express their interest no later than 12.00 on Friday 24 October 2025.

Enquiries and requests for clarification regarding this procedure may be submitted in writing to the Crafts and Trade Service at the certified email address serv.artcom@pec.provincia.tn.itby 12.00 on Thursday 16 October 2025.

Participation in the procedure is free of charge.