Sicily introduces bill to support proximity commerce in inland areas

A new legislative bill has been introduced in Sicily to support proximity commerce in small, inland municipalities. Proposed by Fabio Venezia, Vice President of the Budget Commission at the Sicilian Regional Assembly, the bill aims to bolster the economic and social stability of these territories by supporting small businesses.

The proposal includes the establishment of a “Regional Fund for Proximity Commerce in Inland Areas,” intended to assist both existing businesses and new entrepreneurial ventures. Available resources would cover investments such as premises renovation, equipment purchases, energy efficiency, digitalization, e-commerce, payment systems, and security.

The bill also promotes a multifunctional commercial model, allowing businesses to integrate traditional retail with various community services. Additionally, it seeks to foster collaboration between the Region and local municipalities to reduce management costs through interventions in public real estate, mobility, logistics, and local taxation.