Italy Tunisia business cooperation is the starting point of B4IT, a cross-border project that connects business ecosystems on both sides of the Mediterranean. Over 2 years and 6 months, organizations in Tunisia and Sicily will work with micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to address practical questions linked to the green transition, circular economy and access to new markets.
The initiative focuses on a specific geographical corridor: the stretch of sea that links Tunisia and Sicily, two territories connected by longstanding commercial relations, geographical proximity and regular economic exchanges.
Italy Tunisia business cooperation between business ecosystems
Rather than spreading activities across several countries, B4IT concentrates on the relationship between Tunisia and Sicily.
The project works with business support organizations, local institutions, associations, startups and SMEs operating in both territories. Training activities, mentoring, technical assistance and networking initiatives are designed to help companies adapt their operations to environmental requirements while exploring new business connections across the border.
Particular attention is given to enterprises led by women and young entrepreneurs, as well as to organizations that provide services and guidance to businesses.
Building skills for the green transition
One area of work concerns the strengthening of Business Support Organizations (BSOs), which often accompany companies through regulatory changes, certification processes and market development.
Through training, coaching and advisory services, these organizations will be equipped with tools related to sustainability and circular economy practices. The aim is to improve the quality of services available to local enterprises and make technical knowledge more accessible.
A second area focuses directly on MSMEs. Companies will participate in capacity-building activities, mentoring programmes and initiatives linked to financial literacy and alternative financing opportunities. These activities are intended to help enterprises examine new market opportunities while adapting to changing environmental and economic conditions.
Strengthening links between Sicily and Tunisia
A third component of the project looks at institutional collaboration and business connectivity.
Through dialogue among economic actors and the use of the Business Country Desk platform, B4IT seeks to facilitate exchanges between organizations operating in Tunisia and Sicily. The activities will bring together entrepreneurs, business associations and support organizations that often face similar challenges despite working on opposite shores of the Mediterranean.
In practical terms, this means creating occasions for companies to share experiences, identify common needs and establish working relationships that can continue beyond the duration of the project.
About the B4IT project
B4IT – Business for Italy and Tunisia is a cross-border cooperation project implemented under the Interreg NEXT Italy-Tunisia Programme and co-financed by the European Union.
The project covers Tunisia and Sicily (Italy) and targets micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, business support organizations, local authorities, associations and civil society organizations.
Its objective is to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of MSMEs by improving the capacity of business support organizations, accompanying enterprises in the green transition and circular economy, and reinforcing economic cooperation between Tunisia and Sicily.
The project is implemented by Businessmed (Mediterranean Confederations of Enterprises), CESIE ETS, AVSI and Confindustria Sicilia.