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7 Mar 2001, Italy

Hi,

We've run a web-shop selling art tools for a year now.

At the moment we're doing one sale a day. Secure server transactions, UPS shipments, etc. About 50% of our sales are in the U.S.

We 'd like to know if there exists any financial help from the European Community for helping us increase our business (new PCs, staff, advertising, etc)

We're located in Rome, Italy and the company is composed
of two 38 year old men.

Sincerely

Colin

Dear Colin:

The Information Society Directorate General, my old stomping grounds in the European Commission, provides funding for research in electronic commerce as well as other "information society" areas. However, funding is aimed at innovative research and development and requires at least two partner organisations from different member states of the European Community. You can find more information about this programme at www.cordis.lu/ist/. But, based on your e-mail, I don't think this is what you want.

If you are looking for general grants and support for small businesses, the Enterprise Directorate General is where you should go. Check out their web pages and contacts to see if they have anything for you.

Finally, I understand the Italian government is offering various kinds of support for e-commerce. So, you should probably see if anyone at your local chamber of commerce can can offer advice.

Good luck,

Dr. Ecommerce