Deadline: 30-January-2026
This advisory support scheme, funded under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), aims to help SMEs become more efficient, competitive, and credible in their business operations by part-financing the costs of external services to develop an Internationalisation Strategy.
The grant scheme supports SMEs through non-repayable grants to cover part of the costs of contracting external expertise to design an Internationalisation Strategy. The strategy consists of two components: the first identifies global opportunities, provides a business overview, conducts market analysis, feasibility assessments, and recommends market focus. The second component develops a country-specific strategy, including market entry, marketing and sales strategies, financial and operational planning, risk analysis, mitigation measures, and monitoring and evaluation.
The scheme falls under Policy Objective 1 of the SFC2021 Programme 2021–2027, “A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity”, and addresses the specific objective of enhancing sustainable growth, competitiveness, and job creation in SMEs. The initiative also aligns with promoting entrepreneurship, supporting new firms, and fostering the economic exploitation of innovative ideas. The maximum grant available under this scheme is €20,000, with an initial budget allocation of €500,000. The scheme will remain operational until 31 December 2026, subject to funding availability.
Eligible SMEs must be micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises engaged in an economic activity, with at least one year of active trading for applications under Part 1 of the Internationalisation Strategy. Enterprises without legal personality must be registered under the Second Schedule of the Civil Code (CAP 16 of the Laws of Malta).
For more information, visit Fondi.eu.
