Deadline Date: March 13, 2026
The Internationalisation Strategy for SMEs scheme aims to support enterprises in becoming more efficient, competitive, and credible in their business operations by assisting them in developing structured internationalisation strategies.
The scheme focuses on strengthening enterprise efficiency and competitiveness, supporting the development of an internationalisation strategy, promoting business growth through external advisory services, and helping enterprises reach and engage international markets through structured strategic planning.
This advisory support scheme is funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is administered by the Measures and Support Division within the Ministry responsible for the management of Union Funds, which has been designated by the Managing Authority as the Intermediate Body responsible for implementing ERDF grant schemes during the 2021–2027 programming period. The initiative aims to help businesses strengthen their market presence and improve their credibility by planning how they will introduce and promote their products or services internationally.
Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to part-finance the costs of external services contracted to develop an internationalisation strategy. The strategy is expected to outline how a business will promote its products or services to reach target audiences and achieve defined business objectives. It should present a comprehensive approach explaining how the enterprise intends to attract, engage, and retain customers while expanding its operations beyond its domestic market.
Eligible applicants include Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises engaged in economic activity, regardless of their legal form. However, enterprises applying under Internationalisation Strategy – Part 1 must demonstrate that they have been actively trading for at least one year from the date of application. Undertakings that do not possess a legal personality under the applicable law of their establishment must be registered under the Second Schedule of the Civil Code (CAP 16 of the Laws of Malta).
The scheme provides non-repayable grants to SMEs to cover part of the costs associated with procuring internationalisation strategies from external service providers. These service providers must be registered with the Intermediate Body and must be autonomous and unrelated to the beneficiary undertaking. The grant scheme has an initial allocated budget of €500,000, with a maximum grant of €20,000 available for each supported project.
The Internationalisation Strategy for SMEs scheme will remain operational until 31 December 2026, subject to the availability of funds.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
