Deadline: September 30, 2025
The Standards & Awards for SMEs scheme offers Maltese enterprises financial support to achieve recognized standards or awards, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability through advisory services.
The scheme focuses on Specific Objective RSO1.3 – Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments. It also requires alignment with National and Horizontal Priorities. These include National Priorities, Horizontal Priorities of Environmental Sustainability and Equal Opportunities, and compliance with the Do No Significant Harm principle, covering the six environmental objectives: Climate change mitigation; Climate change adaptation; The sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources; The circular economy including waste prevention and recycling; Pollution prevention and control to air, water and land; The protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Applications under the scheme are capped at a maximum aid of €15,000 per undertaking. However, applicants aiming to achieve more than two standards or awards with the same service provider in a single application may be eligible for an increased grant of €20,000. Aid intensity is set at 60% for start-up enterprises up to five years after registration, and 50% for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises older than five years.
To apply, SMEs must create an online User Account through the application portal, complete the application form divided into five sections, and submit required supporting documents. Applicants must confirm their eligibility, provide project and investment details, outline their financial plan, and sign a declaration form. The scheme requires that projects respect environmental principles, avoid double funding, and ensure transparency regarding ownership, family relationships, or potential conflicts of interest.
A checklist of required documents accompanies the application, including a proposal detailing the chosen standard or award, compliance certificates, NACE code confirmation, and proof of private match financing. Where applicable, further documents such as audited financial statements, declarations of trustees or fiduciaries, and authorizations must also be provided. Once validated, the application is submitted online, and an acknowledgment email with an application number is issued for reference.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
