Deadline: September 30, 2025
The Internationalisation Strategy for SMEs grant scheme offers financial support to eligible enterprises seeking to develop and implement strategies for growth and competitiveness through international expansion.
This opportunity focuses on enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments. The priorities include alignment with National and Horizontal Priorities such as Environmental Sustainability and Equal Opportunities, adherence to the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle across six environmental objectives, and compliance with EU regulations on aid intensity and eligibility.
The application process requires detailed information about the applicant, including enterprise type, business activities classified by NACE codes, and the proposed project location within Malta or Gozo. Applicants must outline their internationalisation strategy, either by studying opportunities abroad (Part 1) or by defining a strategy for specific export countries and products or services (Part 2). The project’s potential impact without funding and how internationalisation will improve the business model must also be clearly explained.
Financial planning is an integral part of the application, with clear instructions on budgeting eligible and non-eligible costs and specifying investment sub-activities related to the internationalisation strategy. The grant offers maximum aid of €20,000 per undertaking, with up to two applications allowed, totaling no more than €20,000. Aid intensities vary from 50% to 60% depending on the enterprise size and age.
Applicants must confirm adherence to all regulatory and administrative requirements, including declarations on double funding, family relationships, politically exposed persons, convictions, and recovery orders. Supporting documentation such as a compliance certificate from Malta Tax and Customs Administration, audited financial statements, and a detailed proposal including service provider quotations must be uploaded.
The scheme aims to provide advisory services that facilitate automation, reduce paperwork, and positively impact environmental objectives by supporting small workforce SMEs in line with EU funding and governance standards.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
