Deadline: September 30, 2025
The Digitalise your SME Scheme supports Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Malta by offering non-repayable funding to finance digital investments that improve operational efficiency, productivity, and customer experience.
The focus areas include Policy Objective 1 ‘A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity’, specifically through RSO1.2. Reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies, research organisations, and public authorities within the context of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2021-2027 programming period.
The Digitalise Your SME initiative is designed to help enterprises remain competitive globally by facilitating the adoption of new digital technologies and processes. Digitalisation investment enables enterprises to implement innovative business models, optimize resource management, and enhance customer interactions. This scheme aims to support digital solutions such as hardware and software procurement, including emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Internet of Things, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and Quantum Technology.
Eligible enterprises include both established SMEs and start-ups engaged in economic activities, irrespective of their legal form, provided they meet specified criteria and exclusions. The grant supports the purchase of digital solutions and related training costs, with aid intensities varying depending on location and technology, and includes a flat rate to cover indirect costs. Eligible costs exclude VAT, maintenance, insurance, irrecoverable expenses, and certain operational costs as defined in the program guidelines.
Applicants must submit a complete and compliant application, including technical specifications, investment proposals or quotations, compliance certificates, and evidence of private financing. Applications are assessed based on eligibility, financial viability, and selection criteria addressing risk, excellence, impact, sustainability, and implementation quality. Approved projects receive funding capped at specified amounts and subject to monitoring, reporting, and audit obligations.
Implementation requires effective project management, transparent procurement from unrelated suppliers, and adherence to state aid and community policies. Beneficiaries must maintain asset durability, ensure publicity for funded projects, and comply with data protection regulations. Monitoring includes on-the-spot checks, financial verifications, and periodic reporting. Failure to comply with the conditions may result in funding recovery or penalties.
The minimum grant value under this scheme is set at €10,000 whilst the maximum grant value is set at €128,400 for eligible actions, including an additional 7% flat rate to finance any indirect costs related to the investment.
The scheme operates on a rolling open-call basis until December 31, 2026, with a total budget of €5 million. It aims to enable SMEs in Malta to embrace digital transformation and become more resilient, competitive, and sustainable in the evolving digital economy.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
