Deadline: October 17, 2025
The SME Enhance grant scheme aims to support Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Malta through non-repayable grants to co-finance investments that enhance productivity and business growth.
The grant scheme falls under Policy Objective 1 – A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity of SFC2021 Programme 2021-2027 Towards a smarter, well connected and resilient economy, a greener environment and an integrated society. It addresses the following: PO1 Promoting entrepreneurship, in particular by facilitating the economic exploitation of new ideas and fostering the creation of new firms, including through business incubators; RSO1.2 Reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies, research organisations and public authorities; and RSO1.3 Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments.
The SME Enhance scheme is designed to help SMEs in Malta focus investment on expansion, diversification, innovation, and initial investments, improving enterprise productivity. The scheme is managed by the Measures and Support Division within the Ministry responsible for managing Union Funds as an Intermediate Body administering European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant schemes under the 2021-2027 programming period.
The scheme is demand-driven with open rolling calls and periodic cut-off dates for applications. Eligible SMEs can apply for grants ranging from a minimum of €10,000 up to a maximum of €128,400, including a 7% flat rate for indirect costs related to the investment. The aid intensity varies between Malta and Gozo, with Start-ups eligible for higher aid caps.
Eligible expenditures include purchasing equipment and machinery, ancillary items, leasing operational premises, and subscription-based software for up to two years, provided these are related to the enterprise’s economic activity and maintained operational for at least three years after the final payment. The grant supports tangible and intangible assets that contribute to the expansion, diversification, and innovation of operations. Exclusions apply to certain expenditures, sectors, and activities such as agriculture, tobacco, gambling, energy generation, and projects already funded under other EU programs.
Applicants must comply with relevant EU and national legislation and administrative requirements. Projects under SME Enhance are assessed based on criteria such as ambition, internationalization potential, sustainability, impact on business models, alignment with national policies, return on investment, and quality of implementation. There is a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, equal opportunities, and the do no significant harm principle.
The scheme requires applicants to submit detailed investment proposals, technical specifications, and quotations from unrelated suppliers. Successful beneficiaries must ensure effective monitoring, maintain separate filing systems for documentation, and permit on-the-spot inspections. Investments must be concluded within 24 months, with possible extensions granted upon justified requests but subject to penalties.
Payments are made through transparent bank transactions with advance payments linked to milestones such as signing agreements and equipment delivery. Beneficiaries are responsible for complying with durability requirements, maintaining assets in good working order, and providing necessary documentation for audit and reimbursement claims.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
