Submit Applications for Internationalisation Strategy for SMEs Scheme (Malta)

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 the 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. RSO1.3: Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments.

The Internationalisation Strategy for SMEs Scheme provides financial assistance through non-repayable grants that part-finance costs for external services contracted to create internationalisation strategies for eligible enterprises. These strategies aim to make SMEs more efficient and competitive in the international arena by exploring new markets and formulating effective entry and operational plans.

The scheme is implemented by the Measures and Support Division (MSD) as an Intermediate Body designated by the Managing Authority under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the 2021–2027 programming period. With an initial budget allocation of €500,000, the scheme operates on an open, rolling-call basis, meaning that applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis subject to fund availability.

Each undertaking may receive a maximum grant of €20,000, covering up to two applications—one for Part 1 (studying opportunities abroad) and one for Part 2 (strategy for selected country or countries). Aid intensity depends on the enterprise’s size and age: micro and small start-up enterprises up to five years old are eligible for 60% aid, while micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises older than five years receive 50%.

Part 1 of the strategy focuses on studying international opportunities by conducting market analysis, assessing global trends, evaluating feasibility, and identifying key markets for expansion. Part 2 involves preparing a detailed internationalisation strategy for selected countries, including PESTEL analysis, market entry plans, marketing and sales strategies, operational and financial planning, and risk mitigation frameworks. Both parts must be completed within 12 months from the signing of the Grant Agreement.

Eligible applicants include micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises legally established and actively engaged in economic activities. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to match-finance the project privately and ensure that the internationalisation strategy is contracted from an external, unrelated service provider registered with the Intermediate Body. Undertakings involved in agriculture, tobacco, gambling, or illegal economic activities are excluded from eligibility.

Applications are submitted online, accompanied by financial documentation, compliance certificates, and evidence of private financing. Eligible projects are approved following evaluation by the Project Selection Committee based on the Gateway Criteria, which assess eligibility, completeness, financial capacity, and the proposed activity’s alignment with scheme objectives.

The scheme is regulated under the European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Fund, and Just Transition Fund framework and complies with Commission Regulation (EU) No. 651/2014 (General Block Exemption Regulation), Regulation (EU) 2021/1058, and Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Beneficiaries must maintain proper records, adhere to publicity requirements acknowledging EU support, and ensure transparency in implementation.

Through this strategic initiative, Malta aims to strengthen the global competitiveness of its SMEs by enabling them to expand beyond local markets and contribute to sustainable economic growth and job creation.

For more information, visit FONDI.eu.