Deadline Date: October 31, 2025
The SME Enhance Scheme, managed by the Measures and Support Division under Malta’s Ministry responsible for Union Funds, provides non-repayable grants to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Malta and Gozo for productive investments that expand, diversify, or innovate their operations under the 2021–2027 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme.
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’, and addresses the following Policy Objective and Specific Objectives: Promoting entrepreneurship, in particular by facilitating the economic exploitation of new ideas and fostering the creation of new firms, including through business incubators; Reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies, research organisations and public authorities; Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments.
The SME Enhance scheme aims to strengthen the capacity and productivity of Maltese enterprises by co-financing tangible and intangible investments. It encourages the adoption of innovative technologies, modern equipment, and improved business infrastructure that can enhance competitiveness at local and international levels. Through these grants, enterprises can improve operational efficiency, tap into new markets, and contribute to national economic growth.
The scheme operates on a rolling call basis, allowing eligible enterprises to apply periodically throughout its duration. With an initial budget of €6,000,000, the programme is demand-driven and applications meeting at least 50% of the selection criteria are considered for funding depending on budget availability.
Eligible applicants include micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups registered in Malta and Gozo. Applications under the de minimis aid regime may receive up to 50% part-financing for investments in Malta and 60% for those located in Gozo, subject to a maximum grant value of €128,400 and compliance with the cumulative three-year aid threshold of €300,000. For start-ups, the aid intensity can reach 60% for Malta and 70% for Gozo.
The scheme supports a wide range of eligible expenditures including the purchase of equipment and machinery, leasing of private operational premises, and ancillary items directly linked to business operations. Additionally, a 7% flat rate is provided for indirect costs associated with the investment. All costs must be necessary, reasonable, and incurred after the grant approval date, in line with sound financial management standards.
Projects financed under the scheme must be completed within 24 months from the signing of the Grant Agreement, with possible extensions under justified circumstances. Beneficiaries are required to maintain all purchased assets for a minimum of three years after project completion and adhere to EU and national regulations related to transparency, environmental sustainability, and equal opportunities.
Applications are assessed by a Project Selection Committee through gateway and selection criteria that evaluate eligibility, financial viability, sustainability, and the project’s potential economic impact. Only applications meeting the threshold standards and demonstrating feasibility and innovation are approved for funding.
Beneficiaries must comply with all monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements, maintaining detailed documentation for at least three years after final payment. Payments are issued based on verified progress, with provisions for advance payments, interim reimbursements, and final settlements.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
