Deadline Date: October 31, 2025
The Standards Awards for SMEs scheme in Malta, managed by the Measures and Support Division and funded by the European Regional Development Fund, supports Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises who have been actively trading for at least one year to achieve recognized standards or awards by funding advisory services, thereby promoting competitiveness and innovation.
Focus Areas: The scheme aims to fund advisory services necessary for SMEs to prepare for and successfully achieve a recognized Standard or Award, with the objectives to enhance their competitiveness and credibility through internationally recognized certifications or national excellence awards, strengthen alignment with industry standards and best practices, promote quality, efficiency, sustainability, and innovation within business operations, facilitate entry into new markets, and encourage a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in business operations.
The Standards Awards for SMEs is a grant scheme designed to support enterprise improvement in Malta by assisting SMEs in obtaining organizational or management system standards or awards that enhance operational efficiency, governance, sustainability, or quality management systems. This support is not for regulatory compliance certifications or product-specific certifications required for market placement but focuses on improving internal management frameworks.
Eligible SMEs must be actively trading for a minimum of one year and procure advisory services from external providers registered with the managing Intermediate Body, who are autonomous and unrelated to the SMEs. The grant covers part of the eligible advisory service costs, with maximum grants of €15,000, potentially increased to €20,000 for those pursuing multiple standards through the same provider within a single application.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis under an open call. Eligible undertakings undergo gateway criteria assessment including completeness, eligibility, match financing, and verified trading history. Grant agreements specify implementation timelines, normally up to 18 months, with possible extensions under justified circumstances.
Throughout project implementation, beneficiaries must maintain thorough documentation and monitoring, designating a project manager as liaison with the funding body. They must adhere to sound financial and procurement principles, and submit claims for reimbursement upon successful completion verified by advisory reports and award certification.
There are specific exclusions including enterprises in financial difficulty, public sector entities not engaged in economic activities, certain agricultural sectors, and those with internal capability to perform the advisory services. The scheme excludes costs associated with certification fees and continuous or periodic services typical of routine business operations.
Strict compliance with European regulations on state aid, non-discrimination, and financial controls is mandatory. Beneficiaries are required to maintain transparency and visibility of the intervention acknowledging EU funding support. Monitoring and audit visits may be conducted to ensure adherence to the grant terms, with provisions for recovery actions and dispute resolution through Malta Arbitration Centre.
The scheme runs until the end of 2026 or until funds are exhausted, providing a valuable opportunity for Maltese SMEs to enhance their operational standards and competitiveness in the marketplace through structured support and recognized certifications.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
