Deadline: 14-November-2025
The SME Enhance Grant Scheme in Malta supports micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises by providing non-repayable grants to help them expand, diversify, and innovate their operations through productive investment in tangible and intangible assets.
Focus Areas/Objectives/Priorities/Themes: This 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 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; and enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments.
The SME Enhance Scheme is designed to strengthen Malta’s small business ecosystem by providing non-repayable grants to eligible enterprises. The initiative supports undertakings that seek to enhance productivity and competitiveness through strategic investments that drive growth and innovation. Managed by the Measures and Support Division as the Intermediate Body, the scheme operates under the European Regional Development Fund for the 2021–2027 programming period.
The grant offers financial assistance to eligible SMEs for investments in equipment, machinery, and intangible assets that contribute to the expansion, diversification, and innovation of their operations. It also supports start-ups in undertaking initial investments essential for scaling their business activities. The minimum grant available is €10,000, and the maximum is €128,400, inclusive of a 7% flat rate to cover indirect costs related to the investment.
Under the de minimis aid regime, eligible enterprises may receive part-financing of up to 50% of eligible costs for projects in Malta and 60% for those in Gozo, while start-ups may access higher aid intensities of 60% and 70%, respectively. The scheme remains open as a rolling call, subject to budget availability, with a total allocation of €6 million.
Projects supported under this scheme must align with national and EU priorities that emphasize innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability. Applicants must ensure compliance with EU and national legislation, fiscal obligations, and social security requirements. All actions financed must adhere to the “Do No Significant Harm” principle, ensuring that investments do not adversely impact environmental objectives, and must integrate sustainable development and equal opportunity considerations throughout implementation.
The SME Enhance Scheme is a cornerstone of Malta’s strategy to build a smarter and more resilient economy by empowering SMEs to innovate, digitalize, and compete effectively in the European and global markets.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
