Deadline: 14-November-2025
The Measures and Support Division within Malta’s Ministry responsible for the management of Union Funds launched the Internationalisation Strategy for SMEs Scheme to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises develop tailored strategies for global market expansion through EU-funded non-repayable grants.
Focus Areas and Objectives: The 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 objectives: Promoting entrepreneurship, particularly by facilitating the economic exploitation of new ideas and fostering the creation of new firms, including through business incubators; and enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments.
The Internationalisation Strategy for SMEs Scheme supports Maltese enterprises in developing actionable strategies to penetrate international markets. It provides non-repayable grants to part-finance costs incurred for external consultancy services aimed at crafting an internationalisation strategy to improve competitiveness and efficiency.
The strategy is divided into two parts. The first focuses on studying opportunities abroad, including market analysis, feasibility assessment, and recommendations for market focus. The second focuses on formulating a comprehensive strategy for specific target countries, covering market entry, financial and operational planning, marketing, and risk management.
Eligible micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises can access up to €20,000 per undertaking, with a maximum of €10,000 for each part. Aid intensity ranges between 50% and 60% depending on the size and age of the enterprise. The scheme operates on a rolling-call basis, awarding grants on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to budget availability.
Applications are assessed based on eligibility and completeness, and successful beneficiaries must ensure proper implementation and compliance with EU regulations. The projects must be completed within 12 months from the signing of the Grant Agreement, and beneficiaries are required to maintain detailed documentation for audit and monitoring purposes.
The initiative aligns with Malta’s broader EU funding framework under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Cohesion Fund, and Just Transition Fund, promoting sustainable business internationalisation and economic resilience.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
