Deadline Date: May 29, 2026
The Measures and Support Division is accepting applications under the SME Enhance programme to support Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises through non-repayable grants for investments aimed at business expansion, diversification, innovation of operations and initial investments in Malta.
The programme focuses on promoting entrepreneurship, supporting innovative and smart economic transformation, encouraging digitalisation for companies and organisations, enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs, supporting productive investments, fostering job creation, improving regional ICT connectivity, and strengthening a more competitive and smarter European economy.
The total allocated budget for the SME Enhance programme is €6,000,000. The scheme offers grants ranging from a minimum of €10,000 up to a maximum of €128,400, including an additional 7% flat rate to finance indirect costs related to the investment. Funding support varies according to the type of aid and location of the investment.
The scheme supports productive investments in tangible and intangible assets related to business expansion, diversification, operational innovation, and initial investments. Eligible expenditure includes equipment and machinery, ancillary items linked to the main investment, lease of private operational premises, IT equipment, software subscriptions, furniture, fixtures, fittings, and certain vehicles directly related to the economic activity. All supported investments must contribute to productive business activity and have an operational lifetime exceeding three years.
The programme excludes undertakings involved in insolvency proceedings, gambling and betting activities, tobacco-related activities, agriculture, coal, lignite, steel, transport, and illegal economic activities. Projects already funded through other European Union funding programmes are also ineligible. Investments focused solely on digitalisation elements covered under other schemes are excluded from support.
The programme is open to Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises engaged in an economic activity, irrespective of their legal form. Start-ups classified as Micro or Small Enterprises are also eligible under the dedicated Start-up category. Eligible enterprises must comply with fiscal and social security obligations, provide evidence of private match financing, and ensure that investments remain operational for at least three years following final payment. Applicants must also submit either an investment proposal or quotations, together with supporting financial and compliance documentation.
For more information, visit Fondi.eu.
