Deadline: 14-November-2025
The Government of Malta, through the Measures and Support Division under the Ministry responsible for Union Funds, launched the Digitalise your SME scheme in June 2025 to assist micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Malta and Gozo in enhancing efficiency, productivity, and customer experience by investing in digital technologies and solutions.
Focus Areas/Objectives/Priorities/Themes: 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,” and specifically addresses:
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 (ERDF).
The Digitalise your SME initiative offers non-repayable grants to help SMEs transition toward digitalised operations, improving their resilience and long-term competitiveness. With a total allocated budget of €5 million, the scheme remains open on a rolling basis until 31 December 2026, subject to fund availability. Enterprises may receive between €10,000 and €128,400 to co-finance investments, including hardware, software, and digital solutions that enhance productivity and efficiency.
Aid intensity under this scheme varies depending on the enterprise size and location. Investments in Malta are eligible for up to 50% financing, while those in Gozo can receive up to 60%. Start-ups may benefit from increased aid intensity of up to 60% for Malta and 70% for Gozo. Moreover, applications involving Cyber Security, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Cloud Computing, or Quantum Technology receive an additional 10% top-up, in line with Malta’s Digital Decade Strategic Roadmap 2023–2030.
Eligible undertakings include micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises engaged in economic activities, including start-ups. The scheme supports investments that introduce digital capabilities such as digitalised resource management, automation, and online customer engagement. Examples include implementing cloud-based systems, cybersecurity measures, data analytics, and AI tools to streamline operations and reach new markets.
Projects financed under this scheme must be implemented within 24 months of the Grant Agreement, with possible extensions when justified, and completed by 30 June 2029. All investments must align with EU State Aid regulations, environmental sustainability principles, and the “Do No Significant Harm” principle.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
