Grants for Developing Internationalisation Strategies for SMEs (Malta)

This initiative falls under Policy Objective 1 Programme 2021-2027, aiming to create a more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity. It addresses promoting entrepreneurship by facilitating the economic exploitation of new ideas and fostering the creation of new firms, including through business incubators, and specifically supports enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation, including through productive investments.

The scheme supports SMEs in developing an internationalisation strategy divided into two parts. The first part involves studying opportunities abroad by analyzing the business overview, global opportunities, market feasibility, and recommendations for market focus. The second part focuses on a strategy for selected country or countries, including country-specific analysis, market entry strategy, marketing and sales plans, financial and operational planning, as well as risk assessment, mitigation, monitoring, and evaluation.

The scheme will remain operational until 31st December 2026, with an initial budget of €500,000. The maximum grant available is €20,000 per undertaking, with Part 1 applications capped at €10,000, and each enterprise allowed a maximum of two applications, one for each part. Actions financed under the scheme are to be implemented within 12 months of the Grant Agreement, with fixed periods of either 6 or 12 months depending on the application.

Eligible undertakings include micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises engaged in economic activity. applications, enterprises must have been actively trading for at least one year as of the application date. Enterprises without legal personality under the applicable law must be registered under the Second Schedule of the Civil Code to qualify.

For more information, visit FONDI.eu.