Deadline Date: January 16, 2026
Applicants are now invited to submit applications for Internationalisation Strategy Grant Program to support SMEs become more efficient, competitive, and ready to tap into global markets.
To support these businesses, a new Grant Scheme has been launched to provide non-repayable grants that part-finance the costs of external services for developing an internationalisation strategy.
The internationalisation strategy is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on exploring opportunities abroad, including business overview, global market analysis, feasibility assessment, and recommendations for potential market focus. The second part involves developing a detailed strategy for selected country or countries, covering country-specific analysis, market entry strategy, marketing and sales planning, financial and operational planning, and risk analysis with monitoring and evaluation measures.
This Grant Scheme falls under Policy Objective 1 of the SFC2021 Programme 2021-2027, which aims to build a more competitive and smarter Europe through innovative economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity. Specifically, the program promotes entrepreneurship by facilitating the exploitation of new ideas, supporting the creation of new firms, and enhancing the sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs, including job creation.
The scheme will remain operational until December 31, 2026, subject to the availability of funds. The initial budget allocated is €500,000, with a maximum grant of €20,000 per undertaking. Each enterprise may submit up to two applications—one for the first part of the strategy (studying opportunities abroad) and one for the second part (strategy for selected countries).
Eligible applicants include micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises engaged in economic activity, regardless of legal form. For Part 1 applications, enterprises must have been actively trading for at least one year as of the application date. Businesses without formal legal personality must be registered under the Second Schedule of the Civil Code (CAP 16 of the Laws of Malta) to qualify for funding.
This Grant Scheme provides SMEs with a valuable opportunity to gain expert guidance, develop a strong internationalisation strategy, and enhance their competitiveness in global markets, contributing to sustainable growth and economic resilience.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
