Deadline: October 17, 2025
The Internationalisation Strategy for SMEs scheme provides non-repayable grants to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Malta to develop strategies that enhance competitiveness and enable international market expansion.
This scheme falls under Policy Objective 1 ‘A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity’ of SFC2021 Programme 2021-2027 ‘Towards a smarter, well connected and resilient economy, a greener environment and an integrated society’, and addresses the following Policy Objective and Specific Objective: PO1: Promoting entrepreneurship, in particular by facilitating the economic exploitation of new ideas and fostering the creation of new firms, including through business incubators. A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity. RSO1.3. Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments
The scheme supports SMEs through grants to part-finance costs incurred for external services that prepare an internationalisation strategy. This strategy is divided into two parts: Part 1 focuses on studying opportunities abroad, including global trends, market analysis, feasibility assessments, and recommendations for market focus. Part 2 covers a strategy for selected countries, including market entry planning, marketing, sales strategy, financial and operational planning, and risk analysis.
The scheme will remain active until 31 December 2026, with an allocated budget of €500,000. Eligible enterprises may apply for a maximum of two grants, with funding capped at €10,000 for Part 1 and up to €20,000 in total for both parts combined. Aid intensity ranges from 50% to 60% depending on the size and age of the enterprise.
Applications are processed on a rolling basis and awarded on a first-come, first-served principle subject to available funds. Beneficiaries must implement their projects within 12 months from the date of the Grant Agreement. All contracted services must come from external and unrelated providers registered with the Intermediate Body managing the scheme.
Compliance with EU and national rules, including state aid regulations, transparency, equal opportunities, and data protection, is required. Monitoring, reporting, and audit provisions are in place to ensure proper use of funds.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
