Deadline: October 17, 2025
The Standards Awards for SMEs scheme aims to support SMEs through advisory services that help them prepare for and achieve recognized standards or awards, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and credibility.
The focus of this scheme includes enhancing competitiveness and credibility of SMEs through internationally recognized certifications or national excellence awards, strengthening alignment with industry standards and best practices, promoting quality, efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in business operations, facilitating market entry and encouraging continuous improvement and excellence within SMEs.
The scheme is designed specifically to aid small and medium-sized enterprises in improving their internal management frameworks and operational structures rather than meeting regulatory requirements or obtaining product-specific certifications necessary for market placement. This grant scheme falls under Policy Objective 1, promoting entrepreneurship by facilitating economic exploitation of new ideas and fostering the creation of new firms, including business incubators. It supports innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity for a smarter, well-connected, resilient economy.
Funding is granted on a rolling basis until December 31, 2026, with an initial budget allocation of €500,000. Eligible SMEs can apply for non-repayable grants of up to €15,000 (or up to €20,000 if pursuing more than two standards or awards through the same service provider). The aid intensity varies by enterprise size and age, with start-ups receiving a higher percentage of eligible costs.
The scheme excludes certain sectors and activities, including training and mentoring, marketing costs, product-specific regulatory certifications, and certification costs themselves. Eligible advisory services must be procured from external, autonomous service providers registered with the Intermediate Body.
Applicants must submit detailed documentation including declarations, financial statements, compliance certificates, and evidence of match financing. Benefits include improving operational efficiency, governance, sustainability, and quality management systems, ultimately encouraging SMEs to become more innovative and competitive.
Monitoring and reporting requirements ensure transparent implementation. Beneficiaries must maintain proper documentation and are subject to audits. Funds are managed under strict compliance with EU regulations and state aid rules, with mechanisms for dispute resolution through the Malta Arbitration Centre.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
