Submit Applications for SME Enhance Grant Scheme (Malta)

Deadline: 18-Sep-2026

The SME Enhance Grant Scheme provides non-repayable funding to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises registered in Malta to support investments in business expansion, diversification, innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. Eligible businesses can receive grants ranging from €10,000 to €128,400, including a 7% flat rate for eligible indirect investment costs. SME Enhance Grant Scheme The SME Enhance Grant Scheme is a Malta funding programme designed to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) invest in business growth and improvement. The scheme is part of Malta’s implementation of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2021–2027 programming period and is administered by the Measures and Support Division within the Ministry for Union Funds. The programme provides non-repayable grants to eligible enterprises for investments that strengthen business operations, support expansion, encourage diversification, and promote innovation. What Is the SME Enhance Grant Scheme? The SME Enhance Grant Scheme provides financial support to Maltese SMEs undertaking investments that can improve their long-term productivity and competitiveness. The scheme is intended to help enterprises move beyond routine operations by investing in activities that contribute to: - Business expansion. - Business diversification. - Innovation. - Productivity improvements. - Operational development. - Increased competitiveness. - Business growth. The funding can part-finance eligible investments that meet the objectives and conditions of the scheme. How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible businesses can apply for grants within the following range:

- Minimum grant: €10,000

- Maximum grant: €128,400

The maximum grant amount includes a 7% flat rate for indirect costs associated with the investment. The grant is non-repayable, meaning successful applicants do not normally have to repay the grant provided they comply with the applicable funding conditions and deliver the approved investment. Who Is Eligible? The scheme is open to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises registered in Malta. Eligible applicants must qualify as SMEs and meet the programme’s applicable requirements. The scheme is particularly relevant to Maltese enterprises planning investments that will contribute to: - Expansion into new markets or business areas. - Diversification of products or services. - Adoption of innovative approaches. - Improved productivity. - Better operational performance. - Increased business competitiveness. What Does the Grant Support? The SME Enhance Grant Scheme supports eligible investments that align with the programme’s objectives. Supported investment activities may include projects focused on: - Expanding an existing business. - Diversifying business activities. - Introducing innovative products, services, or processes. - Improving operational efficiency. - Increasing productivity. - Strengthening competitiveness. - Making initial investments that contribute to business growth. Applicants should ensure that their proposed investment directly supports the objectives of the scheme rather than simply covering routine business expenditure. Why Does the SME Enhance Grant Matter? Small and medium-sized enterprises play an important role in Malta’s economy, but investment in new technologies, expansion, diversification, and innovation can require significant financial resources. The SME Enhance Grant Scheme helps reduce some of these investment barriers by providing non-repayable financial assistance. The programme encourages enterprises to make strategic investments that can improve their productivity and strengthen their ability to compete in changing markets. Key Funding Features The main features of the scheme include:

- Funding type: Non-repayable grant.

- Target beneficiaries: Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

- Location: Malta.

- Minimum grant: €10,000.

- Maximum grant: €128,400.

- Indirect costs: 7% flat rate included in the maximum grant.

- Programming framework: ERDF 2021–2027.

- Main objectives: Expansion, diversification, innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.

How the SME Enhance Grant Works Businesses should approach the application process by first identifying an investment that clearly supports the scheme’s objectives.

A typical preparation process involves:

- Confirm SME eligibility Check that the enterprise is registered in Malta and qualifies as a micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise. - Identify the proposed investment Define the investment required for expansion, diversification, innovation, productivity, or operational improvement. - Connect the investment to business objectives Explain how the investment will contribute to growth and competitiveness. - Develop the investment budget Calculate the expected eligible costs and determine the appropriate grant amount. - Account for indirect costs Remember that the maximum grant includes a 7% flat rate for eligible indirect investment costs. - Prepare supporting information Gather the business, investment, financial, and other documentation required by the application process. - Submit the application Apply through the official scheme process within the applicable application period and follow all submission requirements. - Implement the approved investment If successful, the enterprise must carry out the approved activities in accordance with the grant agreement and applicable conditions. Tips for Applicants Businesses can strengthen their applications by clearly demonstrating the commercial and operational value of the proposed investment. - Clearly explain the business problem or opportunity. - Show how the investment will support expansion, diversification, or innovation. - Quantify expected improvements in productivity or competitiveness where possible. - Prepare a realistic and well-supported budget. - Ensure the proposed costs comply with the scheme’s eligibility rules. - Distinguish th