Business reports for SME
Business reports for SME
The business reports for SMEs scheme provides financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to obtain professional consultancy services for strategic business planning and operational improvement. To help SMEs strengthen their competitiveness and efficiency through expert-developed business plans or process and systems reviews, part-financed by the European Union under the ERDF 2021–2027 programme.
Key features:
EU funding support – receive a grant of up to € 4.000 under the de minimis regulation
expert consultancy – reports prepared by accredited, independent service providers
business growth focus – improve decision-making, productivity, and long-term sustainability
simple application process – apply online and get funded quickly through an open rolling call
Who can apply?
- micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) legally established in Malta or Gozo
- active businesses engaged in an economic activity, regardless of legal form
- private undertakings that are financially compliant and have no outstanding tax or social security obligations
- companies seeking expert advice to prepare a business plan or a process and systems review from an accredited, independent consultant
- public entities such as ministries, authorities, or organisations performing regulatory or non-economic activities
- businesses in excluded sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, tobacco, and gambling
- enterprises in financial difficulty (e.g., insolvency, recovery orders, or outstanding debts to the state)
- companies providing or capable of providing the consultancy service internally (i.e., not autonomous from the service provider)
What is funded?
- business plan – strategic planning document outlining business goals, investments, and market potential
- process and systems review – analysis aimed at improving operational efficiency and digitalisation
- market and feasibility studies – research supporting informed business or investment decisions
- financial planning and risk assessment – tools to evaluate sustainability, profitability, and risk management
- routine or ongoing services such as accounting, tax advice, or legal support
- advertising, promotion, or marketing campaigns unrelated to strategic consultancy
- internal work or consultancy provided by related or in-house entities
- projects already funded or planned to receive support from another national or EU scheme
Funding Rates and Key Benefits
The Business Reports for SMEs scheme offers a lump-sum grant of € 4.000, covering up to 80% of eligible consultancy costs under the EU’s de minimis regulation. The funding supports SMEs in obtaining professional Business Plans or Process and Systems Reviews prepared by accredited consultants. Beneficiaries gain expert insights, improved competitiveness, and a clear roadmap for growth — all with a simple, fast, and fully online application process.
Frequently asked
questions – Business Reports
Any micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) legally established in Malta or Gozo can apply. The business must be active, financially compliant, and engaged in an economic activity.
The grant supports two types of consultancy reports prepared by accredited, independent service providers:
• A Business Plan – to support new investments or strategic growth.
• A Process and Systems Review – to improve efficiency, structure, and operations.
Each approved SME receives a lump-sum grant of € 4.000, covering up to 80% of the eligible consultancy cost. The remaining 20% is paid by the beneficiary company.
Only registered and accredited service providers listed under the Business Reports for SMEs scheme are eligible. The consultant must be independent and unrelated to your business.
The grant is reimbursed after the report is completed and submitted to the Measures and Support Division (IB) for approval. Once validated, the lump-sum payment of € 4.000 is transferred to the beneficiary.
Yes, but not for the same activity or report. The Business Reports for SMEs grant cannot be combined with other EU or national aid for the same consultancy service under de minimis rules.
Business Reports for SMEs – Supporting Business Growth in Malta
With the Business Reports for SMEs scheme, small and medium-sized enterprises in Malta receive targeted support to strengthen their business strategies and prepare for the future. Through financial assistance for professional Business Plans or Process and Systems Reviews, companies can optimise their operations, identify growth opportunities, and plan their investments more effectively.
The scheme is managed by the Measures and Support Division under the ERDF Programme 2021–2027, covering up to 80% of consultancy costs for external, accredited experts — a valuable boost for businesses aiming to increase their competitiveness and efficiency.
Whether you’re a start-up or an established enterprise, a professionally prepared Business Report provides a solid foundation for informed decision-making, clear development goals, and long-term growth.
If you’re interested in finding out how your company can benefit, we’re here to guide you through the process — from the initial application to the successful completion of your Business Report — so you can stay focused on what matters most: growing your business.
How we work
The simple process for identifying the ideal grant
Simplified steps to easily find and use your optimal subsidy plan.
Potential analysis
Potential analysis serves to identify the strengths and development opportunities of your company in order to make the most of funding opportunities.
Consulting
During the consultation phase, we work with you to develop a customized strategy based on the results of the potential analysis and precisely define your funding goals.
Implementation
We will accompany you step by step through the process of preparing the necessary documents for submitting your application to implement the funded projects.