SME Enhance – Malta’s
investment support programme
SME Enhance – Malta grant scheme
Objective of the scheme
The scheme supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malta and Gozo in strengthening their competitiveness and fostering sustainable growth. The objective is to enable investments that contribute to the expansion, diversification, innovation, or establishment of new operational capacities within enterprises.
Who can apply?
- small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in manufacturing, crafts, retail, services, hospitality or accommodation activities, and operating in Malta or Gozo
- start-ups active within the same sectors and registered in Malta or Gozo, that qualify as micro or small enterprises
- enterprises that meet the EU definition of SMEs
- enterprises under insolvency or recovery proceedings, or those subject to an outstanding recovery order issued by the European Commission or the Measures and Support Division
- enterprises operating in excluded sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, tobacco, energy generation, transport, coal, lignite, and gambling or betting activities
- public entities or undertakings carrying out non-economic or regulatory functions, except commercially active enterprises competing on the market
What is funded?
- purchase of new equipment and machinery
- acquisition of intangible assets used as fixed assets
- lease of privately owned operational premises for up to two years
- training costs directly linked to the use of purchased equipment
- purchase of used or refurbished equipment and machinery
- acquisition of land, buildings or construction works
- purchase of vehicles, energy generation systems or mobile phones
- repair, maintenance or replacement of existing equipment
Funding amount
the support is provided as a non-repayable grant
the grant covers up to 70% of eligible costs, depending on aid type and location
the maximum grant amount is € 128.400
the minimum eligible project cost is € 10.000
Requirements for funding
projects must support business growth, diversification, or innovation
applicants must provide an own financial contribution of at least 25% of eligible costs
project activities may only start after the grant award date and signing of the grant agreement
investments must be maintained and operational for at least three years after final payment
Application and submission
applications are submitted electronically
the responsible authority is the Measures and Support Division (MSD) within the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects
required documents include a project description, financial plan, supplier quotations and compliance certificates
Frequently asked
questions – investment
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups operating in Malta or Gozo that carry out an economic activity and meet the EU SME definition.
Eligible investments include the purchase of new equipment and machinery, acquisition of intangible assets such as software or licences, and the lease of private operational premises for up to two years.
The grant covers up to 70% of eligible costs, depending on enterprise size, location and aid type, with a maximum grant amount of € 128.400 and a minimum project value of € 10.000.
Projects may only start after the grant award date and the signing of the Grant Agreement. Any costs incurred before approval are ineligible.
Beneficiaries must keep all investments operational for at least three years after final payment and ensure compliance with tax and social security obligations.
Projects must be completed within 24 months from the date of the Grant Agreement. Extensions may be granted only in justified cases and must be approved by the Managing Authority before the project end date.
Investments in Malta
The SME Enhance scheme offers attractive non-repayable grants to support business investments in Malta and Gozo. Funding is available for the purchase of new equipment and machinery, the acquisition of intangible assets, and the leasing of operational premises. The programme is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups improve their competitiveness, expand capacity, and innovate within their operations — especially in regions and sectors with development potential.
Although the application process requires careful preparation, SME Enhance provides substantial financial advantages for enterprises aiming for sustainable growth. The scheme is administered by the Measures and Support Division (MSD) within the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects. If you plan to expand your business, modernise your equipment, or launch new operations, SME Enhance offers valuable support. Our team can assist you in identifying the right funding strategy and completing your application successfully.
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.