Business Reports for SMEs — €4,000 Support for Your Growth Plan

A simple way to get professional business planning fully financed.

Why this matters

If you’re running a small or medium-sized business in Malta and you’re looking to grow, restructure or invest in new systems, you probably know that smart planning is key. But getting a professional business plan or systems review done in-house can be costly and time-consuming. That’s where the Business Reports for SMEs Grant Scheme comes in: it provides a non-repayable lump sum of €4,000 to help cover the cost of an external consultancy report.
This scheme is a rolling call (open continuously until funds are exhausted) and is managed under the European Regional Development Fund 2021‑2027 (ERDF) framework for Malta.

How the scheme works

1. Who can apply?
   Micro, small or medium sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Malta (or Gozo) engaged in economic activity. The company must meet the EU definition of SME (for example less than 250 employees or turnover ≤ €50m).
   
2. What is funded?
   The grant supports the procurement of a professional Business Plan or a Process & Systems Review.
   
   • A Business Plan: outlining your investment initiatives, growth strategy, market research, financial projections.
     
   • A Process & Systems Review: a diagnostic report aimed at making your business more efficient, competitive, with clear recommendations for improvements.
     
3. Grant value & aid intensity
   The grant is a fixed lump sum of €4,000, which corresponds to approximately 80% of the eligible consultancy costs. That means your business must cover the remaining up to 20% of the cost.
   
4. Time frame
   Once your grant agreement is signed, the consultancy report must be delivered within six months from that date. Projects must be completed within that timeframe.
   
5. Application type & submission
   The scheme works on an “open rolling call” basis: you may submit your application at any time until the budget is exhausted, but you must act swiftly as funding is on a first-come, first-served basis.
   

Documents you will need

Applying for the grant is not overly complicated, but it does require some preparation. Here are the main documents you should have ready:

• LEGAL ENTITY INFORMATION: Company registration number (Malta Business Registry), VAT number, contact details.
  
• FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: Most recent audited or management accounts of the company, to show business viability.
  
• DE-MINIMIS AID DECLARATION: Your company must declare the total amount of “de-minimis” aid it has received in the past three fiscal years (must stay within the cap of €300,000).
  
• SERVICE PROVIDER AGREEMENT: You need to procure the external consultancy firm registered with the Intermediate Body (IB) and independent from your company (i.e., not related). The consultant will deliver the report.
  
• APPLICATION FORM: Details of your project (what kind of report, timeline, budget, expected benefits).
  
• PROJECT DESCRIPTION: What is the aim of the report (improving efficiency/investment plan), key deliverables, start & end dates.
  
• BUDGET SUMMARY: Cost of the consultancy report, indication that the cost is realistic.
  
• OTHER SUPPORTING DATA: For example, sector code (NACE), location of business (Malta/Gozo), and other eligibility criteria.
  

How EUFunding.mt helps guarantee a correct application

At EUFunding.mt, we guide you through every step of this process, ensuring you maximise your chances of success:

• ✅ Eligibility check: We assess your company’s size, sector, past aid, and whether you qualify.
  
• ✅ Choosing the right expert: We match you with registered external consultancy service providers who are approved under the Malta IB rules.
  
• ✅ Report scope & alignment: We work with the consultant to ensure your business plan or systems review meets the scheme’s requirements — detailed market research, process analysis, financial forecast, etc.
  
• ✅ Writing and submission support: From filling the application form to compiling the de-minimis declaration, we manage the workflow with you.
  
• ✅ Follow-up & compliance: After submission, we monitor progress, help you respond to queries, and ensure you meet the 6-month implementation deadline.
  
• ✅ Minimising risk of rejection: By leveraging our experience (including similar work in Germany) we avoid common pitfalls such as ineligible consultant providers, missing declarations, or weak project descriptions.
  

So instead of you navigating alone in the maze of paperwork and deadlines, we handle the details — you focus on your business growth.

Final takeaway

If you’re a Maltese SME thinking about investing in growth — whether through new systems, process improvement, or strategic planning — this €4,000 grant gives you a no-brainer opportunity. A professional report may be the missing piece to secure larger investments. And with 80% of the cost covered, it’s a low-risk move.

Don’t wait until the budget is gone. Get in touch today, and let EUFunding.mt help you get your business ready for tomorrow.

🔹 Book your free eligibility check now and take the next step towards smarter growth.