Keeping up to date: Malta Enterprise and other support measures

1. Exploring Research Grant Scheme

L.N. 166 of 2021
MALTA ENTERPRISE ACT (CAP. 463)
Exploring Research Grant Regulations, 2021

Research & Development (‘R&D’) projects have an element of uncertainty attributed to them and undertakings would typically prefer conducting a feasibility study to identify the technical, operational and commercial risks linked to a project before committing to the investment. The Exploring Research Grant Scheme is intended to support businesses when planning their R&D initiatives by providing assistance for conducting a feasibility study. 

This support shall help the beneficiary to: 

• review the current scientific or technical knowledge in the area of research;
• conduct searches to identify research partners, existing Intellectual Property and knowledge that could support the R&D activity; 
• establish the resources required, risks and potential return on investment of the potential R&D project. 

This incentive scheme is not limited to undertakings engaged in a particular industry sector and therefore any undertaking engaging in a feasibility study for an R&D project may consider applying, unless the activities carried out are specifically excluded under the relevant EU Regulations. 

The assistance awarded takes the form of a cash grant of up to €50,000, capped as follows:

The assistance is awarded on the basis of eligible costs relating to the R&D project which include (subject to various conditions):

• Wage Costs of researchers, technical personnel and other staff required for the carrying out of the feasibility study for the duration that they are directly engaged thereon;

• Contractual research, technical knowledge, and patents acquired or licensed from unrelated parties at arm’s length conditions, including costs of consultancy and equivalent services exclusively required for the feasibility study;

• Other operating expenses, such as costs of materials, supplies and similar products, incurred directly as a result of the feasibility study. Other materials, tools or equipment relating to building early stage prototypes may also be considered as eligible.

Interested applicants may apply for assistance under this Scheme by submitting an application form with Malta Enterprise Corporation at least 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the feasibility study and by 31 October 2023 latest.

1. Change to Grow 

The Change to Grow Scheme is intended to enhance the currently prevailing Business Re-engineering and Transformation Scheme and incentivises self-employed persons and SMEs to embark on new investment projects aimed to strengthen business activities, create new products or diversify existing services, or use more sustainable practices including in technology.

Further information on this scheme may be found here.

2. ReStart Incentive Scheme

The ReStart Incentive Scheme is very similar to the Change to Grow Scheme, the main difference being that it specifically targets entrepreneurs that experienced a drastic decrease in business activities and/or a permanent closure of their business due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The scheme will provide financial support to such entrepreneurs in order to engage professional business advisory services to restart their business activities by adapting to new and sustainable business models, and similarly supports an ‘Advisory Stage’ and an ‘Implementation Phase’ following recommendations provided by the engaged business advisors. 

Further information on this scheme may be found here.