Malta Enterprise relaunches several schemes

February 2024

In January 2024, the Malta Enterprise Corporation launched a number of schemes to assist start-ups, SMEs and large enterprises covering several eligible costs, including, capital investments and certain training costs. Further details below.

A cash grant of up to €10,000 for small start-ups

This scheme provides early seed funding for small start-up undertakings, as defined, engaged in certain qualifying activities, including manufacturing, software development, life sciences, and others, which have an economically viable business concept.

Maximum aid

The maximum funding amount is a grant of up to €10,000.

Deadline

This scheme is open until 31 December 2026 and the application deadline is 30 October 2026.

Finance provided to small start-ups

This scheme provides finance to small start-up undertakings, as defined, to support them in certain eligible costs including payroll costs and procurement of assets and materials.

The start-ups should be engaged in certain qualifying activities, including manufacturing, software development, life sciences, and others, have an economically viable business concept and show commitment to expand and further develop their economic activity.

Maximum aid

The aid consists of a repayable advance of up to €1.5m depending on the type of start-up and location of the activity.

Deadline

This scheme is open until 31 December 2026 and the application deadline is 30 September 2026.

A cash grant of up to €250,000 for SMEs

This scheme supports SMEs in carrying out projects leading to product, process and organisational innovation through collaboration with a Research and Knowledge Dissemination Organisation or through innovation advisory services.

Maximum aid

The grant covers up to 50% (100% in certain cases) of eligible costs, capped at €250,000.

Deadline

Projects must be implemented within 36 months from the start of works (some extensions may be possible but are subject to conditions) and completed within 12 months from the funding approval date.

Applications must be submitted before the start of works and, in any case, not later than 30 October 2026.

Cash grants and tax credits for SMEs and large undertakings on R&D projects

This scheme supports SMEs and large undertakings in Research & Development (R&D) activities that address scientific or technological uncertainties and lead to the acquisition of knowledge for the development of innovative products and solutions.

Maximum aid

The tax credits or cash grants, which can also be a combination, are calculated at a percentage of eligible R&D costs, varying between 25% and 80%, depending on the type of research and size of the applicant.

A cash grant of up to €100,000 may be granted for feasibility studies.

Deadline

Applications are to be submitted by 30 September 2026 or 30 October 2026 depending on the relevant R&D scheme.

Cash grants and tax credits for SMEs and large undertakings on training costs

This scheme supports SMEs and large undertakings operating in certain industrial and service sectors to provide training to their workforce, which is not legally required or routine training, and which intends to achieve certain prescribed learning outcomes.

Maximum aid

The tax credits or cash grants, which can also be a combination, are calculated at a percentage of eligible training costs up to 70%, depending on the size of the applicant.

Deadline

This scheme is open until 31 December 2026 and the application deadline is 30 September 2026.

How can we help?

Our Incentives team has years of experience working alongside local enterprises to identify the most suitable incentive scheme for their business. We can assist you in identifying opportunities for your business and support you throughout the relevant application process.

Get in touch