Business Reports for SMEs

What the scheme funds

The scheme provides a fixed €4,000 grant (representing 80% of the maximum eligible cost of €5,000) to fund one of two types of business report commissioned from an external consultant registered with the Intermediate Body:

• Process & Systems Review: an independent analysis of the business's internal processes and systems, identifying inefficiencies and recommending improvements to productivity and operations.
• Business Plan: a structured plan addressing proposed investment initiatives, used to support a strategic or financing decision.

The report must be produced by an external consultant that is independent of, and unrelated to, the applicant business. A list of registered advisory service providers is maintained by the Intermediate Body.

Who qualifies

The scheme is open to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) established in Malta, as defined under EU SME criteria:

• Fewer than 250 employees
• Annual turnover not exceeding €50M or balance sheet total not exceeding €43M
• Not more than 25% owned by a non-SME entity

Grant details

• Grant value: €4,000 (lump sum): this is a fixed amount regardless of actual cost, provided costs are at least €5,000
• Aid intensity: 80% of eligible costs (maximum eligible cost €5,000)
• The grant is non-repayable
• Aid is provided under the De Minimis Regulation (max €300,000 over three fiscal years)

How to apply

Applications are submitted via the Structural Funds Database (sfd.gov.mt) before a published cut-off date. The scheme operates on a rolling basis with biweekly cut-offs, there is no single annual deadline. Key steps:

• Confirm your SME status and identify a consultant on the Intermediate Body's register
• Submit your application via sfd.gov.mt before the next cut-off date, with the supporting documentation the scheme requires
• The Managing Authority (MSD) reviews the application and issues a grant decision
• Sign the Grant Agreement. Costs incurred before this point are not eligible
• Commission the report and receive the completed deliverable within the implementation period
• Submit the reimbursement claim with the signed report and the required compliance certificates

Cut-off dates run approximately every two weeks. Current cut-offs are published on fondi.eu.

Is this scheme right for you?

Business Reports for SMEs is well-suited for businesses that need an independent, structured review of their operations or a professionally prepared business plan, and want the grant to cover 80% of that cost. The business funds the remaining 20%. The fixed €4,000 grant is modest but the scheme is fast, straightforward, and has frequent cut-offs.

It is not suitable for businesses that want to fund implementation, the grant covers only the cost of the report itself, not any subsequent investment or changes it recommends.