Digitalise your SME

What the scheme funds

The scheme part-finances investment to digitalise SME operations. The ERDF rationale is that competing in global markets increasingly requires digital capability — and that smaller businesses face structural barriers to making those investments unaided.

Eligible costs cover technology directly used in the digitalisation of the business. Eligible categories include:

• Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software — licences for business software directly enabling the digital investment activity
• Computer hardware — dedicated hardware required to implement the digital project (e.g. servers, terminals, scanners)
• Cloud-based services — SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS subscriptions directly supporting the investment
• IoT devices and sensors — connected devices used to digitalise physical processes or collect operational data
• AI and machine learning tools — software or platforms applying AI/ML to business operations
• Cyber security — security software, tools, or systems directly protecting the digital investment
• Network infrastructure — routers, switches, WiFi equipment directly enabling connectivity for the project
• Installation, configuration and testing — costs to implement the system and verify it is operational
• Training on purchased systems — staff training directly related to the purchased technology

Consult the Practical Guidelines and Guidance Notes on fondi.eu to confirm which cost categories apply to your specific investment before planning your application.

Who qualifies

The scheme is open to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) established in Malta. A single business applies on its own behalf — no consortium is required.

Grant structure

The grant is non-repayable and covers a defined portion of eligible investment costs. The exact grant cap and aid intensity are set out in the scheme's Practical Guidelines and Guidance Notes, available from fondi.eu. Grants are paid in arrears against verified eligible expenditure.

Aid is provided under the applicable State Aid framework. Confirm your business's cumulative De Minimis position before applying if you have received other State Aid in the past three fiscal years.

How to apply

Applications are submitted via the Structural Funds Database (sfd.gov.mt) before a published cut-off date:

• Review the Guidance Notes and Practical Guidelines to identify eligible costs for your planned investment
• Identify your preferred supplier approach: either an Investment Proposal (where your proposal identifies the preferred supplier and justifies the choice) or three comparable quotations with minimum technical specifications — reimbursement is capped at the lowest quoted price or invoice, whichever is lower
• Complete the application form on sfd.gov.mt and upload supporting documentation
• Submit before the next cut-off — MSD reviews applications and issues a grant decision
• Implement the investment; submit an expenditure claim with evidence to receive reimbursement

Is this scheme right for you?

Digitalise your SME is well-suited for businesses with a specific digital investment in mind — a new system, platform, or tool — where you want to offset part of the cost with a non-repayable grant. Direct advisory and consulting fees are not eligible as a standalone cost; however, a 7% indirect cost flat rate applies on eligible expenditure, which may partially recover a consultancy element. Training costs tied directly to the purchased technology are eligible. Confirm scope with the Managing Authority if you have a mixed investment.