Internationalisation Strategy for SMEs

What the scheme funds

The scheme part-finances the cost of engaging an external consultant to produce a structured Internationalisation Strategy for your business. The strategy addresses how the business will enter new geographic markets, grow internationally, or develop an export-oriented business model.

The scheme operates in two parts:

• Part 1 — Internationalisation Audit: A scoping exercise assessing the business's readiness and potential for international expansion. Businesses must have been trading for at least one year to apply for Part 1.
• Part 2 — Full Internationalisation Strategy: A comprehensive strategy document covering market entry analysis, target country selection, competitive positioning, channel and partnership strategies, regulatory considerations, and an implementation roadmap. Part 2 builds on Part 1, or can be pursued independently by businesses with prior international experience.

Who qualifies

The scheme is open to small and medium-sized enterprises established in Malta. Unlike the Marketing Strategy scheme, medium-sized enterprises are also eligible here.

• Fewer than 250 employees
• Annual turnover not exceeding €50M or balance sheet total not exceeding €43M
• The external consultant engaged must be independent of the applicant — confirmed via a Declaration of Unrelation

The scheme is particularly well-suited for Maltese businesses with an established domestic footprint that are ready to structure their international growth ambitions.

Grant details

• Maximum grant: €20,000
• The grant covers a portion of the eligible cost of the commissioned strategy
• Aid is provided under the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER)
• Grant is non-repayable; paid in arrears on submission of evidence

How to apply

Applications are submitted via the Structural Funds Database (sfd.gov.mt). Steps:

• Confirm eligibility as an SME and identify an eligible independent consultant
• Commission and receive the completed Internationalisation Strategy
• Submit the application via sfd.gov.mt before the next cut-off date, attaching the strategy, consultant invoice, and Declaration of Unrelation
• MSD reviews and issues a grant decision; payment follows on approval

Cut-off dates run approximately every two weeks through December 2026. Upcoming dates: 29 May, 12 June, 30 June, 17 July, 31 July, 17 August, 18 September, 30 September, 16 October, 30 October, 13 November, 30 November, 14 December 2026.

Is this scheme right for you?

The Internationalisation Strategy scheme is the right fit for SMEs that want to build a credible, funded plan for international growth. Given the higher grant ceiling of €20,000 relative to other advisory schemes, it is suited to businesses commissioning more detailed, multi-market strategic work.

It is not suitable for businesses that have not yet established a domestic baseline, or for those looking to fund the execution of international activities — only the strategy document itself is eligible.