SME Enhance

What the scheme funds

SME Enhance supports investment-driven growth. Unlike advisory schemes, it part-finances tangible investment activities aimed at improving the productivity of the enterprise. Eligible activities include:

• Expansion — capital investment to increase production capacity, enter new market segments, or scale existing operations
• Diversification — investment to enter new product or service areas, reducing business concentration risk
• Innovation of operations — investment in new processes, technologies, or methods that materially improve how the business operates
• Initial investment — start-up or early-stage capital investment for new productive activity

Eligible costs and the precise grant cap are defined in the scheme's Practical Guidelines, available from the Managing Authority. Review the Guidance Notes before planning your application to confirm which cost categories qualify.

Who qualifies

The scheme is open to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) established in Malta as defined under EU SME criteria. There is no consortium requirement — a single business applies on its own behalf.

Grant structure

The grant is non-repayable and covers a portion of eligible investment costs. The exact grant cap and aid intensity depend on the type of eligible activity and the size of the enterprise — consult the Practical Guidelines on fondi.eu for current thresholds.

Aid is provided under one of the applicable State Aid frameworks. The grant is paid in arrears following the submission of eligible expenditure evidence.

How to apply

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

• Review the Guidance Notes and Practical Guidelines to confirm eligibility and eligible costs
• Prepare your application and supporting documentation (business description, investment plan, cost quotations)
• Submit before the next cut-off date via sfd.gov.mt
• The Managing Authority (MSD) reviews the application; a grant agreement is issued on approval
• Implement the investment and submit expenditure claims for reimbursement

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?

SME Enhance is the right fit if you have a concrete investment project planned — equipment, fit-out, technology, or a new business line — and you want to offset part of that cost with a non-repayable grant. It is not suited to covering operational costs or salaries. A 7% indirect cost flat rate applies on eligible expenditure, which may recover a consultancy element — confirm scope with the Managing Authority.