European Regional Development Schemes 

The Measures and Support Division, responsible for the administration of European Regional Development Fund Grant Schemes, has issued the following new schemes supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, with the first calls closing on 30 June 2025:

i) Marketing Strategy for Micro & Small Enterprises;
ii) Standards & Awards for SMEs; and
iii) Internationalisation Strategy for SMEs.

Marketing Strategy for Micro & Small Enterprises 

This Scheme is intended to support eligible undertakings seeking to develop a marketing strategy rendering the business more efficient or more competitive.

The maximum grant value is set at Eur10,000, subject to the following aid intensities:

• Micro and Small Start Up Enterprises up to 5 years from registration - 60%
• Micro and Small Enterprises exceeding 5 years from registration - 50%

Actions under this scheme are expected to be implemented within 6 months from the date of the grant agreement, and relate to the procurement of a marketing strategy from external unrelated service providers. Such strategy would include a comprehensive plan as to how the business intends to attract, engage and retain customers.

One quotation from a selected service provider is to be submitted with the application. Successful applications meeting eligibility criteria will be granted funding on a first come first served basis.

Standards & Awards for SMEs

This Scheme is intended to support eligible undertakings to achieve recognised standards or awards. These include, but are not limited to, standards and certifications that enhance an enterprise’s operational efficiency, governance, sustainability, or quality management systems.

The maximum grant value is set at Eur15,000, which may be increased to Eur20,000 should an applicant seek to achieve more than two standards or awards through the same service provider, within a single application. The final grant amount will be determined on the following aid intensities:

• Micro and Small Start Up Enterprises up to 5 years from registration - 60%
• Micro and Small Enterprises exceeding 5 years from registration - 50%
• Medium-sized Enterprises - 50%

Actions under this scheme are expected to be implemented within 6 months from the date of the grant agreement, and relate to the procurement of advisory services from external unrelated service providers leading to the acquisition of a standard or award. The advisory process should be thoroughly documented and presented in a comprehensive report.

The application documentation includes the submission of a proposal summarising the chosen standard or award, identifying which service providers can offer the required advisory services and selecting the preferred service provider, together with a quote from such provider. Successful applications meeting eligibility criteria will be granted funding on a first come first served basis.

Internationalisation Strategy for SMEs

This Scheme is intended to support eligible undertakings seeking to formulate an internationalisation strategy to increase the business’s efficiency or competitiveness. The strategy can be divided into two parts, the first being a study of opportunities abroad and the second being a country specific analysis for a selected country/countries.

The maximum grant available under this scheme is set at Eur20,000 per undertaking for a maximum of two applications, with the grant for part 1 (studying opportunities abroad) capped at Eur10,000. The final grant amount will be determined based on the following aid intensities:

• Micro and Small Start Up Enterprises up to 5 years from registration - 60%
• Micro and Small Enterprises exceeding 5 years from registration - 50%
• Medium-sized Enterprises - 50%

Actions under this scheme are expected to be implemented within 12 months from the date of the grant agreement, for fixed periods of either 6 or 12 months, depending on applicant’s choice within the application, and relate to the procurement of advisory services from external unrelated service providers.

The application documentation includes the submission of a proposal summarising the required internationalisation strategy, identifying which service providers can offer the required advisory services and selecting the preferred service provider, together with a quote from such provider. Successful applications meeting eligibility criteria will be granted funding on a first come first served basis.

How can we help?

Deloitte Malta is able to assist in answering your queries, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us for any further guidance you may require.

In addition, Deloitte Malta is able to assist with the preparation of the required applications and any supporting documentation, as well as document submission and any required follow-ups.