FUNDING & INCENTIVE FOR COMPANIES AND START-UP

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MAXIMUM GRANT €300,000,
PART-FINANCING 50 % OF ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURE

In recent years, SMEs in the Maltese economy increased by approximately 20%. Notwithstanding, fostering an entrepreneurial culture and the creation of start-ups is still a significant challenge. Ensuring that this momentum is sustained and gains speed is a priority in order to foster a competitive and sustainable economy that is resilient to meet upcoming challenges.

By their very nature, through their novelty, start-ups offer just as many challenges and risks as rewards and opportunities. As part of the normal dynamics of a healthy economy, only 50% of businesses survive five years after their inception.

This, together with the potential welfare gains to the economy that can accrue from nurturing an environment that supports start-ups, further instigates the need for tangible assistance to start-ups at an early stage.

Eligible Actions

This Grant Scheme assists start-ups, engaged in one of the following activities, to part-finance their initial productive investment in Tangible and Intangible assets, in line with a business plan, to implement their business growth strategies:

• The production, manufacture, improvement, assembly, preservation, processing of goods, materials, commodities, equipment, plant machinery;
• Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences;
• Research and Technological Innovation;
• The repair, overhaul or maintenance of pleasure crafts, yachts having less than 100gt, aircraft, engines or equipment incorporated or used in such vessels or aircraft;
• Information and communication technology (ICT) development activities, software development;
• Eco-innovations, and environmental solutions;
• The creation of tourism products and services as a result of networks created between traditional tourism service providers and the crafts and artisan sector;
• The development and provision of tourism products and services related to emerging niche markets;
• The development and provision of tourism products and services related to the promotion of natural and cultural heritage;
• The development and provision of tourism products and services relating to social tourism with specific focus on senior tourists, accessible tourism and active ageing;
• The development of innovative concepts, products and services offered by Boutique Hotels and Palazzini;
• The development, and/or provision of E-health solutions;
• The development and provision of services and products promoting healthy living;
• The development and provision of services and products promoting active ageing;
• The development and provision of services and products related to child-day care;
• The development and creation of crafts and artisan products;
• Retail activities by self-employed and family businesses engaged in craft;
• Start-ups proposing products and/or services that can be marketed and distributed internationally and which are typically more advanced than those prevailing in their respective industry in terms of technology, know-how and skills.

Eligible Costs

• Lease/rental of private operational premises
• Construction/up-grades of private operational premises
• Purchasing of equipment, machinery and plant
• Patents and licenses