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The Italian-Maltese Chamber of Commerce informs businesses that Digitalise your SME is now active, a funding programme dedicated to the digital transformation of companies operating in Malta and Gozo. The scheme is designed to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups wishing to invest in new technologies, improve their internal processes and strengthen their competitiveness in an increasingly digital and international market.

The programme aims to encourage investment in software, hardware and digital solutions capable of increasing efficiency, productivity, business resilience and the quality of the customer experience. Digitalisation is now a key tool for optimising resource management, improving work organisation, speeding up production processes, developing new business models and reaching new customers through online channels and digital marketing tools.

The scheme is open to SMEs engaged in eligible economic activities and also provides specific conditions for start-ups falling within the categories of micro or small enterprises. Applications may be submitted under the de minimis regime or as a Start-up, depending on the characteristics of the company and the type of project proposed.

The minimum grant amount is €10,000, while the maximum contribution can reach up to €128,400, including a 7% flat rate intended to cover indirect costs related to the investment. For applications under the de minimis regime, the grant may cover up to 50% of eligible costs for investments in Malta and up to 60% for investments in Gozo. For applications submitted as Start-up, the aid intensity may reach up to 60% in Malta and up to 70% in Gozo.

Additional increases in aid intensity may also be available for projects involving strategic technologies such as cyber security, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, big data analysis, cloud computing and quantum technology. These solutions are among the priority areas identified to strengthen the level of digitalisation of businesses and support their innovation capacity.

Eligible expenses include commercial or customised software, hardware, analytical tools, cyber security systems, cloud solutions, IoT technologies, artificial intelligence applications, big data analysis tools, Wi-Fi devices, routers, switches and other digital solutions aligned with the objectives of the programme. Installation and any training related to the use of the specific item purchased may also be included, provided that these costs are part of the purchase price and are supplied by the same provider. For subscription-based software, the eligible cost covers a subscription period of up to two years.

Applications must be submitted online through the dedicated portal. The company will need to prepare a clear project, including information about the business, the authorised representative, the project manager, the NACE code, the financial plan and the proposed investment. The project must also describe the current state of business digitalisation, the objectives of the investment, the expected impact on the business model, the anticipated return on investment, the sustainability of the action and the company’s capacity to implement the project within the established timeframe.

Once the Grant Agreement has been signed, the company may begin the procurement process. At application stage, the beneficiary must have submitted either an Investment Proposal identifying the preferred solutions or a set of minimum technical specifications supported by at least three valid and comparable quotations for each sub-activity. Any changes, including minor ones, must be approved by the Implementing Body. Reimbursement will be linked either to the amount of the cheapest accepted quotation or to the invoice amount, whichever is lower.

The funded investments must be purchased, delivered, fully operational and properly documented. Reimbursement requests must be accompanied by the required documentation, including invoices, proof of payment, progress or final reports, inventory records, photographic evidence, compliance certificates and any other documents required by the programme. Beneficiaries must also comply with the visibility obligations linked to EU funds, through commemorative plaques or, where applicable, stickers on the purchased items.

Digitalise your SME represents a concrete opportunity for businesses in Malta and Gozo wishing to invest in innovation, improve their competitiveness and prepare for the challenges of an increasingly digital economy. The Italian-Maltese Chamber of Commerce invites interested companies to carefully assess the eligibility requirements, prepare a solid project and take advantage of this opportunity to accelerate their technological growth.

For further information and guidance, businesses may contact the staff of the Italian-Maltese Chamber of Commerce.