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The Italo-Maltese Chamber of Commerce informs businesses that the Business Reports for SMEs scheme is currently open. The measure is designed to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Malta and Gozo.

The scheme is promoted by the Measures and Support Division of the Government of Malta, the entity responsible for administering European Regional Development Fund support schemes for the 2021-2027 programming period. Its aim is to help businesses plan investments, strengthen competitiveness and improve internal efficiency through specialised external consultancy services.

The support consists of a €4,000 non-repayable grant, awarded as a lump sum and covering 80% of eligible costs. The aid is granted under the de minimis framework and is available subject to the remaining budget.

The scheme finances the preparation of a business report, which may take one of two forms: a Business Plan, aimed at analysing an investment project and its feasibility, or a Process and Systems Review, designed to identify organisational, operational and digital improvements.

Eligible applicants are micro, small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in an economic activity, regardless of their legal form. Approved projects must be based and operational in Malta or Gozo. The consultancy service must be provided by an external registered provider that is autonomous and unrelated to the beneficiary business.

A Business Plan may include market analysis, business objectives, the business model, risk assessment, the investment proposal, supplier identification and financial projections. A Process and Systems Review may focus on the company’s initial situation, digitalisation strategy, work processes, operational recommendations, expected financial benefits and return on investment.

The scheme will remain operational until 31 December 2026, subject to the availability of funds. Applications are assessed on a first come, first served basis, which means that interested businesses are encouraged to act promptly.

The funded activities must be completed within six months from the signing of the funding agreement. Extensions may be considered, provided they are duly justified and requested according to the rules of the scheme.

Applications must be submitted online and should include, among other details, the company name and size, a description of the report to be prepared, the project start and end dates, the location of the business and the amount of public funding requested. Required documents include signed declarations, information on de minimis aid, tax and social security compliance certificates, financial documentation and confirmation of the NACE code, where applicable.

Reimbursement may be requested once the project has been completed, after the report has been prepared, delivered and paid for. The request must include a signed PDF copy of the Business Plan or Process and Systems Review, together with the declaration confirming that the external consultant and the beneficiary business are unrelated.

For Italian and Italo-Maltese businesses operating in Malta, this scheme represents a concrete opportunity to turn a growth idea into a structured project, assess new investments and strengthen their position in the local market.

Companies interested in the scheme may contact the Italo-Maltese Chamber of Commerce for further information and to assess the opportunities available for their business.