Digitalise your SME
- Mandy Caruana
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 31
An enterprise's ability to embrace digitalisation by adopting new digital capabilities and transforming processes is essential for its survival, future growth, and competitiveness in the global marketplace. Digitalisation creates new economic opportunities, supports innovative business models, enhances intelligent work and production processes, improves customer acquisition, and strengthens networking capabilities.
This scheme shall support Undertakings through non-repayable Grants to part-finance their investments.
Scheme Summary
The minimum grant under this scheme is €10,000 while the maximum grant for eligible actions is of €128,400, including an additional 7% flat rate to cover indirect costs associated with the investments.
Projects must be concluded within 24 months from signing of the grant agreement, which is signed following project approval. All investments must be completed no later than 30th June 2029.
De-Minimis Regulation:
Co-finances up to 50% of eligible costs in Malta and 60% in Gozo. When calculating De-Minimis aid received, undertakings must keep in mind that a single undertaking may receive up to €300,000 in de minimis aid over three years.
GBER for Start-Ups (Micro and Small Enterprises within 5 years of registration):
Co-finances up to 60% of eligible costs in Malta and 70% in Gozo, with aid capped under GBER regime.
Additional Co-Financing:
Applications involving advanced technologies such as Cyber Security, IoT, AI, Big Data, Cloud Computing, or Quantum Technology may receive a 10% aid intensity top-up, funded by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, subject to budget availability. Additionally, projects that improve from meeting 6 or fewer to at least 7 of the 12 digital intensity technologies may qualify for a 5% top-up.
Eligible Actions
The scheme will assist SMEs and Start-Ups by investing in digital technologies and related processes within the enterprise. Eligible investments include hardware, software, and other digital solutions, aimed at enhancing efficiency, productivity, and customer experience.
Such investments may include:
a) Digital Solutions
Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Custom Software
Hardware (such as Laptops, Docking Station, Port Replicator, Monitors, Tablets)
Analytical Tools (including necessary hardware and software)
Cyber Security systems
Cloud computing
Internet of Things (IOT)
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Big Data analysis
Cyber Security
Quantum Technology
Routers, switches and WIFI related equipment
Other hardware, software or Digital Solutions (identified in the application and not already identified above, which the division may consider eligible under this scheme)
Installation including any training costs on the use of the specific item acquired under points above and included in the purchase price of the item in question, and thus from the same provider.
For subscription-based software, the cost of a 2-year subscription will be considered as the eligible cost item.
b) Flat Rate
7% flat rate to finance any indirect costs related to the investment.
Application Process
The scheme will operate on a demand-driven basis, with the IB issuing periodic open/ rolling calls for applications. Applications will be assessed after each cut-off date, and those meeting at least 50% of the selection criteria will be awarded, subject to budget availability.
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