Internationalisation Strategy for SMEs

Mandy Caruana
Jul 7
2 min read

Updated: Jul 31

This scheme supports SMEs with non-repayable grants to co-finance external services for developing an internationalisation strategy to enhance efficiency or competitiveness.

The Internationalisation Strategy may consist of two parts: Part 1 explores global opportunities through business overview, global opportunities, market analysis, feasibility, and market focus recommendations; Part 2 outlines a country-specific strategy covering market entry, marketing and sales, financial and operational planning, and risk management.

Grant value (max):	€20,000
Target Group:	Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises
Cut-off dates:	14th August, 12th September, 30th September, 17th October, 31st October, 14th November, 28th November and 12th December, 2025.

Scheme Summary

The maximum grant under this scheme is €20,000. Each undertaking may submit up to two applications—one for Part 1 and one for Part 2. Part 1 grants are capped at €10,000, with a total maximum of €20,000 for both. Undertakings need to have been actively trading for at least one year to apply for the scheme.

Aid Intensities

Status of undertaking	Aid Intensity
Micro and Small start-up Enterprises up to five years following registration	60%
Micro and Small enterprises exceeding five years following registration Medium-sized enterprises	50%

Projects must be concluded within 6 or 12 months (depending on what was applied for) from signing of the grant agreement, which is signed following project approval. All investments must be completed no later than 30^th June 2029.

Eligible Costs

The Grant Scheme supports eligible undertakings in procuring either Part 1 of the Internationalisation Strategy (exploring opportunities abroad) or Part 2 (developing a strategy for selected country/countries).

Beneficiaries must procure the Internationalisation Strategy from an external, unrelated Service Provider registered with the IB, and submit a quotation for such services at application stage together with the description of internationalisation strategy required, identification of service providers whom may provide such a strategy and identification of the undertaking’s preferred service provider, also giving a reason for selection.

Application Process

The scheme will operate on a demand-driven basis, with the IB issuing periodic open/ rolling calls for applications. Eligible applications meeting the Gateway Criteria will be awarded grants on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to budget availability.