Introduction

Malta Enterprise (ME) has recently introduced several schemes to support enterprise growth, focusing on planned expansion rather than business continuity. These schemes provide liquidity through fiscal assistance like tax credits or cash grants via reimbursement. The main schemes include the Invest Scheme, Business Development Scheme, Skills Development Scheme, and Rent Subsidy Scheme.

1. Invest Scheme: GBER

Objective: The Invest Scheme encourages initial investments in setting up new establishments, expanding existing facilities, diversifying businesses, and acquiring assets from establishments that would have otherwise closed down.

Eligibility Criteria:

• SMEs and Large Undertakings engaged in initial investment projects.
• Must be a registered limited liability company, cooperative, or partnership operating from Malta and incorporated in the EU.
• Projects must start on or after 1st January 2024 and involve eligible tangible and intangible assets.

Forms of aid include cash grants, interest rate subsidies, loan guarantees, tax credits.

2. Business Development Scheme

Objective: This scheme supports value-added projects contributing to Malta’s regional development, fostering new business opportunities, creating skilled employment, increasing competitiveness, and expanding market reach.

Eligibility Restrictions: Enterprises generating revenue from gambling, real estate sales, financial services, or those in default with the CfR are not eligible.

Eligible Projects:

• Setting-up, expansion and modernisation
• Environmental Actions
• Innovative New Businesses
• Facilitating Employment of Workers with Disabilities
• Collaborative Projects
• Upgrading of Facilities (Industrial sites and Hotels)
• Establishing and upgrading of artisan facilities
• Business Re-engineering and Digital Transformation
• Access to Markets and Certification

Forms of aid include cash grants, tax credits (or a combination) with a maximum support of €300,000 over three years, covering up to 75% of approved costs.

3. Skills Development Scheme

Objective: This scheme aids businesses in training their workforce, updating employees’ skills, and training new employees to enhance their effectiveness.

Training Objectives:

• Acquisition of skills and knowledge related to business operations.
• Development of current and future functions within the organization.
• Training non-Maltese employees in Maltese language and culture.
• Advancing digital transformation and improving Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance practices.

Forms of Aid include tax credits, cash grants (or a combination) with a maximum aid of 70% of costs, up to €2,000,000 per skills development project.

4. Rent Subsidy Scheme

Objective: To reduce dependency on public land and premises by subsidizing rental costs of private industrial premises.

Types of Aid:

• Long-term Development Strategies:
  • Cash Grant/Tax Credits
  • Maximum of €50,000 per annum for up to three years, covering up to 50% of eligible rental costs.
• Temporary Storage Facilities:
  • Cash Grant/Tax Credits for a maximum of one year.

Get in Touch

By leveraging these ME schemes, your business can secure the necessary support for growth and expansion, ensuring a successful future. To discuss eligible projects, project cost categories, and the application process, contact us at funding@businessdoctors.com.mt or call 79903685.