Overview
SME Enhance provides non‑repayable grants up to €128,400 (including a 7% flat rate for indirect costs) to help micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises invest in equipment, machinery and related productive assets for expansion, diversification, innovation, and initial investment.
What funding options are available?
- de minimis – Malta 50%, Gozo 60% (subject to the €300,000 rolling cap over 3 fiscal years for the single undertaking).
- Investment Aid (GBER) – Micro/Small/Medium rates vary: e.g., Micro/Small: 35% (Gozo), 30% (Malta – assisted areas), 20% (Malta – non‑assisted); Medium: 25%, 20%, 10% respectively.
- Start‑up (GBER) – Malta 60%, Gozo 70%.
Important: No start of works (no purchase orders, deposits, or binding commitments) may take place before the Grant Agreement is signed.
Who can apply?
Micro, Small and Medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in economic activity (including sole traders, partnerships, registered companies). Use the EU SME thresholds below to determine size:
| Company category | Staff headcount | Turnover | Balance sheet total |
| Medium‑sized | < 250 | ≤ €50m | ≤ €43m |
| Small | < 50 | ≤ €10m | ≤ €10m |
| Micro | < 10 | ≤ €2m | ≤ €2m |
What costs are eligible?
- Equipment and Machinery (main operational components; training limited to the use of the item and included in the purchase price from the same provider).
- Ancillary items related to the main components (capped at 10% of eligible Equipment & Machinery cost and not more than €10,000, or the remaining balance to the scheme cap — whichever is lower).
- Lease of private operational premises for 2 years (capped at 10% of eligible Equipment & Machinery costs; Start‑ups: 20% cap).
- 7% flat rate for indirect costs (automatically calculated on eligible spend).
Common exclusions (examples, not exhaustive)
- Network cabling; soft furnishings (e.g., blinds/curtains/linen); plants; solar panels.
- Construction works; finishes; building‑envelope M&E works (plumbing/electrical installations, sockets/switches, ventilation/AC/VRF, boilers/radiators).
- Used/refurbished/remanufactured equipment; VAT and other taxes; insurance costs; consultancy/marketing/design fees; mobile phones.
Durability & compliance
- Assets must remain operational and maintained for at least 3 years after final payment; replacements must perform the same function and meet equal or higher specifications.
- Projects must respect the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle and the Programme’s Horizontal Priorities (Environmental Sustainability & Equal Opportunities).
- de minimis cumulation: total aid across 3 fiscal years must not exceed €300,000 for the single undertaking.
How the call works & timelines
Rolling call with periodic cut‑off dates (announced by MSD). The measure is effective until 31 December 2026 (subject to budget). All operations must be completed by 30 June 2029.
The application process starts with submitting an application which includes details on the intended investment, its benefits for both the business and the local economy, project duration and costs. Therefore, it is important to have a clear idea of the required investment prior to application. It also requires the submission of paperwork that proves the applicant is in good standing and has sound financial standing, the project is viable and sustainable.
Once the project is approved and the Grant Agreement is signed, the business may proceed with the investment. After completing the purchase, the applicant submits a reimbursement claim, followed by an on-site inspection, after which the grant funds are released.
How can we help?
If your business is looking to invest in new machinery and equipment this scheme can significantly reduce your costs. We can help assess your eligibility and aid in the application and implementation process.
For more information, kindly contact Apex Business Services on 21559999 or info@jcordina-andco.com
