Launched on the 1st of January 2024, the Digitalize your Business Scheme (‘Scheme’) is open to micro, small, medium-sized and large enterprises who are engaged in economic activity. The scheme allows such enterprises to digitalise their operations by offering them non-repayable grants which contribute to the financing of their investments.
It is important to note that whilst this Scheme replaced the ‘SME Digitalisation Grant Scheme’ and the ‘Digital Intensification Grant Scheme’, the ‘Digitalise Your Micro Business Scheme’ has been extended until 30th June 2026.
Application Process
Dependent on the availability of funds, this Scheme will operate until 30th June 2026. Eligible undertakings may apply following the issuing of a rolling-call and in accordance with the cutoff deadlines for submission of applications. Applications will be reviewed after each deadline and those that meet the minimum requirement of 50% of the selection criteria will be ranked. Based on available funds and starting from highest ranking applications, grants will be given out. Priority will be given to applicants operating within the manufacturing and tourism industries.
Eligible Expenditure
As per this Scheme, the eligible expenditure are as follows:
- e-Commerce Website
- Digital Solutions
- Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Custom Software,
- Hardware (laptops, tablets etc),
- Analytical Tools,
- Cyber Security systems,
- Cloud computing,
- Routers, switches and WIFI related equipment,
- Other hardware and software,
- Installation and training costs in relation to the use of the particular equipment acquired.
Funding
The aid intensity provided by this Scheme is limited to 50% of the cost for investments in Malta and 60% of the cost for investments in Gozo. The maximum funding provided is that of €120,000 for each digital investment, with an additional 7% provided to cover indirect expenses. Being that this Scheme operates under the De Minimis aid Regulations, a single entity is restricted to receiving a maximum of €300,000 in funds over a rolling period of three years.
This article is not intended to constitute legal advice and neither does it exhaust all relevant aspects of the topic.
Authored by: Annah Chapelle Paleologo
