Malta Enterprise (ME), in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Enterprise (MEEE), has launched an innovative grant program designed to aid small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in conducting their first environmental, social and governance (ESG) review. Through this scheme, SMEs should engage the service of approved ESG advisors, in carrying out an assessment of the company’s ESG performance.
Under this scheme, eligible SMEs can benefit from non-repayable grants to partially cover expenses related to engaging external consultants, such as Zampa Debattista, who will offer valuable assistance in identifying, compiling, and reporting essential ESG data. Upon approval by the MEEE, the finalized ESG report will be featured on the ESG portal, which can be accessed here.
Eligible Entities
SMEs must have at least five full-time employees and should operate from their own premises, leased or rented buildings. Applicants from leased or rented buildings must have been leasing or renting the building for at least one year prior to applying for this measure and be covered by a lease or rental agreement of at least three years following the application date.
Maximum Grant & Aid Intensity
Eligible enterprises can receive a €5,000 grant for preparing and updating an ESG report for two consecutive years after the initial submission. This grant is structured as follows:
- A maximum of €3,000 as a reimbursement of up to 75% of eligible costs incurred to prepare the first ESG report.
- Beneficiaries who update their ESG report in the two years following the initial submission will receive the following additional grants:
- For the first update, the grant is capped at €1,000 or 50% of eligible costs incurred for the first ESG report submitted.
- For the second update, the grant is capped at €1,000 or 30% of eligible costs incurred for the initial ESG report submitted.
This aid will be awarded in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions of the de minimis regulation.
Applying for the scheme
Applicants must identify an external service provider from a list of eligible service providers such as Zampa Debattista. Before proceeding with the application, ensure that the service provider can deliver the service within six months from the approval date.
Applications are open until 31st October 2023, subject to the availability of funds.
