Overview
The European Regional Development Fund for Malta has recently introduced the Equipment and Machinery SME Grant Scheme. The aim of this incentive is to support undertakings through the provision of non-repayable grants to part-finance investment in equipment and machinery aimed at directly improving the productivity of the enterprise.
This scheme shall remain operational until 31st December 2023 and will be administered through a series of open rolling calls, which are currently announced till 28th April 2023. These calls shall be managed on a demand-driven basis.
Eligible entities
This scheme is available for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in an economic activity, irrespective of their legal form.
Ineligible activities
Ineligible activities include but not limited to:
- Financial and Insurance activities
- Gambling and Betting activities
- Real Estate activities
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sectors
- Public Entities
- Transport Sector
Eligible expenditure
The equipment and machinery shall improve the productivity of the enterprise. The procured equipment / machinery must be maintained by the Company and remain operational for at least 3 years following the investment.
As part of the application process, the applicant must submit 3 compliant quotations, from unrelated suppliers. The cheapest quotation will be chosen for reimbursement on the basis that it meets the technical specifications included within the application.
Maximum Grant and Aid Intensity
The funding ranges from a minimum amount of €10,000 and a maximum amount of €120,000 per operation with an aid intensity of up to 50% for operations in Malta and 60% for operations in Gozo.
This Scheme falls within the terms and conditions of the Deminimis aid rules, hence an undertaking is limited to an overall capping of €200,000 over a 3-year rolling period.
At Zampa Debattista, we can assess your eligibility for Funding and assist you from the application stage till the reimbursement phase.
Kris Bartolo
Partner
