MAXIMUM GRANT €300,000, PART-FINANCING 50 % OF ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURE
In recent years, SMEs in the
Maltese economy increased by approximately 20%. Notwithstanding, fostering an entrepreneurial
culture and the creation of start-ups is still a significant challenge. Ensuring
that this momentum is sustained and gains speed is a priority in order to
foster a competitive and sustainable economy that is resilient to meet upcoming
challenges.
By their very nature, through
their novelty, start-ups offer just as many challenges and risks as rewards and
opportunities. As part of the normal dynamics of a healthy economy, only 50% of
businesses survive five years after their inception.
This, together with the potential
welfare gains to the economy that can accrue from nurturing an environment that
supports start-ups, further instigates the need for tangible assistance to
start-ups at an early stage.
Eligible Actions
This Grant Scheme seeks to assist
start-ups, engaged in one of the following activities, to part-finance their
initial productive investment in Tangible and Intangible assets, in line with a
business plan, to implement their business growth strategies:
- The production,
manufacture, improvement, assembly, preservation, processing of goods,
materials, commodities, equipment, plant machinery;
- Biotechnology,
Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences;
- Research and
Technological Innovation;
- The repair,
overhaul or maintenance of pleasure crafts, yachts having less than 100gt,
aircraft, engines or equipment incorporated or used in such vessels or
aircraft;
- Information and
communication technology (ICT) development activities, software development;
- Eco-innovations,
and environmental solutions;
- The creation of
tourism products and services as a result of networks created between
traditional tourism service providers and the crafts and artisan sector;
- The development
and provision of tourism products and services related to emerging niche
markets;
- The development
and provision of tourism products and services related to the promotion of
natural and cultural heritage;
- The development
and provision of tourism products and services relating to social tourism with
specific focus on senior tourists, accessible tourism and active ageing;
- The development of
innovative concepts, products and services offered by Boutique Hotels and
Palazzini;
- The development,
and/or provision of E-health solutions;
- The development
and provision of services and products promoting healthy living;
- The development
and provision of services and products promoting active ageing;
- The development
and provision of services and products related to child-day care;
- The development
and creation of crafts and artisan products;
- Retail activities
by self-employed and family businesses engaged in craft;
- Start-ups
proposing products and/or services that can be marketed and distributed
internationally and which are typically more advanced than those prevailing in
their respective industry in terms of technology, know-how and skills.
Eligible
Costs
- Lease/rental
of private operational premises
- Construction/up-grades
of private operational premises
- Purchasing
of equipment, machinery and plant
- Patents
and licenses
This scheme shall be administered
through an open rolling call.