The Business Consultancy Grant Scheme is a specialized financial instrument designed to support Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Malta by facilitating access to professional external expertise. By providing non-repayable grants, the scheme assists businesses in acquiring strategic reports that drive informed decision-making and long-term sustainability. This initiative is part of a broader administrative framework overseen by the Permanent Secretariat for European Funds, aimed at optimizing the use of European assistance to enhance the local private sector's efficiency and market position.
Core Funding Objectives and Deliverables
- Provision of a Process and Systems Review intended to identify operational improvements and render the undertaking potentially more efficient.
- Development of a Business Plan addressing proposed investment initiatives designed to render the undertaking potentially more competitive.
- Support for the decision-taking process through high-quality, professional data and analysis.
- Requirement for reports to be procured from external Consultancy Service Providers who are registered with the Intermediate Body (IB).
- Strict mandate that the chosen consultants must be autonomous and entirely unrelated to the Beneficiary Undertaking.
Financial Provisions and Aid Intensity
- Setting of the grant value at a fixed lump sum of €4,000.
- Funding intensity capped at 80% of the eligible costs associated with the consultancy service.
- Issuance of the financial support in the form of a non-repayable grant.
- Allocation of resources aimed at reducing the financial burden on SMEs seeking professional business development services.
Administrative Governance and Oversight
- Strategic management by the Measures and Support Division (MSD), acting as the Intermediate Body for EU-funded measures to enterprises.
- Policy development and program planning coordinated by the Strategy and Implementation Division (SID).
- Management of payment processes to beneficiaries and contractors arising from European funds handled by the SID.
- Operational oversight by the Planning and Priorities Co-ordination Division (PPCD) to ensure efficient absorption of Cohesion Policy assistance.
- Leadership provided by the Permanent Secretary for European Funds to ensure effective coordination across government departments and agencies.
Support Infrastructure and Gateways
- Facilitation of access to funds through Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta (SEM), serving as a primary gateway for individuals and organizations.
- Informational support provided by SEM regarding the latest EU funding opportunities and societal benefits.
- Assistance with the submission of competitive project applications and the subsequent implementation phase for successful applicants.
- Specialized handling of Direct Funds, Agriculture, and Fisheries funds through the dedicated Directorates of the Funds and Programmes Division (FPD).
- Educational and social project management provided by the European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA), acting as a link between the European Commission and local promoters.
This grant scheme represents a critical intersection between European financial resources and the practical needs of the Maltese business community. By subsidizing the cost of expert consultancy, the program ensures that SMEs can access the high-level strategic planning necessary to thrive in a competitive landscape. Through the combined efforts of Malta's specialized administrative divisions, the initiative provides a transparent and efficient pathway for enterprises to invest in their own operational excellence and future growth.