Digitalise Your SME Scheme Guide 2026

The Digitalise Your SME Scheme is a government-backed cash grant designed to help SMEs in Malta and Gozo invest in digital technologies that improve efficiency, productivity, resilience, and customer experience.

This guide explains who is eligible, what you can fund, how much support you can receive, and how we can manage the entire application process for you, simply and professionally.

What Is the Digitalise Your SME Scheme?

The Digitalise Your SME Scheme offers non-repayable cash grants to support businesses investing in digital solutions. The goal is to help SMEs modernise their operations by adopting new digital tools, systems, and processes across areas such as:

• Internal operations and workflows
• Procurement and supply chain management
• Customer experience and after-sales processes
• Data-driven decision making

The scheme is currently open on a rolling basis until 30 June 2026, subject to availability of funds.

Who Is Eligible for the Digitalise Your SME Scheme?

You may be eligible if your business meets all the following conditions:

Eligible Businesses

• You are a Micro, Small or Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME)
• You are engaged in an economic activity
• Your business is registered and operating in Malta or Gozo
• You are tax and social security compliant
• You are not classified as an undertaking in difficulty
• You have sufficient private match financing for the project

Eligible Start-Ups

Start-ups may also apply if they:

• Are micro or small enterprises
• Have been operating for up to five years
• Have not distributed profits
• Meet the scheme’s financial viability requirements

Certain sectors are excluded (such as gambling, tobacco, primary agriculture, and public bodies), and eligibility is assessed at application stage.

What Can Be Funded?

The scheme supports investments that digitalise business operations. Eligible costs include both off-the-shelf and custom digital solutions, provided they are directly linked to your business activity.

Eligible Digital Investments

• Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or custom software
• Hardware (e.g. laptops, tablets, monitors, servers)
• Cloud computing solutions
• Cybersecurity systems
• Internet of Things (IoT) technologies
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions
• Big Data and analytics tools
• Routers, switches, and Wi-Fi equipment
• Installation and training costs related to the digital solution

All investments must be purchased from external and unrelated suppliers and must have a productive business purpose.

How Much Funding Can You Receive?

Maximum Grant

• Up to €128,400 per project

Aid Intensity

• Up to 50% of eligible costs for investments in Malta
• Up to 60% of eligible costs for investments in Gozo

Start-Up Aid

• Up to 60% (Malta)
• Up to 70% (Gozo)

The aid is provided under De Minimis rules, meaning total public funding received by the business must not exceed €300,000 over three years

How We Help: End-to-End Application Support

We provide full application management for the Digitalise Your SME Scheme, allowing you to focus on your business while we handle the process.

Our Support Includes:

• Eligibility assessment and funding suitability check
• Structuring your digital investment correctly
• Identifying eligible costs and avoiding ineligible items
• Preparing the full application and supporting documentation
• Assessing quotations and technical specifications obtained
• Managing communication with authorities
• Supporting post-approval compliance and claims

Our approach ensures that your application is clear, compliant, and strategically positioned for approval.

Is This Scheme Right for Your Business?

If you are planning to:

• Upgrade systems or digital infrastructure
• Improve operational efficiency
• Introduce AI, data analytics, or cloud solutions
• Strengthen cybersecurity
• Modernise customer experience

Then the Digitalise Your SME Scheme could significantly reduce your investment cost.

Speak to Our Advisors

We guide businesses through the entire Digitalise Your SME journey, from eligibility assessment to grant approval and beyond.

🔗 Discover our Corporate Finance & Strategy Services: https://nouv.com/services-category/corporate-finance-strategy/
🌐 Get in touch: https://nouv.com/contact-us/