Scope of Grants
On the 11th July 2016, the Ministry of European Affairs has announced two schemes which are aimed at assisting Start Up and SMEs in their growth strategies, through non-repayable grants part-financing eligible undertakings’ projects.
Aid Intensity
The following is the aid intensity which may be provided to eligible undertakings:
Eligible Costs
The following is a list of eligible costs, which will be part-financed under both schemes:
1) Costs for leasing/rental of privately owned operation premises
– Must be procured from external sources;
– Must be required for the operations of the undertaking for the duration of the project;
– Rental agreement must be continued for at least 3 years following the completion of the project;
– Such costs must not exceed 10% of the total eligible expenditure of the project.
2) Construction / Up-grading costs
– Must be procured from external sources;
– Must be required to render the premises operational as required by the project;
– Such costs must not exceed 10% of the total eligible expenditure of the project.
3) Costs for purchasing of new equipment, machinery, and/or plant
– Must be procured from external sources;
– Must be required for the operations of the undertaking for the duration of the project;
– Must be maintained by the undertaking for at least 3 years following the completion of the project.
4) Costs related to patents/licenses
– Must be procured from external sources;
– Bought/licensed for the duration of the project;
– Must remain associated with the project for at least 3 years following the completion of the project;
– Such costs must not exceed 10% of the total eligible expenditure of the project.
Eligible Undertakings
SME Growth Grant Scheme:
Micro, Small and Medium Sized undertakings which will be investing in the extension of the capacity of an existing establishment or the setting up of a new establishment.
Start Up Investment Grant Scheme:
– 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.
Deadline
In the case of both schemes, the first deadline for applications is the 30th September at 12pm. These schemes will be administered through a series of competitive calls until the 31st December 2020, subject to availability of funds.
Actions which will be financed under these schemes will have an implementation deadline of 24 months from the date of the grant agreement.
