Many Maltese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) overlook the Business Reports for SMEs grant, which can subsidise up to 80% of the cost of a professional consultancy report, valued at €4,000 as a lump sum. This scheme is ideal for business diagnostics, planning, system reviews, and strategic investment reports.
As an approved service provider in Malta, Encore Digital can help your business draft the required report, meet eligibility criteria, and manage the application process.
What Is the Business Reports for SMEs Grant?
This scheme is designed to help SMEs make informed decisions by supporting external consultancy services. The grant is non-repayable and covers reports that help improve business performance or guide investments. FONDI.eu
These reports must be procured from external consultants, autonomous and unrelated to the applicant business, and must be registered with the appropriate Intermediate Body (IB). FONDI.eu
Eligible reports include:
- Process reviews and systems audits
- Business plans for proposed investments
- Diagnostic analyses to improve efficiency
- Recommendations for growth steps and competitiveness FONDI.eu
Funding Details & Limits
- The grant amount is a lump sum of €4,000, representing 80% of the eligible consultancy cost. FONDI.eu
- The business must cover the remaining 20% of the cost.
- Only eligible consultancy costs qualify; internal costs or non-procured work are excluded.
- The reports must follow the guidelines specified in the “Business Reports for SMEs – Advisory Service Providers Guidelines.” FONDI.eu
- Cut-off date schedules are published; the next deadline is October 17, 2025, with additional future cut-off dates planned. FONDI.eu
Who Can Apply?
To qualify:
- The applicant must be an SME registered in Malta or Gozo
- The business must be actively commercial and compliant with tax, VAT, and other statutory obligations
- The strategy or report must be procured externally through an approved consultant
- The consultant must be registered and independent (i.e., not part of or directly affiliated with the applicant company) FONDI.eu
How Encore Digital Adds Value
Many businesses find the application process and eligibility criteria complex. As an approved service provider, Encore Digital provides:
- Consultancy report drafting — we produce strategy, diagnostic or investment reports that meet funding criteria
- Eligibility & funding assessment — ensure your project is structured correctly to be approved
- Application support & paperwork — we handle or guide you through forms, supporting documents, and submission
- Compliance & reporting — we help you meet audit or reporting requirements after funding
In short, we combine strategy consulting + funding expertise under one roof.
Typical Use Cases & Examples
| Use Case | Report Type | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| New investment | Business plan & feasibility report | Evaluate ROI and justification |
| Operational inefficiencies | Process & systems audit | Identify cost savings and improvements |
| Strategy shift | Diagnostic & repositioning report | Plan new direction or service extension |
| Export or expansion | Market entry & investment plan | Outline steps and needed investments |
For example, a business might engage us to create a business expansion plan with expected revenue projections and capital needs. The cost might be €5,000. Under the grant, 80% (i.e. €4,000) is covered, and the business pays the remaining 20%.
Timeline & Application Deadlines
- Future cut-off rounds are scheduled (October 31, November 14, 28, December 12, January 16, etc.) FONDI.eu
- The application window is by rounds — you must submit by these deadlines
- Once approved, implementation and claim timelines typically follow guidance from the managing authority
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the grant repayable?
No — it is non-repayable.
Can I use internal staff to prepare the report?
No — the report must be carried out by an external, independent consultancy.
Do I need to pay the full cost before applying?
Yes — you must present invoices and proof of payment for eligible consultancy work.
Can Encore Digital handle submission and document prep?
Yes — we offer full support or guided assistance in the application process.
Get Your Business Report Funded with Encore Digital
If your business needs a strategic diagnostic, market plan, or process audit, the Business Reports for SMEs grant is one of the best resources available in Malta.
At Encore Digital, we offer:
- Expert consultancy report drafting
- Funding eligibility and application support
- End-to-end process management
Let us help you secure up to €4,000 funding, minimise your cost, and improve your strategic clarity.
Request a Free Eligibility Check Today
