Malta Digital Grants for Business Technology & eCommerce
Your complete guide to government funding for digital transformation in Malta. From micro business grants to large-scale enterprise schemes, Born Digital helps you identify, apply for, and build solutions that qualify for Malta's most valuable technology grants.
Fund your digital transformation with Malta government grants
Malta offers some of the most generous digital transformation grants in Europe. Whether you are a sole trader looking to build your first website, an SME ready to launch an eCommerce platform, or a growing enterprise investing in AI and automation, there is a government-funded scheme designed to cover a significant portion of your costs.
The challenge is that grant information is scattered across multiple agencies -- Malta Enterprise, SEM, FONDI.eu, and TradeMalta each administer different schemes with varying eligibility criteria, funding caps, and application processes. This guide brings everything together in one place.
At Born Digital, we have helped dozens of Maltese businesses successfully apply for and utilise digital grants. We understand what the evaluators look for, how to structure your project to maximise eligible costs, and how to deliver solutions that meet every compliance requirement.
Below you will find detailed information on every major digital grant currently available in Malta, including what each scheme covers, who can apply, how much funding is available, and how Born Digital can help you make the most of these opportunities.
Malta Digital Grants Overview
A quick comparison of all available digital grants in Malta. Click any grant name to jump to the detailed breakdown below.
| Grant Name | Administering Body | Max Funding | Aid Intensity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digitalise Your Micro Business | SEM | EUR 10,000 | 50% of eligible costs | Open |
| Digitalise Your SME | FONDI.eu | EUR 128,400 | 50% | Open |
| TradeMalta Digital Marketing Scheme | TradeMalta | EUR 30,000 per year | 50% | Open |
| MicroInvest Tax Credit | Malta Enterprise | EUR 50,000 to EUR 70,000 (tax credit) | 45% standard | Open |
| Business Development Scheme | Malta Enterprise | EUR 300,000 | Varies by enterprise size and project type (up to 30-50%) | Open |
| Smart & Sustainable Investment Grant | Malta Enterprise | EUR 100,000 | 50% of eligible costs | Open |
| SME Enhance | FONDI.eu | EUR 128,400 | 50-60% depending on enterprise size | Open |
| E-Commerce Grant | FONDI.eu | EUR 5,000 | Up to 75% of eligible costs | Currently Closed |
Grant details are accurate as of February 2026. Status and deadlines may change -- always confirm with the administering body before applying.
Digitalise Your Micro Business
Administered by SEM (Small Enterprises & Microenterprise)
Up to
EUR 10,000
50% of eligible costs
What It Covers
- Website development and redesign
- eCommerce platform setup
- Cloud-based business software (ERP, CRM, accounting)
- Cybersecurity solutions
- Digital marketing tools and setup
- Business process automation
Eligibility
Micro enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and annual turnover not exceeding EUR 2 million, registered and operating in Malta.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the SEM portal. You must provide a detailed project plan, at least two comparable quotes for each item, and proof of business registration. Born Digital can prepare the full technical scope and quotation documentation required for your application.
Digitalise Your SME
Administered by FONDI.eu / Business Enhance (EU-funded via Malta Enterprise)
Up to
EUR 128,400
50% for medium enterprises, 60% for small enterprises
What It Covers
- Custom software development and integration
- eCommerce platforms and online storefronts
- Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
- Customer relationship management (CRM) platforms
- Business intelligence and data analytics tools
- Cloud migration and infrastructure
- Cybersecurity implementation
- Digital workflow automation
Eligibility
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as defined by the EU: fewer than 250 employees, annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million, and operating in Malta.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted via the FONDI.eu portal. You need a detailed project plan, business case, financial projections, and three comparable quotations per cost item. The application process is competitive and merit-based. Born Digital provides end-to-end technical documentation and project scoping to strengthen your application.
TradeMalta Digital Marketing Scheme
Administered by TradeMalta
Up to
EUR 30,000 per year
50% for SMEs
What It Covers
- International digital marketing campaigns
- Search engine optimisation (SEO) for international markets
- Pay-per-click advertising (Google Ads, social media)
- Multilingual website development for export markets
- International eCommerce marketplace setup
- Digital content creation for overseas promotion
Eligibility
Maltese-registered businesses actively exporting or seeking to export products and services to international markets.
How to Apply
Apply directly through TradeMalta. You must demonstrate an export strategy and provide a marketing plan targeting specific international markets. Born Digital can build the multilingual digital assets and execute the campaigns that qualify under this scheme.
MicroInvest Tax Credit
Administered by Malta Enterprise
Up to
EUR 50,000 to EUR 70,000 (tax credit)
45% standard, up to 65% for startups, Gozo-based, and women-led enterprises
What It Covers
- Website and web application development
- Mobile app development
- Digital tools and software licences
- eCommerce platform development
- Hardware and IT infrastructure
- Consultancy for digital strategy and implementation
Eligibility
Self-employed individuals and enterprises with fewer than 30 employees, with an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 10 million.
How to Apply
Apply through Malta Enterprise. You need to submit a completed application form along with invoices and proof of payment for eligible expenditure. The tax credit is applied against your income tax liability. Born Digital provides detailed invoices and project documentation that meet Malta Enterprise requirements.
Business Development Scheme
Administered by Malta Enterprise
Up to
EUR 300,000
Varies by enterprise size and project type (up to 30-50%)
What It Covers
- Large-scale digital transformation projects
- Custom enterprise software development
- Advanced eCommerce and omnichannel platforms
- AI and machine learning solutions
- Business process re-engineering with digital tools
- Data analytics and business intelligence systems
Eligibility
SMEs and large enterprises undertaking projects that add economic value to Malta, including digital transformation initiatives.
How to Apply
Submit an application via Malta Enterprise with a comprehensive business case, detailed project plan, financial projections, and evidence of economic value creation. This is a merit-based scheme with a rigorous evaluation process. Born Digital can partner with you to prepare the technical documentation and deliver the approved project.
Smart & Sustainable Investment Grant
Administered by Malta Enterprise
Up to
EUR 100,000
50% of eligible costs
What It Covers
- Sustainable digitisation projects
- Smart manufacturing and IoT integration
- Energy-efficient digital infrastructure
- Digital tools that reduce environmental impact
- Cloud migration for operational efficiency
- AI-powered process optimisation
Eligibility
SMEs investing in projects that promote smart specialisation, sustainability, or digital innovation within their operations.
How to Apply
Apply through Malta Enterprise. The project must demonstrate a clear link between digital investment and sustainability or smart specialisation outcomes. Born Digital helps you architect solutions that meet both digital transformation and sustainability criteria.
SME Enhance
Administered by FONDI.eu (EU Structural Funds)
Up to
EUR 128,400
50-60% depending on enterprise size
What It Covers
- Software development and procurement
- eCommerce website and platform development
- Digital marketing automation tools
- Cloud computing infrastructure
- ERP and CRM system implementation
- Cybersecurity solutions
Eligibility
SMEs based in Malta seeking to enhance their competitiveness through investment in technology, equipment, and digital capabilities. Minimum project value of EUR 10,000.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted via the FONDI.eu portal. Evaluation is competitive and merit-based. A strong business case with clear projected outcomes is essential. Born Digital provides the technical project plan, detailed quotations, and implementation roadmap required for a successful application.
E-Commerce Grant
Administered by FONDI.eu
Up to
EUR 5,000
Up to 75% of eligible costs
What It Covers
- eCommerce website development
- Online payment gateway integration
- Product photography and catalogue setup
- Basic SEO and digital marketing setup
- Training on eCommerce platform management
Eligibility
Micro and small enterprises seeking to establish or upgrade their first eCommerce presence.
How to Apply
When open, applications are submitted via the FONDI.eu portal. This is a simplified application process designed for smaller enterprises. Born Digital can set up your eCommerce platform and prepare all documentation for when this grant reopens.
How Born Digital Helps You Maximise Grant Funding
We do not just build the technology -- we help you navigate the entire grant process from identifying the right scheme to delivering a compliant, high-impact digital solution.
Grant Identification
We assess your business and project to identify every grant and tax credit you qualify for. Many businesses miss out on funding simply because they do not know what is available. We map your project costs to the right schemes to maximise your total eligible funding.
Application Support
We prepare the technical documentation that grant evaluators need to see: detailed project plans, clear business cases, compliant quotations, and realistic timelines. Our documentation is structured to directly address the evaluation criteria used by Malta Enterprise, SEM, and FONDI.eu.
Project Delivery
Once your grant is approved, we deliver the digital solution exactly as specified in the application. Whether it is a Shopify eCommerce store, a custom web application, or a full digital transformation programme, we build to the scope and timeline that was approved, ensuring your reimbursement claims are straightforward.
Compliant Invoicing
Grant reimbursement depends on proper documentation. We provide detailed, itemised invoices that match the approved project scope, making it simple for you to submit claims. Our invoices clearly separate eligible from non-eligible costs as required by each scheme.
ROI Maximisation
A grant covers the cost -- but the real value comes from what the technology does for your business. We engineer every solution for performance, conversion, and growth, so your grant-funded project delivers returns far beyond the initial investment. Our clients typically see 3-5x ROI within 12 months.
Post-Launch Support
Grants often require a sustainability period where the project must remain operational. We provide ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and support to ensure your digital solution continues to perform throughout the compliance period and well beyond it.
Grant-eligible digital solutions from Born Digital
Every service we offer can be structured to qualify under one or more Malta digital grant schemes. Here are the most commonly funded project types.
eCommerce Platforms
Shopify, WooCommerce, and MedusaJS storefronts with payment processing, inventory management, and multi-channel selling capabilities.
Eligible under: Digitalise Your Micro Business, Digitalise Your SME, SME Enhance, E-Commerce Grant
Website Development
High-performance business websites, landing pages, and web applications built for speed, SEO, and conversion.
Eligible under: Digitalise Your Micro Business, MicroInvest, TradeMalta (multilingual)
Mobile Apps & PWAs
Native mobile applications and Progressive Web Apps that give your customers a seamless experience on any device.
Eligible under: MicroInvest, Digitalise Your SME, Business Development Scheme
CRM & ERP Systems
Implementation and customisation of CRM, ERP, and business management platforms to streamline your operations.
Eligible under: Digitalise Your SME, SME Enhance, Smart & Sustainable Investment
AI & Automation
Artificial intelligence solutions, chatbots, workflow automation, and machine learning integrations for business efficiency.
Eligible under: Business Development Scheme, Smart & Sustainable Investment, Digitalise Your SME
Digital Marketing & SEO
SEO, analytics implementation, conversion rate optimisation, and digital marketing campaigns for growth.
Eligible under: TradeMalta, Digitalise Your Micro Business, MicroInvest
Tips for a successful grant application in Malta
After helping numerous businesses secure digital grant funding, here is what we have learned about what makes an application succeed.
Start with the business problem, not the technology
Grant evaluators want to see that you are solving a real business challenge. Frame your application around the business outcome -- increased revenue, operational efficiency, new market access -- rather than leading with the technology you want to buy. The technology is the solution; the business need is the story.
Get your quotes right
Most schemes require at least two or three comparable quotations for each cost item. Ensure quotes are detailed, itemised, and from independent suppliers. Vague one-line quotes are a common reason for application delays or rejections. Born Digital provides granular, itemised proposals that meet every documentation requirement.
Apply early -- funds are limited
EU-funded schemes like Digitalise Your SME and SME Enhance operate until funds run out. They do not wait for the stated deadline if the allocation is fully committed. Get your application in as early as possible. Having your project plan and documentation ready before the call opens gives you a significant advantage.
Do not start the project before approval
A critical rule for most Malta grants: costs incurred before the grant approval date are not eligible. Do not sign contracts, pay deposits, or start development work until you have received formal written approval. Planning and application preparation costs are usually exempt from this rule, but actual implementation must wait.
Plan for the sustainability period
Many grants require that your project remains operational for a specified period after completion (typically 3 to 5 years). Factor in ongoing hosting, maintenance, and support costs from the start. Born Digital offers managed service agreements that cover the full sustainability period, giving both you and the grant authority confidence in the project's longevity.
Common questions about Malta digital grants
Answers to the most common questions we receive from businesses exploring grant-funded digital projects.
Can I apply for more than one Malta digital grant at the same time?
Yes, in many cases you can apply for multiple grants simultaneously, provided that the same costs are not claimed under more than one scheme. For example, you could use the Digitalise Your Micro Business grant for your website development and the MicroInvest tax credit for hardware and software licences. Born Digital can help you map eligible costs to the appropriate grants to maximise your total funding.
What types of digital projects qualify for Malta government grants?
Most Malta digital grants cover a wide range of technology investments including website development, eCommerce platforms, mobile applications, CRM and ERP systems, cloud migration, cybersecurity solutions, business process automation, digital marketing tools, AI and machine learning solutions, and data analytics platforms. The key requirement is that the project must contribute to the digital transformation or competitiveness of your business.
Do I need to pay upfront and get reimbursed, or is the grant paid in advance?
Most Malta digital grants operate on a reimbursement basis. This means you typically need to fund the project upfront (or in stages) and then submit claims with invoices and proof of payment to receive the grant funds. Some schemes like MicroInvest work as tax credits applied against your income tax liability. Born Digital can help structure project payments in phases that align with the grant reimbursement schedule to manage your cash flow effectively.
How long does the grant application process take in Malta?
Timelines vary by scheme. Simpler grants like Digitalise Your Micro Business can be processed within 4 to 8 weeks. More competitive, EU-funded schemes like Digitalise Your SME or SME Enhance may take 3 to 6 months from application to approval, depending on the volume of applications and evaluation complexity. It is important to apply early and have all documentation ready. Born Digital prepares comprehensive application packages that minimise back-and-forth with the administering bodies.
Can freelancers and self-employed individuals apply for digital grants in Malta?
Yes. Several schemes are open to self-employed individuals, most notably the MicroInvest Tax Credit which specifically targets self-employed persons and micro enterprises. The Digitalise Your Micro Business grant from SEM also covers sole traders with fewer than 10 employees. You must be registered with the Malta Business Registry and have a valid tax registration.
What happens if my grant application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you will typically receive feedback on the reasons. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete documentation, ineligible costs, insufficient business case, or the project not meeting the scheme criteria. You can usually reapply in subsequent calls. Born Digital helps clients prepare thorough, well-documented applications that address all evaluation criteria, significantly improving approval rates.
Does Born Digital help with the grant application process?
Yes. Born Digital provides comprehensive support throughout the grant process. We help identify which grants your project qualifies for, prepare the technical project scope and business case, provide compliant quotations and documentation, deliver the approved project to the required specifications, and support you through the claims and reimbursement process. Our team has extensive experience with Malta Enterprise, SEM, FONDI.eu, and TradeMalta requirements.
Official grant portals and resources
Direct links to the official administering bodies where you can find the latest grant information, guidelines, and application forms.
Ready to fund your digital project with a Malta grant?
Book a free consultation with Born Digital. We will assess your eligibility, identify the best grants for your project, and help you build a solution that qualifies for maximum funding.