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January marks the start of a new funding cycle for Maltese SMEs and 2026 is expected to be one of the most structured and opportunity-rich years following the major reforms introduced in 2025. With updated schemes now fully operational and a predictable rolling evaluation system in place, businesses can finally plan their investment strategies with greater certainty.

At CP Advisory we work exclusively with companies seeking EU funding. Our aim is to help SMEs understand the available opportunities and align their growth objectives with the priorities set under the current 2021 to 2027 programme.

Below is your essential guide to the EU funding landscape as it stands in early 2026 and how to build a strategy that maximises both eligibility and impact.

1. The Funding Environment in 2026. What Has Changed and What Remains in Force

The restructuring completed in 2025 continues to shape how grants are assessed and awarded throughout 2026. SMEs now operate under a more efficient and transparent system, with rolling cut-off dates every 14 days and clearer expectations around financial capacity and project delivery.

Key elements that remain in effect for 2026 include:

• A single consolidated Investment Scheme that replaces previous SME Enhance variations.
  
  
• Strong financial viability checks for grants exceeding €60,000, including liquidity, solvency, profitability and autonomy assessments, as detailed in the scheme changes document issued in early 2025 .
  
  
• Advance payments limited to 40 per cent, with remaining reimbursements tied to actual operational implementation.
  
  
• No eligibility for land, construction works and certain building-related fixtures, ensuring support is directed towards productive equipment and digitalisation .
  
  
• Reduced thresholds and performance-driven rules, where late implementation or delayed claims may result in deductions.
  
  

For SMEs planning for 2026, this environment rewards solid planning, responsible budgeting and disciplined execution.

2. The Main EU Funding Opportunities for SMEs in 2026

A. SME Enhance. Consolidated Investment Scheme

This remains the primary investment pathway for productive upgrades. It supports equipment, machinery, digital tools and other assets that enhance competitiveness.
Aid intensity depends on State Aid rules such as de minimis or GBER, with the updated structure introduced in 2025 still in full effect through 2026 .

Suitable for:

• Growth-oriented SMEs
  
  
• Businesses scaling operations
  
  
• Companies upgrading outdated equipment
  
  
• Organisations implementing efficiency-driven technology
  
  

B. Digitalise Your SME

This scheme continues to support digital transformation efforts into 2026. It covers software systems, digital solutions and e-commerce development, subject to procurement and documentation rules outlined in the Digitalise Your Business Guidelines .

Suitable for:

• SMEs introducing new digital workflows
  
  
• Customer experience improvements
  
  
• Online sales platforms
  
  
• Cloud and subscription-based systems
  
  

C. Business Reports for SMEs

The renewed version of this advisory scheme remains active with its €4,000 lump-sum structure. It is designed to support Business Plans and Process and Systems Reviews prepared by registered consultants.
The updated guidance notes continue to apply throughout 2026, including requirements for reporting and documentation .

Suitable for:

• SMEs without an internal strategy function
  
  
• Businesses preparing for larger investments
  
  
• Owners who require a structured growth plan for 2026
  
  
• Companies reassessing processes or digital readiness
  
  

D. Research and Innovation Support

Feasibility Studies and R and D schemes also continue into 2026.
Applicants still begin the process with a Concept Note which must clearly define the market problem, TRL level and expected impact, as described in the official Concept Note Overview .

Suitable for:

• Tech-driven businesses
  
  
• Companies with innovative products or services
  
  
• SMEs exploring prototypes and early-stage research
  
  

3. How to Build Your 2026 EU Funding Strategy

Starting the year with clear direction will help your enterprise remain competitive. Below is a practical framework to guide your planning.

Step 1. Assess Your Financial Standing

Check your liquidity, solvency and profitability. These are now central to the eligibility checks for larger grants.

Step 2. Align Investment Plans With Active Schemes

Identify which scheme best fits your 2026 objectives.
Examples:

• New machinery. SME Enhance.
  
  
• Digital transformation. Digitalise Your SME.
  
  
• Strategic direction. Business Reports for SMEs.
  
  
• Innovation. R and D or Feasibility Studies.
  
  

Step 3. Organise Documentation Early

Compliance certificates, quotations, project plans and advisory documents should be prepared before the application round you intend to target.

Step 4. Plan for Timely Execution

The revised funding framework encourages quick implementation.
Late claims or extended timelines may result in deductions from the original grant amount.

Step 5. Use Advisory Support to Strengthen Your Case

A Business Plan or Process and Systems Review may reinforce your eligibility and improve your chances when applying for higher-value schemes.

4. Start 2026 With a Clear Roadmap

The EU funding landscape in 2026 offers Maltese SMEs a broad range of opportunities to invest, innovate and grow. With the reforms of 2025 now settled and predictable, businesses can confidently plan their year around well-defined criteria and frequent application cut-offs.

If you want to secure funding for your 2026 projects, CP Advisory is ready to support you with eligibility guidance, documentation preparation and strategic planning tailored to the current programme requirements. Contact us now!

Start the year with clarity. Build your funding roadmap now.