Neil Portelli
In an increasingly competitive commercial environment, digital technology is no longer optional. It is a fundamental driver of operational efficiency, scalability, and long-term resilience. To support local businesses in this transition, the Digitalise Your SME Scheme (Call 2) provides substantial co-funding for Maltese and Gozitan enterprises looking to modernise their operations.
With a total budget of €15 million co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Call 2 offers significantly higher funding limits than previous rounds, particularly for businesses embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI).
What Funding Is Available?
Under Call 2, eligible businesses can access a layered funding structure:
- Standard Digitalisation Investments: Grants of up to €120,000 to fund core hardware, custom or off-the-shelf software, cloud services, and cybersecurity upgrades.
- Dedicated AI Support: An additional €100,000 specifically set aside for eligible AI-related interventions and intelligent automation.
- Indirect Cost Allowance: A 7% flat-rate contribution calculated on direct costs to assist with related overheads.
- Targeted Top-ups: Further funding top-ups for specific qualifying technologies and high-impact digital implementations.
Combined, these elements provide a potential maximum grant ceiling of up to €235,400 per enterprise. Funding covers up to 50 per cent of eligible expenditure in Malta and up to 60 per cent in Gozo.
What Can Your Business Invest In?
The grant supports capital expenditure designed to deliver measurable improvements in productivity. Eligible areas include:
- Custom software development, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and CRM tools.
- Business hardware, high-performance servers, and IoT infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity measures, cloud computing, and advanced data analytics platforms.
- AI-driven process automation and predictive tools.
- Professional installation and team training linked directly to new systems.
How CP Advisory Helps You Succeed
Grant applications require precise project scoping, robust business rationales, and thorough compliance checks. Submitting a poorly defined project risks delays or rejection.
At CP Advisory, we work alongside your team from start to finish. We help identify key digital opportunities, structure your proposal to meet all ERDF criteria, and manage the application process so you can focus on running your business.
Ready to future-proof your business? Contact the CP Advisory team today to discuss your project scope before the next cut-off date.
