The Standards & Awards for SMEs grant scheme is an EU-funded support measure designed to help enterprises, to strengthen their competitiveness and credibility through internationally recognised certifications or national excellence awards. The Scheme provides non-repayable grants to part-finance the advisory services needed for SMEs to prepare for and achieve a recognised standard or award.

Eligibility

Only advisory services related to the acquisition of organization-wide or management system standards or awards shall be eligible under this scheme. These include, but is not limited to, standards and certifications that enhance an enterprise’s

• Operational efficiency
• Governance,
• Sustainability, or
• Quality management systems.

Businesses that already hold a specific standard or award cannot apply for funding to obtain another certification within that same area under this scheme. The certification costs of the standard or award are excluded.

Typical standards supported through the scheme include well-known certifications such as ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), ISO 27001 (information security), ISO 50001 (energy management), ISO 13485 (QMS for medical devices), ISO 17025 (testing and calibration laboratories), ISO 42000 (AI management systems), ISO 22000 (food safety management), amongst others, depending on the business’s sector and needs.

Application Deadline

The Standards & Awards for SMEs scheme will operate until 31 December 2026.

Grant Details

Under this scheme, grants can cover up to €15,000 of eligible costs. Businesses applying to achieve more than two standards or awards through the same service provider in a single application may qualify for a higher grant of up to €20,000.

The grant covers a percentage of the advisory services costs, depending on the size and age of the business: Micro and start-ups (up to 5 years following registration) can receive up to 60%, while Micro and SMEs (over 5 years following registration) can receive up to 50%.

Businesses can benefit from funding for up to two applications for different sectors and different standards/awards.

Requirements for Service Providers

The advisory work must be carried out by Service Providers who must;

• Be external
• Be autonomous and unrelated to the beneficiary undertaking
• Be registered with the Measures and Supports Division
• Provide the advisory process which must be documented in a comprehensive report
• Sign a Declaration of Unrelation, which must be included as part of the final advisory report submitted for reimbursement

How can we help?

DFK Malta Tax & Consultancy can assist you in understanding how the Standards and Awards for SMEs Grant Scheme can benefit your business and guide you throughout the entire application process. We can also support you in all post-application stages, including reporting and reimbursement claims. In addition, we provide guidance to standards & awards advisory firms helping their own clients make the most of this scheme.

*The objective of this summary is to outline the principal elements of the rules being summarised herein. Accordingly, it is not intended to be provided by way of comprehensive and definitive advice. Readers should seek professional advice by contacting DFK Malta Tax & Consultancy Limited before acting upon any information included in this article. 

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