SME Enhance (GBER)
This incentive seeks to support SMEs through non-repayable Grants to part-finance investment towards expansion, diversification, innovation of the operations and initial investment, aimed at potentially improving the productivity of the enterprise.
Who is eligible for this scheme?
This scheme is open for small and medium undertakings.
What costs are covered by this aid?
This Grant Scheme will support eligible enterprises to procure:
a) Equipment, Plant and Machinery
Costs for the purchasing of the main component of the operation in terms of equipment, plant and machinery required by the Undertaking for the operation. Any training costs limited to the use of the specific item acquired and included in the purchase price of the item in question, and thus from the same provider shall be included in the eligible cost. Equipment, machinery/plant must be maintained by the Beneficiary and remain operational for at least 3 years following the final payment to the beneficiary.
b) Equipment, Plant and Machinery (ancillary items)
Costs for the purchasing of ancillary items to the main activity of the project. Such costs shall be capped at 10% of the eligible cost of the main component of the operation in terms of equipment, plant and machinery.
c) Lease of private operational premises
Costs for leasing of privately owned operational premises required for the operations of the Undertaking for the duration of 2 years. Such cost shall be capped at 10% of the eligible cost of the main component of the operation in terms of equipment, plant and machinery.
The aid value for the identified eligible expenditure shall be reimbursed through the application of actual cost incurred and paid and capped at the value of the Grant Agreement or the invoice amount, whichever is the lowest. Any of the above expenditure is to be identified in the Business Plan and is to be procured from external and unrelated sources to the applicant.
What is the form of this aid and what are the maximum aid intensities?
This scheme will part-finance the project eligible costs in the form a grant as per table hereunder with a minimum funding amount of €10,000 and maximum funding amount of €500,000 per operation.
When are the cut off dates for this Scheme?
Whilst the SME Enhance (GBER) will remain effective until 31 December 2026, subject to availability of funds, the next round of cut-off dates are the following:
29 March 2024
30 April 2024
31 May 2024
28 June 2024
Want to know more?
Elaine Marie Debono Tax senior manager - Birkirkara
Ruth Farrugia Tax Director - Birkirkara
