EU funding: supporting Maltese enterprises in their digital transformation

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not a distant promise. It is already changing how enterprises operate. It can help enterprises analyse information, improve customer service, forecast demand, manage stock, strengthen cybersecurity and reduce repetitive administrative work.

For smaller enterprises, digital transformation can understandably appear complex. A family-run shop, a growing service provider or a small manufacturer may recognise the potential of new technology without knowing which solution is suitable, how much it will cost or where support can be found.

Our responsibility is to ensure that all enterprises have the opportunity to modernise the operations, improve their productivity and compete more effectively.

This is the purpose of the Digitalise Your SME scheme, co-financed through the European Regional Development Fund. With an allocation of €15 million, the scheme supports investment in digital solutions, intelligent systems and innovative technologies. Enterprises may receive up to €120,000 for eligible actions, while projects incorporating AI may qualify for an additional €100,000.

These figures represent a considerable opportunity, but funding alone does not guarantee successful transformation. Before investing, an enterprise must identify the problem it wants to solve. It must also consider employee skills, data quality, cybersecurity and responsibilities under an evolving European regulatory framework.

This is where Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta has an important role to play. This agency serves as the one-stop-shop for all EU-related matters. It assists enterprises to better understand EU funding opportunities and turn an initial idea into a competitive project.

Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta provides free personalised guidance to enterprises of all sizes; from self-employed persons and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large companies. Through one-to-one meetings, the agency’s officers support enterprises in identifying the most suitable funding schemes, developing stronger and more competitive applications, and, where required, facilitating communication with relevant authorities throughout project implementation.

This practical assistance is particularly valuable for self-employed persons, start-ups and SMEs that may have limited capacity or resources to navigate EU funding opportunities.

To further strengthen its outreach and ensure that enterprises receive timely and relevant information, Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta works closely with other public entities and organisations that support enterprises across Malta and Gozo.

Through cooperation agreements with entities such as Business First and the Family Business Office, Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta strengthens the link between enterprises and EU funding opportunities. These collaborations include delivering training and sharing information on EU funding programmes with officers from Business First and the Family Business office, enabling them to provide more informed support to enterprises seeking to invest, innovate and grow. The closer cooperation also allows Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta to gain deeper insight into the challenges and priorities faced by enterprises.

This is the model we must continue to strengthen and build upon. Enterprises approaching government should encounter a connected support system rather than a series of separate doors. Our objective must be broader than helping companies purchase software. We must help them become more productive, resilient and competitive.

I encourage Maltese and Gozitan enterprises to examine where digital tools and AI can make a meaningful difference and to seek guidance early.

The opportunity is there. Our task is to turn it into sustainable growth.