The soft loan scheme to expand your business

Malta’s government relaunched the soft loan scheme in a bid to support the manufacturing and services industry to invest in projects that will help them further expand their business.

This measure is designed to support undertakings accelerate plans in establishing new products or entering a new geographic market, addressing environmental concerns and digitise processes. Such undertakings may be supported through a soft loan covering part of the funding requirements of up to one million euro (1,000,000).

Eligibility Requirements

Companies registered as limited liability companies with the Malta Business Registry and engaged in the business of producing goods or services are eligible for funding.

You must also:

– do not have debts related to VAT, income tax or contributions payment

– not be engaged in activities specifically excluded under the de minimis regulation

– have at least one full-time employee registered on Jobplus and residing in Malta

– not be subject to collective insolvency proceedings

Activities

An eligible undertaking may be supported through a soft loan to:

a) facilitate a development or expansion project based on a business plan prepared in view of developing a new product or entering a new geographic market;

b) address environmental issues such as water usage, water treatment, waste treatment, reduction and reuse;

c) optimise business processes through digitalisation and advanced technologies;

d) projects aimed to achieve a high level of sustainability.

Amount of contribution

The loan may cover up to seventy-five percent (75%) of the costs associated with the proposed project, including asset purchases, salary costs, know-how, and other non-recurring costs.

The loan must be secured by a special mortgage covering at least fifty percent (50%) of the loan amount.

The loan amount must not exceed:

– 1 million euros (or 500 thousand euros for road freight companies) to be repaid over a period of five years

– 500 thousand euros (or 250 thousand euros for road haulage companies) to be repaid over a period of ten years.

Duration