If you've been putting off investing in proper business software because of the cost, 2026 is a good year to look again. Malta's main digitalisation grant scheme has just been significantly expanded, and it's designed to cover exactly the kind of project an ERP implementation is.
Here's what's actually available and how it applies if you're considering a system like Odoo.
The main scheme: Digitalise Your SME
This is Malta's flagship digitalisation grant, co-financed through EU funds, and it's the one most relevant if you're planning an ERP, e-commerce, or broader digital transformation project.
The scheme's budget was recently increased from €5 million to €15 million as part of a renewed push to support digitalisation and AI adoption among Maltese SMEs, covering both software and hardware investments.
What it covers, in practical terms:
A maximum grant of €128,400 for eligible digital investments
An additional AI-related top-up of up to €107,000, bringing total potential support to €235,400
Aid intensity of up to 50% of eligible costs (60% for Gozo-based businesses)
A rolling application system with multiple cut-off dates running until the end of 2026
For context on eligibility: the scheme is open to SMEs based in Malta looking to improve competitiveness through investment in technology, equipment, and digital capabilities, with a minimum project value of €10,000.
Applications go through the FONDI.eu portal rather than Malta Enterprise directly, and evaluation is competitive rather than automatic, a clearly scoped project with measurable outcomes matters.
Where does an Odoo/ERP implementation fit?
This is the part most business owners miss.
The grant is designed to cover a comprehensive range of digital investments so businesses can tailor projects to their own needs, spanning everything from e-commerce websites and payment gateways through to broader operational software.
An ERP rollout – inventory, accounting, CRM, or manufacturing modules implemented and configured for your business - sits squarely within that category, and the AI top-up becomes relevant if the project includes things like demand forecasting, automated reporting, or AI-assisted customer service tools layered on top of the core system.
In short:
If you're planning to move off spreadsheets and disconnected tools this year, the implementation cost is very likely a fundable project, not just a business expense you have to absorb outright.
A few things worth knowing before you can apply
There's a state aid cap to be aware of. De minimis rules limit the total government support an SME can receive to €300,000 over any rolling three-year period, including previous EU grants, Malta Enterprise incentives, and other government support, worth checking your history before assuming the full amount is available to you.
Documentation matters more than the pitch. Applications need a proper technical scope, supplier quotations, and an implementation plan, not just a description of what you'd like to buy.
This changes throughout the year. Grant terms, budgets, and deadlines shift, always confirm current details directly with the administering body or a grants advisor before applying, rather than relying on any single article (including this one).
However, no need to worry about the little details right now; we can guide you through the whole process easily!
Smaller schemes worth a look
If your project is more modest, a smaller-scale scheme might actually be the better fit, including options aimed at micro-enterprises taking their first step into e-commerce or basic digital tools, with a simpler application process than the main SME scheme.
These change status throughout the year, so it's easy to miss the right window or apply for the wrong one. That's exactly where we come in: we'll help you figure out which scheme actually matches your project size and goals and guide you through confirming eligibility before you commit any time to an application.
Thinking about digitalising your business this year? We work alongside partners who guide you through the whole grant process, side by side with us, from scoping the project to preparing the documentation. No extra hassle on your end.
Get in touch and we'll walk you through it.
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