ME launches €12.7m in enterprise grants

Malta Enterprise has issued a further €12.7 million by opening up a third call for its seven European Regional Development Fund schemes.

This third call follows two successful earlier calls for projects. The schemes are intended to co-finance projects relating to international competitiveness, business start-ups, innovation, environment, research and development, e-business, and renewable energy projects.

The call closes on March 26 at noon. As announced by the Minister of Finance during the Budget, another €7 million have been added to the existing €30 million.

It is expected that, for most of the schemes, this call will be the last, as it is likely that all available funds will be committed.

So far, over €24 million in grants have been awarded through these schemes, funding 392 projects, of which 20 are in Gozo. Malta Enterprise executive chairman Alan Camilleri said the announcement of the third call is timely as industry and business is gearing up for a year of opportunity in terms of investment and business growth.

"While business sentiment is showing signs of recovery following the negative outcomes of 2009, an additional €12 million into business goes a long way to entice business and enterprise to seize the moment and use these funds to reinvent themselves, expand their horizons and to seek ways how to become leaner and smarter in the management of the operational expenses."

For more information, guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application forms call Malta Enterprise on 2542 2020.

Alternatively, visit http://energy.maltaenterprise.com (energy efficiency and renewable energy) and www.20millionforindustry.com (for all other ERDF schemes administered by Malta Enterprise).