Let’s cut the fluff. You run a business, not a hobby, but if you’ve been winging your marketing with Instagram reels and the occasional Canva post, this is your sign to get serious – and get SOMEONE ELSE to foot the bill!
The Marketing Strategy for Micro & Small Enterprises grant is here to help you pay someone qualified to build a real, structured, measurable marketing strategy.
Not guesswork or vibes, but pure strategy.
So here’s everything you need to know in plain English, with just enough sarcasm to keep you awake.
1. What Is It?
This grant gives you up to €10,000 (non-repayable) to cover the costs of a registered external marketing consultant to develop a full marketing strategy for your business.
Yes, it has to be external.
No, you can’t be your own consultant. Your friend with a social media page doesn’t count either.
It’s a one-time thing. No repeat funding. So make it count.
2. Who Can Apply?
If you’re:
- A micro or small business in Malta or Gozo
- Not currently bankrupt, insolvent, or being chased for unpaid grants
- Not planning on using your cousin, sister-in-law or in-house team for the strategy (must be unrelated and IB-registered)
- Tax compliant
- Not already funded for the same thing
Then you’re good to go.
And yes, start-ups (less than 5 years old) are eligible too, with a little extra funding. Nice!
3. What’s Covered?
This grant only covers the creation of a marketing strategy.
Not social media management, logo design, or website development. This is about the plan, not the execution.
Here’s what the consultant must deliver:
- Market and competitor research
- Target audience analysis
- Clear marketing objectives
- Branding and positioning
- Digital and content strategies
- Budget planning and ROI projections
- Implementation roadmap
- Risks and sustainability analysis
Oh, and they need to mention the EU on the cover page.
4. How Much Can Your Business Get?
The maximum grant is €10,000, so your full strategy can’t go over €20k if you want full coverage. But if it costs less? Even better.
| Business Age | Funding Rate |
| Start-ups (≤ 5 yrs) | Up to 60% of eligible costs |
| Everyone else | Up to 50% of eligible costs |
This is reimbursement-based, which means you pay first, then claim the money back. See below for how that works.
5. What are the Timelines?
- Deadline: Rolling, on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds run out
- Project Duration: Max 6 months from signing the grant agreement
- Absolute cutoff: 30 June 2029 (aka don’t leave it until then!)
- Extensions: Yes, but risky, and delays can reduce your grant by up to 5%
6. How Does Your Business Get the Grant?
Reimbursement is in two parts:
- First Claim (80%):
- After you submit the final marketing strategy report
- Must include everything listed above
- Must be signed by both you and the consultant
- Second Claim (20%):
- Once you show you actually started using the strategy
- You’ll need to provide proof of implementation
No strategy = no cash. And if you’re late submitting your claim? You’ll lose 0.5% of the grant per month.
Publicity Requirements
This is EU money, so you’ll need to:
- Put a cover page on the strategy that acknowledges the EU funding
- Include a declaration of unrelation between you and your provider
- Basically, show some gratitude
Forget this, and you may get a polite but firm rejection letter.
FAQs Nobody Wants to Read But Everyone Asks
Can I use my in-house team?
No.
Can I use someone I know?
Only if they’re not related, not affiliated, and registered as an external provider.
Can I spend it on Facebook ads or influencer promos?
Nope. Strategy only.
Can I get more than one grant?
Not for this scheme. One and done.
What happens if I don’t apply properly?
You get nothing, and someone else takes your slot. Simple.
To Sum Up
This grant helps you stop improvising your marketing and actually get a plan. Half the cost is covered, the paperwork is manageable, and you’ll walk away with a clear direction.
If you’re not applying, you’re either:
- Allergic to planning
- Happy to overpay
- Or still think “strategy” means posting memes on Instagram
Either way, it’s your business, but don’t say nobody told you.
Need help applying or want someone to handle the process so you don’t lose your mind?
Get in touch via the form below or emailing contact (@) markdebono.mt
