KPMG in Malta and the Gozo Business Chamber host an information session on EU funding and domestic incentives for Gozitan businesses

KPMG in Malta, in collaboration with the Gozo Business Chamber, hosted an information session for Gozitan business owners, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders seeking to invest, innovate, and grow. The event brought together expertise from KPMG in Malta's Advisory, Tax, and KPMG Digital Solutions teams, giving participants a practical view of the support available and the steps required to turn an investment idea into a credible project.

The event opened with remarks from Michael Galea, President of the Gozo Business Chamber; Daniel Borg, Chief Executive Officer of the Gozo Business Chamber, and Doreen Fenech, Partner, Tax Services at KPMG in Malta. The speakers highlighted the importance for all businesses to understand the opportunities available and plan ahead, so that they are ready to act when a suitable scheme or funding call arises.

EU Funding and Domestic Incentives for Gozitan Businesses - Michael Galea

EU Funding and Domestic Incentives for Gozitan Businesses - Daniel Borg

Understanding the basics through addressing misconceptions

The first part of the session focused on the fundamentals of public funding. Attendees were introduced to key terminology, common eligibility considerations, and the practical requirements that should be assessed before committing time and resources to an application.

EU Funding and Domestic Incentives for Gozitan Businesses - Agenda

EU Funding and Domestic Incentives for Gozitan Businesses - Kevin Curmi

EU Funding opportunities

Dylan Felice, Manager, Advisory Services at KPMG in Malta, then led a deeper discussion on EU funding opportunities, focusing primarily on the ‘Business Enhance’ schemes including Digitalise your SME, SME Enhance, Business Reports for SMEs, Feasibility Study Grant Scheme, Marketing Strategy for Micro and Small Enterprises Grant Scheme, Internationalisation Strategy Grant Scheme, and the Standards and Awards for SMEs Grant Scheme. ‘Investing In Skills’ was also mentioned as a key opportunity for having the provision of training incentivised.

Spotlight on digitalisation and AI

Adriana Molyneux, a Developer within the KPMG Digital Solutions team, led a focused session on the digital capabilities businesses need to remain productive, secure and competitive. Adriana introduced the KPMG Digital Solutions team, which supports organisations throughout their digital transformation journey. Its integrated capabilities cover business process automation, cyber security, data and analytics, digital advisory, and AI. This multidisciplinary approach helps organisations prioritise investment, modernise operations and deliver change that creates measurable value.

EU Funding and Domestic Incentives for Gozitan Businesses - Dylan Felice

Adriana highlighted that successful transformation requires more than new technology. Businesses need secure and resilient systems, trusted data, efficient and increasingly automated processes, customer-centred digital services, and people who are equipped to adopt new tools. Clear governance, cyber security, and responsible AI practices are essential foundations as digital ambitions grow. Participants were also introduced to KPMG's end-to-end support for organisations at different stages of AI maturity, including for AI awareness, AI strategy, AI adoption enablement, and AI solution development.

Across these services, KPMG's Trusted AI approach helps organisations consider governance, risk, security, ethics, sustainability, and compliance throughout the AI lifecycle.

To close off the panel discussion, Adriana circled back to the ‘Digitalise Your SME Grant Scheme', reminding participants that through this grant, applicants could benefit up to €235,400 in support for investments in digitalisation.

EU Funding and Domestic Incentives for Gozitan Businesses - Dylan Felice and Adriana Molyneux

Domestic incentives for business investment

Doreen Fenech provided an overview of the domestic incentive schemes that may support businesses operating in Malta and Gozo. Depending on the scheme and proposed investment, support may contribute to business development, productivity improvements, operational expansion, research and innovation, skills development, or sustainable investment. A wide selection of opportunities were covered, including Invest, the Business Development scheme, Start-Up Finance, Green Mobility, Smart and Sustainable Grant Scheme, Exploring Research, Research and Development, Micro Invest, and Skills Development Scheme.

The session also explained how in certain cases, domestic incentives can complement EU funding. Businesses were therefore encouraged to assess potential support early, before making commitments that could affect eligibility. Doreen also mentioned key schemes offered by the Malta Development Bank.

Turning questions into practical next steps

The morning concluded with an open question-and-answer session. Participants discussed project ideas and sought clarification on eligibility, application requirements, and the types of support that may be available.

EU Funding and Domestic Incentives for Gozitan Businesses - Doreen Fenech

The session forms part of a wider effort to help local organisations plan with confidence, strengthen their digital readiness, and turn well-developed ideas into projects that create lasting value for their businesses and for Gozo's economy.

EU Funding and Domestic Incentives for Gozitan Businesses

Our services

Our trusted advisors offer end-to-end support in navigating EU funds, from identification of grant schemes to application and reimbursement.

Tax credits or cash grants as an incentive to undertake new investments aimed at the development of existing or new businesses.

KPMG in Malta’s Digital Solutions team deliver a digital transformation suite of services that is integrated and interconnected, and works alongside you as you shape your digital future, knowing precisely where and how to dedicate resources and investments.