KPMG Hosts EU Funding Information Sessions in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of SMEs

KPMG in Malta, through its Public Sector and EU Advisory team and in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of SMEs, organised two information sessions focused on EU funding and incentives. With the current EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) running until 2027, this is a timely opportunity for businesses to tap into EU funds, particularly via the Business Enhance Grant Schemes under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Key Takeaways from the Audience

Over 70 participants from a wide range of sectors attended the sessions. Kicking off with an interactive polling session led by Martina Spiteri (Advisor), it was revealed that while most attendees had some awareness of EU funding, many still felt unclear about how to access opportunities, where to begin, and the extent of the administrative process involved.

Overview of Available EU Grants

Dylan Felice (Manager) delivered a presentation on the Business Enhance Grant Schemes, including an overview of funding-specific rules and eligibility criteria, and how these grants can support digital transformation, new equipment investment, and service expansion, amongst other initiatives. The importance of early planning, aligning projects with relevant schemes, and understanding eligibility from the outset was clearly outlined.

Case Studies: From Planning to Funding Success

The sessions also included practical case studies from businesses that successfully applied for funding with KPMG’s guidance. One notable example involved collaboration with KPMG’s Digital Solutions team to develop a strategy that led to funding for both project planning and implementation. Marco Vassallo (Partner and Co-lead of KPMG Digital Solutions) highlighted how similar approaches are enabling businesses to invest in custom digital solutions aligned with both the operational needs and the long-term goals of the company.

Upcoming Advisory Grant Schemes

Insights were shared into new advisory grant schemes, particularly relevant for SMEs planning to have in place a strategy for marketing, internationalisation, or attaining recognised standards and awards. As part of his presentation, Karl Aquilina (Associate Director) highlighted how these grants reflect a wider effort to improve planning around larger investments, and to make expert advice more accessible to local businesses.

Tax Incentives: An Additional Funding Route

Doreen Fenech (Tax Partner) and Faye Gauci Grech (Senior Manager) presented a complementary stream of support through Malta Enterprise’s tax incentives. These can be accessed either alongside or instead of EU funding, depending on project needs and funding rules. With the right experience and expertise at hand, KPMG is able to assist clients in navigating both EU and local funding avenues to ensure the most strategic fit for their initiatives

Connecting with Experts

The sessions concluded with a networking opportunity, allowing participants to speak directly with KPMG advisors and other business representatives.

Get in Touch

KPMG’s EU funding team is available for tailored consultations. To explore current opportunities or plan for upcoming schemes, contact Karl Aquilina at or Dylan Felice at . Additional resources are available on KPMG Malta’s EU funding webpage. This article was originally written by KPMG in Malta.

For more information, visit their EU Funding Services page.

Malta’s SMEs face growing challenges amid employee shortage, skills mismatch and unfair competition, SME Barometer® Q1 2025 reveals

The latest SME Barometer® survey for the first quarter of 2025 reveals that SMEs continue to face major challenges, including employee shortages, unfair competition, and rising inflation, with growing concerns about governance and business conditions.

Conducted by the Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with MISCO Malta between 7th and 18th April 2025, the survey captured insights from 427 businesses across various sectors.

Key findings from the Q1 2025 SME Barometer® include:

  • Top Business Challenges:

    • Employee shortages (43%) remain the most pressing issue.
    • Unfair competition (24%) and excessive competition (19%) closely follow.
    • Inflation (16%) and skills mismatch (15%) are increasingly problematic for SMEs.

 

  • Top National Concerns:

    • 33% of respondents cite lack of good governance as a top national issue, followed closely by corruption (30%) and overpopulation (30%).
    • Inflation and the ease of doing business are also major issues according to SMEs

 

  • Business Sentiment:

    • 30% of SMEs believe Malta is moving in the right direction. The highest result among the recent SME Barometer reports.
    • Only 16% believe that the next 12 months will be a good time to invest — a decline from previous quarters. 30% responded ‘No’, an 8% increase from the previous survey, while 54% replied ‘Not sure’.

 

  • AI Adoption:

    • 50.8% of businesses already use AI tools while 29% plan to use AI tools in their operations over the next 12 months.
    • 65.9% of respondents stated that they or their employees have not received training on AI tools.

Click here to download the full results

The SME Barometer highlights several urgent recommendations for policymakers, including:

– Launching AI education campaigns to support businesses in safe and effective adoption and training.

– Reforming labour migration policies to meet economic needs.

– Strengthening transparency, tackling unfair competition, and reforming public procurement.

– Reviewing and streamlining regulations impacting SMEs in line with the Omnibus Directive.

– Review & revamp schemes related to investment such as Micro Invest, to further encourage investment.

SME Chamber President, Mr. Paul Abela, noted that the major issues businesses are currently facing have remained the same; however, in most cases, the number of businesses identifying these challenges has decreased compared to previous SME Barometer surveys. A similar trend was observed when respondents were asked about the key issues the country is currently facing.

Mr Abela stated that the recent Envision 2050 initiative announced by the government may have contributed to the decrease in some challenges reported compared to previous surveys.

Mr. Andrew Aquilina, COO of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, emphasised that while the SME community continues to play a critical role in Malta’s economy, today’s challenges demand immediate and decisive action.

The SME Barometer survey is a collaborative effort between the SME Chamber and MISCO.

 About Malta Chamber of SMEs:

The Malta Chamber of SMEs is a leading advocate for small and medium-sized enterprises, dedicated to championing their interests, fostering innovation, and driving economic prosperity in Malta.

About MISCO:

MISCO, a renowned research and consultancy company, specializes in providing actionable insights and strategic solutions to empower organizations, human resources and upskilling across various industries

SME Chamber President Paul Abela discusses Malta Vision 2050 on Popolin

Mr. Paul Abela, President of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, participated in a recent edition of PBS’s current affairs programme Popolin, where he joined a panel to discuss Malta’s long-term strategic plan, Malta Vision 2050, and its implications for the local business landscape.

During the programme, Mr. Abela emphasized the importance of placing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the heart of the nation’s economic future. He highlighted the pivotal role SMEs play in driving growth, employment, and innovation, noting that “SMEs must not be sidelined in the shaping of Malta’s vision, but rather be empowered to lead within it.”

Echoing the Chamber’s recent press release, Mr. Abela welcomed the Malta Vision 2050 initiative, which aims to reshape the country’s economy towards a more sustainable and forward-thinking model. The SME Chamber has long advocated for the creation of a unified national vision and believes that this roadmap presents a unique opportunity to realign Malta’s economic priorities.

“The Malta Chamber of SMEs urges stakeholders and policymakers to ensure that SMEs are placed at the forefront of this initiative. As primary contributors to the Maltese economy and the backbone of the country, SMEs must be central to the development and implementation of the Vision,” the Chamber stated.

With over 99% of all enterprises in Malta classified as SMEs—97.8% employing fewer than 50 people—the Chamber stressed that their voices must be heard in shaping economic policy. Key areas for SME contribution include innovation and technology, sustainability, and skill development.

The SME Chamber reiterated its commitment to working collaboratively with government, industry, and the wider community to ensure that Malta Vision 2050 delivers inclusive and impactful results.

SME Chamber and Landlords meet ARMS CEO to address sector concerns

Officials from the Malta Chamber of SMEs and landlords’ representatives met with ARMS CEO George Azzopardi to discuss sector concerns and suggest improvements.

During the meeting with ARMS Ltd, several important issues were brought to light, particularly concerning the submission of meter readings, the remit of the bill calculator, and complications arising from tenants failing to settle their utility bills. ARMS Ltd is currently undertaking a comprehensive digital transformation aimed at increasing service efficiency and enhancing the user experience.

This initiative involves moving from manual forms to a fully online application process, complemented by a personalised user portal. These changes are expected to improve the accuracy and frequency of billing while addressing concerns over responsibility for unpaid tenant bills.

ARMS Ltd is also aiming to strengthen collaboration with landlords to encourage uptake of its new digital services. Discussions included the possibility of organising awareness sessions in partnership with the Malta Chamber of SMEs. Furthermore, the organisation is exploring additional payment methods, including wider deployment of payment machines in rural areas.

SME Chamber officials meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to Malta

Malta Chamber of SMEs President Mr. Paul Abela, Council Member Mr. Mario Debono, and Head of Policy Mr. Jamie Tanti met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to Malta, Mr. Zouheir Bouras, following up on the recent delegation visit to Tunisia.

Both sides agreed to build on the positive outcomes of the visit and continue fostering this fruitful collaboration.

Statement by the Landlords sector within the Malta Chamber of SME

The Malta Chamber of SMEs – Landlords Sector reaffirms its commitment to promote a safe, fair, and respectful rental environment for all individuals involved.

Any acts of violence, discrimination, or misconduct that undermine the dignity, rights and property of tenants or landlords alike should be condemned. It is crucial that everyone in the housing sector is treated with respect and fairness, fostering a culture of understanding between landlords and tenants that is built on mutual trust.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs – Landlords Sector remains dedicated to advocating for policies that create a balanced rental framework.

We encourage all stakeholders to work together in promoting best practices that enhance the relationship between landlords and tenants, ultimately contributing to the stability and integrity of the rental market in Malta.

Interested landlords who would like to join the Landlords Sector within the Malta Chamber of SMEs may contact us at .

Press Release: Malta Chamber of SMEs welcomes Malta vision 2050

The Malta Chamber of SMEs welcomes Malta Vision 2050, which aims to reshape Malta’s future towards a more sustainable economy. The SME Chamber has long advocated for the need for a comprehensive national vision, highlighting this both in various fora and in its Budget proposals. In line with this vision, the SME Chamber urges stakeholders and policymakers to ensure that SMEs are placed at the forefront of this initiative. As primary contributors to the Maltese economy and the backbone of the country, SMEs must be central to the development and implementation of the Vision.

Malta Vision 2050 presents a unique opportunity to create a thriving economy that adapts to the evolving global landscape. In this context, it is essential that the voices, concerns, and ambitions of SMEs are integrated into the framework of this initiative.

SMEs account for over 99% of all enterprises in Malta, while 97.8% employ fewer than 50 employees. Our businesses are not only integral to driving economic activity; they are also vital in creating job opportunities and supporting local communities.

For Malta Vision 2050 to be truly effective, it must prioritize and recognize the needs and contributions of SMEs and the self-employed. The SME Chamber encourages that this initiative be driven by technocrats and industry experts to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs identifies several key areas where SMEs can play a vital role within Malta Vision 2050, particularly in the realms of Innovation and Technology, Sustainable Practices, and Skill Development and Training.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs remains committed to working collaboratively with government bodies, industry stakeholders, and the wider community to ensure that Malta Vision 2050 is successfully implemented and adopted.

SME Chamber met Housing Authority officials to discuss rent law changes

Officials from the Malta Chamber of SMEs, together with members of the Landlords Committee, met with the Housing Authority to discuss recent rent law changes.

The follow-up meeting with the Housing Authority focused on various tenancy management and enforcement concerns. This discussion forms part of a broader, ongoing process that began several months ago, including previous engagements aimed at clarifying key issues. The outcome of this dialogue will be a comprehensive document addressing all identified matters.

In parallel, and following a recent webinar hosted by the Malta Chamber of SMEs, a set of Frequently Asked Questions has been published on the Housing Authority’s website. These FAQs are intended to provide clarity on common issues faced by tenants and landlords and will be regularly updated in coordination with the SME Chamber to reflect new developments and questions.

SME Chamber supports CCTV rollout to boost safety in Paceville

Malta Chamber of SMEs Deputy President and Chairman of the Town Centre Management Paceville, Mr. Philip Fenech, joined Minister Byron Camilleri at a press conference announcing the installation of 40 CCTV cameras in Paceville by this summer.

The initiative is aimed at improving public safety and reducing crime, accidents, and abuse in key hotspots. St. Julian’s Mayor Guido Dalli also attended the event.

Malta Chamber of SMEs
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.