Almost a thousand micro enterprises including start-up companies and self-employed which between them invested a total of €15.7 million and generated more than 235 new jobs have already applied for the MicroInvest schemes, which assists them to innovate, expand and develop their operations.
The scheme, which was originally envisaged to last until the end of this month, has been extended for another year to cover projects carried out in 2012 in response to an overwhelming demand which saw more than 936 applications being submitted, thereby giving even more businesses the opportunity to benefit from the assistance.
Nonetheless, those enterprises who submit their application by the end of March would be ensuring that their application is processed in time for them to benefit from the assistance during the course of
this year. Approved applications will be given a Certificate that would have to be presented to the Inland Revenue Department with the Tax Return.
Through the MicroInvest scheme administered by Malta Enterprise, businesses can get 40 per cent of the investment to improve their own operations in the form of tax credits, up to a maximum of €25,000.
At 60 per cent of the eligible expenses, the benefit is even higher for Gozitan businesses in view of their double insularity, which often places them at a disadvantage. This additional bonus has encouraged even more Gozitan enterprises to apply for this scheme, and indeed around 30 per cent of those who benefited from the MicroInvest scheme operate in Gozo.
Overall, more than €4.7m in tax credits have already been approved, covering a vast range of investments that businesses have made to improve their day-to-day operations and enhance their growth possibilities.
Eligible expenses include furbishing and upgrading of business premises, machinery and technologies to improve operations and to save or generate energy, as well as investments to ensure compliance with regulations. Also covered are wage costs for new jobs created, as well as the cost for one commercial vehicle as long as such vehicle is involved in the transport of goods as specified in the incentive guidelines.
Open to all micro enterprises that employ less than 10 workers and which have an annual turnover under €2 million, including start-ups and self-employed, the scheme is part of the support provided to SMEs in recognition of their vital role for the economy.
The efforts aimed at strengthening the business environment to ensure it is conducive to job and wealth creation have also led to the creation of Business First, which makes life easier for businesses and particularly SMEs by gathering over 50 Government services under one roof and thus avoiding a lot of unnecessary running around.
Through Business First, which is located at Gwardamangia, businesses will also be given professional guidance and assisted to apply for a myriad of schemes, including the MicroInvest scheme. Further information can be obtained by calling Business First on 144 or via email on , or by visiting http://www.maltaenterprise.com/News_Details.aspx?ID=400&utm_source=Malta+Enterprise+Newsletter&utm_campaign=392fa0c10a-thincMalta_Newsletter_02_2012&utm_medium=email.
We will help you keep a healthy relationship with your employees. By advising you on the ins and outs of the law you will always know where you stand and this will help solve problems. Help is also available for specific issues with individual employees and work policies.
Advice on EU Consumer Law
If you target consumers, our experts will be available to assist you to make sure you are following the correct selling procedures, have the right information on your website, in contracts and in your terms and conditions. Our experts will also assist with problems you might encounter with clients.
Being in business is sometimes lonely and you feel powerless against some challenges and difficulties. With support you are not alone. We are just a phonecall or an email away and we will be right there with you to assist you with your needs.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs , in collaboration with Weave Consulting – the ESG Specialists, is offering its members free advisory services to help them understand and implement ESG in a simple and affordable manner. To book your free session , email us on or call 21232881
Laws are constantly changing and sometimes this is not always for the best. You will be able to raise your concerns and get assistance to change something that is affecting your business negatively. Anything coming from the government’s side that is affecting your business negatively can be fixed through this asssitance.
The funding opportunities and the schemes are many. We will make sure you do not miss out on any of these opportunities and will help you look for financing for your business project needs.
Regular sessions will be made available to you free of charge. The topics of these sessions are always based on the interest of businesses, help businesses understand and make the most of opportunities, learn how to improve and to turn challenges to opportunities.
BECOME A MEMBER
The Malta Chamber of SMEs represents over 7,000 members from over 90 different sectors which in their majority are either small or medium sized companies, and such issues like the one we're experiencing right now, it's important to be united. Malta Chamber of SMEs offers a number of different services tailored to its members' individual requirements' and necessities. These range from general services offered to all members to more individual & bespoke services catered for specific requirements.
A membership with Malta Chamber of SMEs will guarantee that you are constantly updated and informed with different opportunities which will directly benefit your business and help you grow. It also entails you to a number of services which in their majority are free of charge and offered exclusively to its members (in their majority all free of charge).