SME BAROMETER Q3 2025 – SME confidence rises amid persistent challenges

The Malta Chamber of SMEs, in collaboration with MISCO, has published the results of the latest SME Barometer (Q3 2025) survey. The study was conducted among 456 businesses between the 6th and 16th of October 2025.

When asked about the most pressing issues affecting their businesses, respondents identified employee shortages as the top concern (46%), followed by unfair competition (23%) and excessive competition (17%). Other key challenges cited include traffic congestion and skills mismatches.

At a national level, overpopulation (36%) remained the most significant concern for SMEs. Other ongoing worries include the lack of good governance (31%) and corruption (26%), while safeguarding quality of life saw a notable increase in importance, rising from 15% in Q2 to 23% in Q3, making it the fourth most frequently mentioned issue.

Business sentiment showed a slight improvement compared to previous quarters; however, 66% of respondents still feel that Malta is moving in the wrong direction. A slightly larger proportion of businesses expressed optimism about the next 12 months compared to Q2.

A special section of the survey focusing on digital transformation revealed that a strong 77% of SMEs recognise the importance of digitalisation for future growth. Among them, 51% are actively investing in digital tools, while 26% acknowledge its importance but struggle with implementation.

The SME Chamber urged the Government to expand financial incentives, such as grants and tax credits to support wider digital adoption.

The SME Chamber recommends increased support for micro and small businesses, including:

• Enhanced Micro-Invest support, raising aid intensity for micro-enterprises from 45% to 65%, and increasing the credit cap for small enterprises from €50,000 to €70,000.
• An additional €20,000 digitalisation capping for businesses adopting digital invoicing ahead of 2030.
• Stronger transparency and anti-corruption measures to rebuild institutional trust.
• Streamlined regulatory processes to reduce bureaucracy and duplication.
• The establishment of a centralised advisory platform to help SMEs access green and digital financing opportunities.

SME Chamber President Mr. Paul Abela stated that “SMEs continue to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, but they need clarity, consistency, and fairness from institutions.”

SME Chamber COO Mr. Andrew Aquilina emphasised the need for Budget 2026 to strengthen support for micro and small businesses, and to enhance schemes and incentives that have historically provided critical assistance to these enterprises.

The SME Barometer Survey is a collaborative initiative between the Malta Chamber of SMEs and MISCO.

Click here to download full results.