Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection Keith Azzopardi Tanti visited KG Catering Co. Ltd, a local enterprise that benefited from European funds under the\u00a0Business Enhance\u00a0grant schemes funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Through this co-financed project, the company was awarded over \u20ac128,000 in assistance to establish a new brand and restaurant concept in St Julian\u2019s, with direct investment in professional equipment and modern refrigeration systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Government continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through strategically allocated European funds. In fact, the ERDF grant schemes are registering a very encouraging response from applicants, with the Government recording commitments exceeding \u20ac39 million across more than 680 Grant Agreements. These schemes offer tangible support across various essential areas, such as the purchase of modern machinery and equipment, digitalisation, marketing consultancy, internationalisation strategies, obtaining standards certifications, as well as studies evaluating risks, benefits, and opportunities to assist businesses in key decision-making. This provides direct assistance for our businesses to become increasingly productive and competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the visit, Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasised the central role of local enterprises, stating that: \u201cSmall and medium-sized enterprises are the foundation and backbone of Malta\u2019s economy. They bring vitality to the market and serve as a primary source of job creation. All of this is possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of those who are willing to take risks and invest boldly in their business and in Malta itself. EU funds are a crucial strategic tool enabling these enterprises to expand their operations, increase productivity, and ensure long-term, sustainable success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rodrick Zerafa, Chief Executive of Servizzi Ewropej f\u2019Malta, stated that, \u201cThis project is a concrete example of how European funds can translate into direct and tangible investment for our businesses. With the assistance of Servizzi Ewropej f\u2019Malta, KG Catering Co. Ltd benefited from over \u20ac128,000 in European funds to invest in professional equipment for its new restaurant in St Julian\u2019s\u2014an investment that will help strengthen its operations and competitiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that \u201cServizzi Ewropej f\u2019Malta offers free assistance to Maltese and Gozitan enterprises to identify European funding opportunities relevant to their needs and guides them through the application process. Our goal is for more businesses to be able to leverage these opportunities to invest, grow, and become more competitive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For his part, Giuseppe Gravina, a representative of KG Catering Co. Ltd, expressed satisfaction with the support received through European funds. \u201cThanks to financial support from European funds and assistance from Servizzi Ewropej f\u2019Malta, the company was able to invest approximately \u20ac250,000 in modern kitchen equipment, as well as other specialized equipment. This investment was crucial in enabling us to open the restaurant and build our operations on a more modern and efficient foundation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister Azzopardi Tanti also noted that the Government has launched the second call of the \u2018Digitalise your SME\u2019 scheme with an allocation of \u20ac15 million. This call introduces higher funding thresholds for Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects, support for personnel costs through Simplified Cost Options (SCOs), and a stronger focus on the responsible and productive adoption of AI. The maximum grant value can reach up to \u20ac235,400 for eligible actions, with an aid intensity of up to 50% for investments in Malta and 60% for investments in Gozo. Applications involving investments aligned with Malta\u2019s Strategic Roadmap for the Digital Decade 2023\u20132030 – thus ensuring consistency with national and EU digital targets – will receive an additional 10% top-up from the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), subject to budget availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister Azzopardi Tanti concluded by affirming that the Government\u2019s commitment to the continued success of businesses remains firm and steadfast. While thanking all those enterprises currently carrying out their projects, he encouraged businesses to continue submitting project proposals to take full advantage of these funding opportunities, expand their operations, and continue strengthening our country’s economy.<\/p>\n