Malta Enterprise to support more businesses with ‘soft loans’

In a bid to further support the manufacturing and services industry to invest in projects that will help them further expand their business, Malta Enterprise will be relaunching the ‘soft loan’ scheme, announced Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli and Malta Enterprise CEO Kurt Farrugia. 

Minister Miriam Dalli reminded that at the height of the pandemic, the government provided the necessary assistance to help keep businesses going. Now, the attention has continued to shift towards incentivising businesses to emerge stronger.

The Soft Loan scheme will allow businesses to benefit from a maximum loan of €1 million, to implement projects over 18 months, where Malta Enterprise will be covering up to 75% of the expenses. The other part of the investment can be covered either through the company reserves or a loan from commercial banks.

Malta Enterprise will be assisting those businesses who want to invest in new products or tap into international markets or who want to improve their digital performance. Other projects include waste reduction, efficient use of water and other projects related to sustainable operations.

Minister Miriam Dalli highlighted that projects focusing on environmental challenges can be also commercial opportunities. 

“As a government, we have a clear vision for our country and businesses, and we are supporting them to reach that vision of digital, sustainable and competitive businesses. We are rolling out incentives for businesses to diversify their operations and compete in different markets. With this scheme, businesses are given the opportunity to enhance their operations and increase jobs,” said Minister Dalli. 

Malta Enterprise CEO Kurt Farrugia explained that this type of loan usually attracts investments that cannot be financed by banks: “It is classified as a soft loan because the terms and rates are more flexible according to the project. Even though we tend to understand investment as something tangible – such as the physical building or equipment – there other investments which are crucial for the company’s operations.”

The scheme’s guidelines and application form can be found on www.maltaenterprise.com. 

For more information, enterprises are encouraged to contact their relationships managers at Malta Enterprise or Business First on 144.