ERDF Schemes
Operational Programme I
2007-2013
ERDF Small Start-up Grant
Scheme
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
Overview
1. The Malta Enterprise ERDF Schemes
2. The Small Start-up Grant Scheme Incentive
Guideline
3. The Application Form
4. The Notes to Applicants
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
1. The Malta Enterprise ERDF Schemes
The objectives for each scheme are outlined below:
• International Competitiveness – to support enterprises in their
market penetration efforts.
• Innovation Actions (Innovation) – to support SMEs develop
innovative processes, products and services.
• Innovation Actions (Environment) – to support SMEs to
address investment in environmentally-friendly technologies.
• Small Start-up Grant Scheme – to facilitate the setting up and
growth of innovative knowledge based small start-up enterprises.
• E-Business Development Grant Scheme – to assist SMEs
propagate the use of ICT in their daily business operations.
• R & D Grants – to assist enterprises to invest in industry driven
research projects to be in a better position to develop new
products and processes.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
ERDF Small Start-up Grant Scheme
Incentive Guideline
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
2. Incentive Guideline
Aim:
To support the formation of new, high value
– adding enterprises that demonstrate a
potential to contribute to the regional
economic development.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
2. Incentive Guideline
To be eligible Start-ups need to be:
• Created less than 3 years before the date of
application.
• Employing less than 50 employees
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
2. Incentive Guideline
This Incentive is available to start-ups engaged in:
• Manufacturing and rendering of industrial services,
• Information & communication technology,
• Research & development & innovation,
• Waste treatment & environmental solutions,
• Biotechnology,
• Start-up enterprises proposing innovative products,
services and processes, which are typically more
advanced in terms of technology, know-how and skills
than those prevailing in their respective industry.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
2. Incentive Guideline
Exclusions:
•
•
Enterprises controlled or owned by Government are not
eligible for this incentive.
Assistance under this scheme will NOT be provided to
undertakings engaged in:
•
The primary production of agricultural products
•
The fisheries and aquaculture sector;
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
2. Incentive Guideline
Sector Exclusions: Cont’d
•
Retail Activities
•
Tourism Activities:
i. Hotels and restaurants;
ii. Travel agency activities, Tour operator activities,
other reservation services and related activities;
iii. Creative, arts and entertainment activities;
iv. Libraries, archives, museums and other cultural
activities;
v. Sports activities, and amusement and recreation
activities.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
2. Incentive Guideline
Sector Exclusions: Cont’d
•
The coal industry;
•
The steel industry;
•
Shipbuilding;
•
The synthetic fibers sector.
•
Assistance under the scheme cannot be granted to
undertakings in difficulty.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
2. Incentive Guideline
The Scheme:
•
•
•
Minimum Project Value:
Co-finacing rate:
Minimum Grant Value:
€50,000
25%
€12,500
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
2. Incentive Guideline
Eligible Costs:
• Wage Costs
• Renting or Leasing Costs
• Other Costs
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
2. Incentive Guideline
Eligible Costs:
• Wage costs (25% of cost for up to two years)
The wage costs (as per Final Settlement System) of
employees, including the employer’s share of National
Insurance, are eligible for funding. The beneficiary
must retain the jobs assisted for a minimum of 36
months from the recruitment date.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
2. Incentive Guideline
Eligible Costs:
•
•
Renting/leasing of equipment and production facilities
(25% of cost for up to two years).
Part-financing will be awarded for renting or leasing of:
equipment that is required by the enterprise to operate,
private production premises, so long as these are NOT
rented or leased from enterprises or shareholders that are
linked (or associated) to the applicant.
Other Costs (25% of cost for up to two years)
Part-funding will also be available to cover; water and
electricity, legal services, consultancy and administrative
services directly related to the setting up of the enterprise.
Such advisory services must be subcontracted.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
2. Incentive Guideline
Additional Provisions:
The following additional provisions shall apply to any
costs that may be supported through this incentive:
i. All funding will be based on reimbursement of eligible
costs;
ii. All funding must be relative to cost incurred by the
applicant after the aid is granted;
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
2. Incentive Guideline
Additional Provisions: cont’d
iii. All costs must be incurred within the first five years of
the creation of the enterprise;
iv. The beneficiary must have a total employment of at
least 3 full-time employees (or 3 FTEs) within 12 months
from the date the aid is approved, otherwise any
approved assistance will have to be revoked.
v. Employment aided through other schemes will not be
eligible (double funding).
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
ERDF Small Start-up Grant Scheme
Application Form
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form
The Application Form structure:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Applicant Details
Project Details
Horizontal Priorities
Annexes
Personal Data Protection
Decleration
Notes to the Application Form
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form
Applicant Details:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Thorough description on the applicant & corresponding
contact details,
Name of applicant, registered address of applicant,
applicant’s telephone number/s, applicant’s e-mail, website
(URL), VAT number,
Type of enterprise; self-employed/co-operative/registered
company/partnership,
Registration/identification number,
Year established,
Number of employees,
Date submitted,
Outline of core business activities,
Description of plans/projects for the next two years which
will contribute towards the growth/expansion of the start-up.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form
Start-up Project Details
• Thorough description of the start-up project,
• How it will be implemented from an internal human
& financial resource perspective,
• The expected benefits derived,
• The novelty of the start-up project vis-à-vis the
industry it is working in and,
• Any potential increase in employment.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form
Section 3 : Horizontal Priorities:
• Environmental Sustainability
Applicants would need to prove that the project addresses
issues such as carbon neutrality and climate change water,
waste, air quality and nature protection were applicable.
• Equal Opportunities
Applicants would need to prove that the project addresses
issues such as the involvement of disadvantaged groups in
the project; increased participation of females, ensuring
accessibility for all and family friendly measures were
applicable.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form
Annexes:
• Annex 1 - Project Cost
• Annex 2 - Costs Breakdown – Wage Costs
• Annex 3 - Costs Breakdown – Renting or Leasing Costs
• Annex 4 - Costs Breakdown – Other Costs
• Annex 5 - Disbursement Plan
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form - Annex 1 – Project Cost
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form Annex 2
Costs Breakdown - Wage Costs
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form Annex 3
Costs Breakdown - Renting or Leasing Costs
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form Annex 4
Cost Breakdown - Other Costs
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form Annex 5 – Disbursement Plan
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form
Annex 6 – Enterprise Size Declaration
• Determines the type of enterprise applying,
whether it is a large, medium, small, or micro
enterprise and determines also if the
enterprise applying is autonomous, partner or
linked.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form
Annex 7 – Audited Financial Settlements
• The Financial Statements required are the latest
Audited Financial Statements (full version, including
the detailed schedules to the Profit & Loss Account) or
the Management Accounts (Profit and Loss
Statements and Balance Sheet or Statement of Assets)
certified by a certified public accountant.
• In the case of a start up not having the above
documentation a business plan (which should include
a Profit & Loss Account, Cash Flow Projections and a
Balance Sheet) would suffice.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form
Annex 8 – VAT Certification:
• A copy of VAT Certificate should be attached
to this Annex.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form
Annex 9 – Permits and Approval (if applicable)
•Show proof of permits and approvals from relevant
government entities, such as, MEPA,
•Projects in need of permits and approvals, should submit
a copy of the application for the relevant permits with
application, following evaluation, the short listed
applicants would need to submit such permits prior to the
issuing of the letter of intent.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
3. The Application Form
Annex 10 – Supporting Documentation
(if applicable)
• Any supporting documentation (preparatory work
& correspondence), need to be attached to this
annex.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
ERDF Small Start-up Grant Scheme
Notes to Applicants
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
4. Notes to Applicants
Call for Applications
• The indicative budget allocation under this call is
€625,000.
• It is envisaged that during the 2007-2013 Structural
funds programme several calls will be issued.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
4. Notes to Applicants
Application Process
• Submit one hard copy (typed not hand
written) of application form & annexes,
• Sealed application forms, to be deposited in
the respective tender box bearing the name
of the call, located in the reception area of
Malta Enterprise and,
• Acknowledgement of receipt of application
will be issued to all applicants.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
4. Notes to Applicants
• Eligibility Check;
• Evaluation Process:
(i)Preliminary Evaluation - 35%
a)
b)
c)
Risk Appraisal
Extent of need for support
Holistic nature of project
(ii)Strategic Evaluation -
65%
•
Thematic priorities
a) Project Impact
b) Innovation
c) Operational Programme 1
d) Employment
•
Horizontal priorities
a) Environmental Sustainability
b) Equal Opportunities
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
4. Notes to Applicants
Eligibility Check:
1. Application is complete,
2. The application fits with one of the focus areas of the
aid scheme,
3. The applicant has honored/rectified any
obligations or conditions set by Malta Enterprise,
past
4. The aid being requested is in line with the respective
State Aid rules,
5. The project complies with the laws pertaining to the
actions being proposed for funding,
6. The applicant is eligible as defined in section 2
(eligibility) of the respective Incentive Guidelines and,
7. The project will be completed within the stipulated
timeframes.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
4. Notes to Applicants
Evaluation Process – Preliminary Evaluation (35%):
• Risk Appraisal - 20%:
–Age of organisation - 5% - the longer the
enterprise has been established, the higher the
score,
–Duration of project - 5% - longer projects may
carry more risk,
–Project investment costs vis-à-vis applicants net
assets - 5% - level of financial risk and,
–Commitment & capacity to implement - 5% - level
of preparatory work, internal project management
structures & financial resources
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
4. Notes to Applicants
– Extent of need for support - 10% - determined
through the size of the enterprise & whether it
forms part of a network/is a start up (the smaller
the undertaking, the higher the score).
– Holistic Nature of project - 5% - number of
eligible intervention areas implemented in the
project.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
4. Notes to Applicants
Strategic Evaluation (65%):
Thematic Priorities - 55%:
• project Impact - 25% - expected benefits derived from
the project,
• Innovation - 10% - the novelty of the project vis-à-vis the
industry it is working in,
• Operational Programme 1 indicators - 10% - the degree
to which the applicant may contribute to improving the
number and quality of start-ups in Malta will be
assessed,
• Employment - 10% - potential to ensure job retention &
create possible new employment in the future.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
4. Notes to Applicants
Strategic Evaluation (65%): cont’d
Horizontal Priorities - 10%:
• Environmental sustainability
• Equal opportunities
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
4. Notes to Applicants
Letter of Approval:
• Value of grant & respective co-financing rate,
• Details of project & corresponding financial plans
and,
• Compliance with EU council regulations:
– Eligible costs,
– Retention of all documentation in a separate file up
to 31/12/2020,
– Conformity to publicity obligations,
– On the spot checks by various National & EU Audit
Authorities and,
– The retention of equipment as per Article 57 (1)
Durability of operations of the Cohesion Policy 2007
– 2013.
•
Only fully implemented projects will be fully
reimbursed otherwise grant will be reclaimed back
from the beneficiary.
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future
Thanks for your attention
ingrid.vella@maltaenterprise.com
Tel No: 2542 3419
Operational Programme I – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013
Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life
Aid Scheme part-financed by the European Union
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Co-financing: EU Funds; National Funds; Private Funds
Investing in your future