Government launches updated Micro Invest scheme with support tied to employee wage increases

The Government has launched an updated Micro Invest scheme for the 2026–2030 period, introducing targeted support linked to employee wage increases as part of broader efforts to assist small businesses and encourage worker retention.

Announced by the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, the revised scheme will support small businesses, self-employed individuals and, for the first time, social enterprises.

Under the updated framework, businesses that increase employee salaries by at least 3 per cent annually in 2026 and 2027 may qualify for a fiscal top-up. The measure applies to employees who have been continuously employed with the same company for more than four years.

Eligible enterprises will be able to receive a maximum annual benefit of €780 per employee in Malta and €1,020 per employee in Gozo.

Addressing the launch, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said small and medium-sized enterprises account for around 90 per cent of businesses in Malta and remain a major source of employment and income for families.

“Today, with a strong economy, we are in a position to provide greater support to businesses so they can continue investing in their operations. We want the economic growth we are generating as a country to be felt by everyone, while continuing to improve productivity,” he said.

Mr Schembri added that the revised scheme places “a strong emphasis on employees and wage increases”, describing workers as “our greatest resource”.

“This measure, which supports wage growth, also serves as an incentive for employee retention,” he said.

Meanwhile, George Gregory, Chief Executive Officer of Malta Enterprise, said the revised scheme was intended to address the evolving needs of businesses.

“Over the past three years, more than 14,000 applications have been approved, with over €140 million in assistance provided to enterprises,” he said.

Mr Gregory added that the updated scheme is designed to help businesses “invest, innovate, and grow sustainably.”