Gozo Business Chamber proposes 40–60% cashback digitalisation incentive scheme for SMEs

The Gozo Business Chamber has unveiled its 2026 Budget proposals, leading with the launch of a Digitalisation Incentive Scheme offering 40 to 60 per cent cashback on SME digital investments, including websites, booking systems and automation tools.

The initiative aims to accelerate Gozo’s diversification and support small businesses in adopting digital technologies to remain competitive and innovative.

The scheme proposal is complemented by a Digital Audit Voucher Programme to help assess and strengthen digital readiness among Gozitan SMEs. The Chamber is also pushing for the transformation of the Gozo Innovation Hub into a dynamic Tech and Business Centre, providing modular workspaces and fostering partnerships with organisations such as DIHub.mt and MDIA.

To further support local businesses in expanding abroad, proposals include measures to facilitate business internationalisation, from participation in foreign trade fairs to the establishment of a Valletta-based “Gozo Showcase” networking space.

A Gozo Enterprise One-Stop Hub within the Innovation Hub would co-locate Malta Enterprise, MBR and MFSA services, streamlining applications for Gozo-based enterprises.

Employee wellbeing in Micro Enterprises

The Chamber is also placing emphasis on employee wellbeing in micro enterprises, with a dedicated Gozo Micro Enterprise Wellbeing Support Scheme providing up to €3,000 in annual support.

Complementary measures include HR and wellbeing advisory sessions, distribution of a practical Work-Life Balance Toolkit and awareness campaigns to promote wellbeing throughout the business community.

Accessibility and connectivity

The Chamber is also highlighting initiatives to strengthen accessibility and connectivity across the island. These include expansion of Mġarr Harbour infrastructure, improved Gozo Channel operations with maintenance planning and scalable capacity and transparent governance of priority passes through independent oversight and quarterly reporting.

Fast ferry services would be expanded during peak and underserved periods, while smart management systems, such as ANPR and digital queueing, would be implemented at Ċirkewwa terminal, fully aligned with GDPR regulations.

Human capital and workforce development

Investing in human capital and workforce development is another priority for The Chamber. It is proposing the establishment of a Migrant Workforce Integration Unit offering onboarding support, legal guidance and cultural training.

Sector-specific programs at MCAST Gozo, including micro-credentials in AI, renewables, agri-tech, tourism-tech and ICT, would address evolving skills needs. Youth4Entrepreneurship Gozo would be expanded into a full support framework with mentoring, seed funding, and prototyping opportunities.

Real estate and heritage preservation

Finally, the Chamber’s proposals include measures to promote real estate and heritage preservation, offering fiscal incentives for long-term co-ownership transfers and prioritising properties of cultural or heritage significance to encourage stewardship and architectural continuity.

These proposals are designed not only to address immediate operational challenges but to lay the foundation for a long-term economic transformation in Gozo, aligned with national and EU strategies such as Envision 2050, the Twin Transition and the Union of Skills.