Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544958
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 15 MAY 2026 NEWS THE Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects has announced a revised Micro Invest scheme that links state sup- port directly to wage increases for employees, with the programme set to run from 2026 to 2030. The updated framework ex- pands eligibility to include small businesses, self-employed individ- uals, and for the first time, social enterprises. The scheme introduces a tar- geted fiscal top-up for companies that implement salary increases in 2026 and 2027. It applies to employees who have been contin- uously employed with the same employer for more than four years and who receive annual pay in- creases of at least 3%. Under the new structure, eligible businesses will receive a maxi- mum annual benefit per employ- ee of €780 for enterprises based in Malta and €1,020 for those oper- ating in Gozo, reflecting differen- tiated support across the islands of Malta. Minister for the Economy, En- terprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri said the scheme is designed to ensure economic growth translates into improved conditions for workers while sup- porting business investment and retention. He said small and medium-sized enterprises account for around 90% of businesses in Malta and remain a key source of employ- ment and income. He added that the wage-linked mechanism is intended to encourage firms to retain staff while increasing pro- ductivity. The programme will be admin- istered by Malta Enterprise. Chief Executive Officer George Greg- ory said the updated scheme re- flects evolving business needs and builds on previous uptake levels. According to Malta Enterprise, more than 14,000 applications have been approved over the past three years, with over €140 million in assistance provided to business- es across Malta and Gozo. Officials said the redesigned scheme places stronger emphasis on wage growth as part of a broad- er effort to support sustainable business development and em- ployee retention. Updated Micro Invest scheme introduces targeted support for employee wage increases Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri said the scheme is designed to ensure economic growth translates into improved conditions for workers while supporting business investment and retention