Malta Chamber of SMEs

Press Release: SME Chamber welcomes the 2026 Budget and a number of its proposals supporting SMEs

Posted on 27.10.202529.10.2025 by SME Chamber

Following the Budget speech, the SME Chamber welcomes the 2026 Budget which will assist SMEs to grow and remain competitive. Initiatives such as the improvement of the Micro Invest Scheme, the increased support for digitalisation and the incentive to invest in R&D are among the measures that will help businesses strengthen and expand.

The SME Chamber notes that a number of its proposals were taken up by the Government and acknowledges that, in preparation for this Budget, the Government, particularly the Minister for Finance organised several consultation meetings with the SME Chamber.

The SME Chamber’s proposals were developed using insights from the quarterly SME Barometer, which consistently gathers feedback from businesses, as well as input from members and targeted focus group discussions. The SME Chamber urges the Government to continue addressing the issues highlighted by businesses in the SME Barometer over the past months, including employee shortages, unfair competition, good governance, and traffic congestion.

SME BAROMETER Q3 2025 – SME confidence rises amid persistent challenges

Posted on 23.10.202529.10.2025 by SME Chamber

The Malta Chamber of SMEs, in collaboration with MISCO, has published the results of the latest SME Barometer (Q3 2025) survey. The study was conducted among 456 businesses between the 6th and 16th of October 2025.

When asked about the most pressing issues affecting their businesses, respondents identified employee shortages as the top concern (46%), followed by unfair competition (23%) and excessive competition (17%). Other key challenges cited include traffic congestion and skills mismatches.

At a national level, overpopulation (36%) remained the most significant concern for SMEs. Other ongoing worries include the lack of good governance (31%) and corruption (26%), while safeguarding quality of life saw a notable increase in importance, rising from 15% in Q2 to 23% in Q3, making it the fourth most frequently mentioned issue.

Business sentiment showed a slight improvement compared to previous quarters; however, 66% of respondents still feel that Malta is moving in the wrong direction. A slightly larger proportion of businesses expressed optimism about the next 12 months compared to Q2.

A special section of the survey focusing on digital transformation revealed that a strong 77% of SMEs recognise the importance of digitalisation for future growth. Among them, 51% are actively investing in digital tools, while 26% acknowledge its importance but struggle with implementation.

The SME Chamber urged the Government to expand financial incentives, such as grants and tax credits to support wider digital adoption.

The SME Chamber recommends increased support for micro and small businesses, including:

Enhanced Micro-Invest support, raising aid intensity for micro-enterprises from 45% to 65%, and increasing the credit cap for small enterprises from €50,000 to €70,000.
An additional €20,000 digitalisation capping for businesses adopting digital invoicing ahead of 2030.
Stronger transparency and anti-corruption measures to rebuild institutional trust.
Streamlined regulatory processes to reduce bureaucracy and duplication.
The establishment of a centralised advisory platform to help SMEs access green and digital financing opportunities.

SME Chamber President Mr. Paul Abela stated that “SMEs continue to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, but they need clarity, consistency, and fairness from institutions.”

SME Chamber COO Mr. Andrew Aquilina emphasised the need for Budget 2026 to strengthen support for micro and small businesses, and to enhance schemes and incentives that have historically provided critical assistance to these enterprises.

The SME Barometer Survey is a collaborative initiative between the Malta Chamber of SMEs and MISCO.

Click here to download full results.

Press Release: The SME Chamber calls for a constructive dialogue and evidence-based studies to assess the impact of a four-day week proposal

Posted on 16.10.202516.10.2025 by SME Chamber

Following the recent debate on the potential introduction of a four-day working week, the Malta Chamber of SMEs believes that such proposals are premature and should only be considered following extensive consultation and studies with all relevant stakeholders.

While the SME Chamber strongly believes that employee wellbeing is an essential pillar of sustainable business practices the SME Chamber expresses several concerns, particulalry related to productivity, cross-sector competitiveness, and other immediate and long-term implications of such proposals.

Representing Small and Medium enterprises, which make up over 99% of Malta’s economy, with 97% being micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, the SME Chamber notes that a 20% reduction in productivity time (as would result from a four-day, 32-hour week) would have a significant negative impact especially on the micro companies. For instance, in a standard business employing 5 employees, this measure would effectively equate to bringing the workforce down to 4 employees.

On the other hand, a 40-hour, four-day work week would also have an impact on productivity, operations, and increase costs across several sectors.

The SME Chamber therefore calls for a constructive dialogue, free from partisan politics and a cross sector evidence-based studies to assess the impact of such measures particulary on micro and small enterprises.

SME Chamber Landlords section meets Minister for Social and Aaffordable Accomodation Roderick Galdes

Posted on 02.10.202529.10.2025 by SME Chamber

Malta Chamber of SMEs COO, Mr. Andrew Aquilina, together with Mr. Francis Darmanin from the Landlords Section, met with the Minister for Social and Affordable Accommodation, Hon. Roderick Galdes.

During the meeting, the SME Chamber presented proposals developed in collaboration with the Committee and its members. The aim is to create a fair and efficient rental market.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs invited by the President of Malta to San Anton Palace

Posted on 02.10.202529.10.2025 by SME Chamber

Council members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, together with members of staff, attended an event organised by Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, during which she hosted members of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) at San Anton Palace.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono thanked all MCESD – Malta Council for Economic and Social Development members for their dedication and commitment to the well-being of the Maltese and Gozitan people.

She also encouraged representatives to extend their support to the Malta Community Chest Fund.

SME Chamber meets new Leader of the Opposition, Dr Alex Borg

Posted on 30.09.202529.10.2025 by SME Chamber

The Malta Chamber of SMEs met the new Opposition Leader Hon. @alexborg and other Members of Parliament to discuss current issues related to members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs.

SME Chamber President Mr Paul Abela presented the Budget 2026 proposals and mentioned a number of issues which businesses are currently facing and emphasised the importance of social dialogue.

President Mr Paul Abela, Deputy President Mr Philip Fenech, COO Mr Andrew Aquilina and Council Members Mr Marcel Mizzi, Mr Beppe Muscat, Mr Robert Micallef, Me Michael Galea, Ms Donha Muscat, Ms Joan Haber and Mr Joseph Zerafa participated on behalf the SME Chamber during this meeting.

Press Release: Malta Chamber of SMEs welcomes launch of direct flights to New York

Posted on 17.09.2025 by SME Chamber

The Malta Chamber of SMEs welcomes the positive news that direct flights between Malta International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport will commence in June, operated by Delta Air Lines.

This is a major development for Malta and its international connectivity. The United States remains an important market from which Malta can continue to benefit, both in tourism and business opportunities.

The SME Chamber congratulates Hon. Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, Malta Tourism Authority CEO Mr. Carlo Micallef, Malta Tourism Authority Deputy CEO amd Chief Officer Strategy Mr Leslie Vella and all stakeholders involved in successfully securing this highly significant route.

The SME Chamber hopes that this new route marks the beginning of a series of successes for the future of Malta’s tourism sector. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the Ministry and the MTA to further strengthen the sector.

Press Release: The Malta Chamber of SMEs congratulates Dr Alex Borg on his Election as Leader of the Nationalist Party

Posted on 07.09.202507.09.2025 by SME Chamber

The Malta Chamber of SMEs congratulates Dr Alex Borg on his election as Leader of the Nationalist Party. The SME Chamber emphasises that a strong and effective opposition is fundamental to the proper functioning of a healthy democracy.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs looks forward to meeting Dr Borg in his new capacity as Leader of the Nationalist party and eventually Opposition Leader. The Malta Chamber of SMEs also looks forward to holding meetings with the Opposition to present and discuss its proposals for the 2026 Budget.

Furthermore, the SME Chamber expresses its gratitude to Dr Bernard Grech for his commitment and service over the past years.

Rota – Call for project ideas for sustainable cargo

Posted on 29.08.202521.11.2025 by SME Chamber

Rota, Malta’s active mobility NGO, has recently launched an initiative inviting schools, businesses, and organisations to propose project ideas that can make use of our cargo bike. The goal is to demonstrate how cargo bikes can be practical, sustainable alternatives to cars and vans—helping reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and car-dependency in Malta.

Rota is looking for collaborators!

Rota is inviting companies, schools, and organisations to propose project ideas that can make use of our cargo bike. Whether it’s delivering goods into city centres, collecting waste, supporting school initiatives, or showcasing sustainable logistics, your project could help reduce car-dependency and promote cleaner transport in Malta.

Possible projects could include:

Deliveries into city centres for the final kilometres.
Waste or recyclable collection projects.
Supporting school and community initiatives.
Demonstrating sustainable logistics for events.

Rota will provide the cargo bike—you provide the idea. Together, we can make Malta safer, quieter, and greener.

Interested? Get in touch at .

You can also support our work by becoming a corporate member of Rota (starting from €200/year) at www.rota.mt/support. Donations to voluntary organisations of a social nature, including environmental NGOs, are eligible for a tax credit of up to €500.

Let’s work together for a better Malta.