By: Johann Caruana Executive – EU FUNDS

What is the Malta Enterprise Exploratory Award Scheme ? The Malta Enterprise Exploratory Award Scheme provides assistance, in the form of a grant, to help SME’s develop project proposals for submission.

Who can apply for the scheme? SME’s proposing to participate in projects as Leaders or Partners

Can SME’s get advice prior to applying for the Exploratory Award Scheme? The EIC at ME consists of a team that can help you decide on how FP7 can benefit your business. Through the Business Advisory Services ME also provides a list of mentors that can provide you with advice and assistance in writing EC proposals, market research, market analysis, technical feasibility and legal advice The National Contact Point for Malta for FP7 is the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST)

Staff exchange - supports the search for the required expertise in conjunction with other major European networks; possibility of a local grant to cover associated costs Promotion of Project Ideas - ideas which could potentially lead to FP projects can be circulated within the network including affiliated institutions for review by technical peers who would be interested in forwarding the project jointly Partner search - continuous contact amongst the project partners ensures an active search for potential partners through an extended network in diverse sectors

How can I download the application form? The application form can be downloaded from

What forms are needed to be handed in ? Application Form; Financial accounts for the past year; CV’s of the personnel; de minimis declaration form; SME declaration form

Which are the eligible costs ? Personnel; Technical Consultancy Services Travel VAT & OTHER TAXES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE

What is the grant value ? The grant will cover 60% of the total eligible costs of the preparatory proposal. The grant will cover up to a maximum of € 10,000

Personnel Costs Only the estimated costs of the scientific and administrative personnel directly employed by the participants and assigned wholly or partially with the work for developing the proposal may be claimed

Technical Consultancy Services Technical Consultancy Services that are acquired from external consultants that are directly related to the development of the project proposal. Consultancy Services should be pre-approved in writing by Malta Enterprise The grant may not exceed € 5,000

Travel Costs Malta Enterprise will refund only the travel costs in relation to any meetings, or information seminars, related to the specific call for proposals; Travelling needs to be pre-approved, in writing, by Malta Enterprise; Two flight costs to and from destination of the meeting, capped at €500 (Lm ) per person; Additional internal travel such as Taxi Services are not eligible; All travel must be economy class or equivalent; A per diem of €100 (Lm 42.93) per person for up to 3 days is given; Only the expenses of 2 people related to the project will be covered for any particular event or meeting.

5.3 Total Costs Description of planned programmes Total Costs (Lm)Total Costs (€) Total Personnel Costs (5.1) Technical Consultancy Services 2,0004, Total Travel Costs (5.2) TOTAL Costs Possible Scenario 60% of the TOTAL COSTS will be refunded (Capped at € 10,000)

How will the grant be paid? One claim can be made against receipts, and on receipt from the EC proving submission of the proposal before the call deadline.

Contact Details FP7 Exploratory Award Scheme EIC – Malta Enterprise Industrial Estate San Ġwann (SĠN 3000)

Links EIC Maltawww.eic.maltaenterprise.com Europass CV Template Europass_CV_Template_EN.doc) Malta Council for Science and Technology; Seventh Framework Programme; The SME definition – European Commission user_guide.pdf

THANK YOU for your attention !