The MicroInvest scheme, operated by Malta Enterprise, is being extended to enterprises that invest in support systems for clients with disabilities. The modifications in the scheme were announced by the Minister of Enterprise Miriam Dalli and the Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti during a visit to the IT Accessibility Foundation (FITA).

Minister Dalli and Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti explained how the financial support will help the applicable enterprises to modify the existing computer systems and websites, so that accessibility can be increased for people with different capacities, in the presence of the CEO of Malta Enterprise Kurt Farrugia and the CEO of FITA Carlo Stivala.

The MicroInvest scheme encourages enterprises to invest in their businesses by supporting investments in innovation, expansions, and operational developments. In 2021 alone, Malta Enterprise received 3,852 applications against an estimated investment of more than €35 million. The scheme provides enterprises with a tax credit calculated as a percentage of eligible expenditure. Now, enterprises that invest to improve their services in favor of people with disabilities, are eligible for a tax credit equivalent to 45% of the eligible expenditure. An additional bonus of 20% (for a total of 65% tax credit) applies to companies operating from Gozo.

“We are committed to supporting enterprises that invest in their ESG credentials – one of which revolves around the social aspect. Improving accessibility is one such element, and the extension of the MicroInvest scheme is another tool that supports the enterprises in this transition,” said Minister Miriam Dalli. .

The Minister also encouraged the enterprises to benefit from another scheme run by Malta Enterprise, Facilitating Work Life for Individuals with Disability, which gives support to companies that invest in disabled employees. The aid under this scheme is given in the form of a cash grant and covers 90% of the eligible costs incurred, up to a maximum grant of €10,000 for each project.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti spoke about the importance of extending the Microinvest scheme for the development of websites that are accessible to everyone, including vulnerable people, according to the directives of the Union European. “This is the aim of FITA, to provide professional help to businesses and vulnerable people to improve accessibility, especially in the workplace.”

He explained that FITA is expanding its work so that vulnerable people have holistic inclusion within the community and live a normal life. “This is the social justice that the Government wants to implement in our country,” concluded the Parliamentary Secretary.