Go To Market – Loan Assistance Programme (GTM LA)

The Go-To-Market (GTM) Loan Assistance Programme supports SMEs in transitioning innovations from development to market. By facilitating access to favourable loan financing, the Programme enables beneficiaries to scale technologies and services into real-world applications while reducing key financial barriers.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
The Programme is specifically targeted at advanced-stage innovations:

Applicants must demonstrate a TRL of 8–9, indicating that the product or service is ready for deployment in an operational environment.

Scope of Support
The Programme addresses financial gaps faced by start-ups and SMEs seeking funding to:

Scale operations and enter new markets
Strengthen and stabilise business activities
Cover investment-related working capital
Support business ownership transfers (in line with applicable regulations)

Access to Finance – SME Guarantee Scheme (SGS)
Implemented in collaboration with the Malta Development Bank (MDB), the Programme leverages the SME Guarantee Scheme (SGS), which:

Provides an 80% loan guarantee through MDB’s uncapped credit risk protection
Improves access to bank financing for viable but higher-risk projects
Addresses key lending barriers such as:
- Limited collateral
- Lack of credit history
- Innovative or high-risk sectors and technologies

Blended Financial Support Measures
In addition to the SGS-backed loan, the Programme offers three grant measures to support beneficiaries:

Interest Rate Subsidy
- Reduces the cost of borrowing by subsidising loan interest rates, particularly during early commercialisation stages
Upfront Contribution Support
- Assists beneficiaries in covering part of the initial contribution required by commercial banks
Collateral Support
- Helps reduce collateral requirements, lowering financial risk for both the applicant and the bank