Helping Maltese companies take confident first steps into international markets, TradeMalta’s Global Growth Programme remains one of the most flexible and effective tools for businesses looking to expand abroad.

Klaus Pedersen, who oversees the initiative at TradeMalta, explains that Global Growth is designed for companies that may not yet be seasoned exporters but are ready to make their first serious move into foreign markets.

“It’s not just about trade fairs,” Mr Pedersen notes, “It’s about helping companies plan their export journey strategically and providing guidance as they take their first steps towards internationalisation.”

Unlike other programmes restricted to specific sectors, Global Growth supports operators across a wide range of industries, as defined by EU NACE codes – from education, technology, and architecture to software development and food production. Mr Pedersen highlights that the diversity of participants over the years reflects Malta’s growing export appetite and maturity.

“We’ve had software developers providing payroll systems in Greece and Cyprus, restaurant management systems expanding into Spain and Portugal, a fire and safety college targeting the Middle East and North Africa, architecture firms exporting expertise to the same region, and manufacturers producing high-end jewellery displays for Asia or beverages for Mediterranean markets,” he explains

“There is also strong demand from food producers using the funding to redesign packaging or translate product information for new markets,” Mr Pedersen explains.

Applications for the current call remain open until the end of November, with funding available for activities taking place in 2026. Each approved applicant may receive up to €10,000, provided they submit a clear plan outlining how they intend to use of the funds.

“We don’t expect a perfect export strategy from day one,” Mr Pedersen reassures. “But it helps to have a robust idea of where the business wants to go so that we can support them effectively in their internationalisation journey. While our team is always available to guide them, the business remains the expert in its core field.”

The programme’s growing popularity shows that it is fulfilling a real need in the Maltese business landscape.

“Every year more businesses come forward for support – a sign that Malta-based SMEs are recognising when it’s time to look beyond the local market. When these businesses seek our help to internationalise, it shows they are on the right track”, he reflects. “That’s exactly what Global Growth is for.”

But perhaps the best endorsement comes from those who have already benefitted from this initiative.

Michael Carl Grech - Head of Exports - Consolidated Biscuit

Michael C. Grech, Head of Exports at Consolidated Biscuit Co Ltd recalls how Global Growth helped them penetrate challenging markets in the Gulf and Far East, as well as obtaining important certification on the way.

“TradeMalta’s Global Growth helped us grow in tough markets that were very important for our growth strategy. It allowed us to carry out region-specific market research, hire external experts, and cover part of the cost of Halal and Kosher certification, both crucial for access to the Middle East. With this support, we secured new clients and overcame key barriers that once limited our expansion.”

For Consolidated Biscuit, the most valuable aspects were packaging adaptation, targeted market visits, and access to expert advice.

“We learned to tailor our products to local expectations and ensure compliance right from the start. That preparation was key to speeding up our market entry,” Mr Grech says, noting, accelerated expansion and growth in the Levant region as a direct result of the Global Growth.

“The key is to use the programme’s versatility strategically – not consider it as a travel fund.  Use it to explore new markets carefully and make informed decisions,” Mr Grech recommends.

Ben Vincenti - Chief Operating Officer - Tableo

Ben Vincenti, Chief Operating Officer at Tableo, a tech company that develops restaurant reservation management systems shares a similar story. He credits TradeMalta’s Global Growth as one of the main drivers behind their expansion into Spain.

“Through Global Growth, we were able to hire a dedicated Business Development Team in Spain to build direct relationships with restaurant owners – our core clients. Having a team on the ground in Spain allowed us to deliver live demos, gather feedback, and build brand trust much faster,” Mr Vincenti explains. “Thanks to this, we onboarded 800 restaurants in Spain within a year!”

His advice to other aspiring exporters?

“Plan strategically and align the funding with your long-term market priorities Use Global Growth to invest in localisation, partnerships, and visibility – not just short-term promotions. The programme is a powerful catalyst when paired with clear objectives, measurable KPIs, and a strong follow-up plan,” he emphasises.

Kevin Keeler - Managing Director - ISTC

Equally positive is Kevin Keeler, Managing Director at ISTC (International Safety Training College), who describes how Global Growth helped professionalise their international outreach across the Gulf and North Africa.

“Support from Global Growth allowed us to move from ad-hoc export visits to a structured, long-term approach," Mr Keeler says. “The programme funded structured market exploration, localisation of technical materials, and in-country business development”.

Through the programme, ISTC strengthened its on-the-ground presence with a trusted business development partner and produced bilingual, buyer-ready materials that met international standards. This led the company secure a multi-year collaboration in Kuwait, delivering firefighter and officer training programmes.

“The support levelled the playing field with larger competitors – we could be more present, respond faster to tenders, and demonstrate compliance more effectively,” he adds.

“My advice: focus on one or two markets and align every action to those goals,” Mr Keeler advises. “Treat events as campaigns, pre-book meetings with potential clients, and follow up within 48 hours.”

Across all three companies, the impact of Global Growth is clear: it helps Malta-based businesses research, localise, and build relationships in their chosen target markets.

“We see the best results when companies use the programme not just to attend events, but to follow through with market visits, partnerships, and long-term strategies,” Mr Pedersen confirms. “Our goal is to help Maltese enterprises go beyond the first handshake – and stay competitive abroad.”

As Malta’s businesses look ahead to 2026, Global Growth remains open to any business ready to take that next step. Applications are being accepted until the end of November.  More information and detailed guidelines are available on TradeMalta’s website https://trademalta.org/global-growth

Global Growth is in line with TradeMalta’s mission, that of empowering local businesses to expand internationally.

“Every export story starts with a first step,” Mr Pedersen concludes. “And for many Malta-based businesses, that is Global Growth.”