How to Apply
Applications are open to Malta-based businesses that carry out the majority of the production of their goods and services in Malta. Nominations are submitted through the online application form on www.trademalta.org/miba.
On this page: At a Glance · Application Process · Adjudication Process · Rules & Regulations · Gala Dinner Tickets · Contact
At a Glance
- What you’ll provide: details of your internationalisation journey to date, your future plans, and supporting documentation to strengthen your submission.
- Time needed: approximately one hour, provided your supporting documents (including financial statements and audited export figures) are ready.
- Categories: you may apply for up to two award categories.
- Eligibility: an application is only considered eligible if it is submitted by the deadline, complete with all requested documentation.
Application Process
If you are interested in joining the awards, follow the steps below and then click Apply Now to go straight to the submission process.
- Check your eligibility
Check whether your business is active in any of the economic operators listed on page 11 of the International Trade Promotion Incentive Scheme guidelines. If it is not, you may still apply subject to the terms and conditions of section 3.1e of the same guidelines. - Prepare your financial statements
Have your audited financial statements for the past three years ready. If audited accounts are not available, provide management accounts verified by a certified public accountant (CPA) instead. - Choose your categories
Select the category you wish to apply for (up to two categories). - Complete the online application
Fill in and submit the online application form.
Ready to Enter?
Applications close on Monday 16 November 2026. Entry is free of charge.
Adjudication Process
Applications are judged in two phases.
Phase 1: Application Assessment
Carried out by Grant Thornton in liaison with TradeMalta officials.
- Reviews compliance with the application process, eligibility requirements and supporting documentation.
- Applications are scored against the criteria set for each award category in the Entrant Guide.
- Evaluation follows applicable national legislation and regulations, industry best practice and good governance principles.
- Grant Thornton then shortlists the finalists in each category for the Judging Panel.
Phase 2: Finalist Presentations
Carried out by the appointed Judging Panel.
- Each finalist delivers a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation on the company’s export readiness, international expansion capabilities and the sustainability of its internationalisation strategy.
- The panel may ask additional questions to assess the strength of the company’s international position and its potential for continued international growth.
Rules & Regulations
Eligibility
- Economic operators active in the sectors listed on page 11 of the International Trade Promotion Incentive Scheme Guidelines may apply for the awards.
- Economic operators not active in those sectors may still apply, subject to the terms and conditions of section 3.1e of the same guidelines.
- Participants may submit applications for up to two award categories.
- Only applications submitted online via www.trademalta.org/miba will be accepted.
Tips for a Strong Submission
- Keep a copy of the Entrant Guide handy while completing your application.
- Submit clear and concise information. Charts, tables, images and other illustrations are encouraged.
- Include as much evidence of your achievements as possible.
Information You’ll Be Asked For
Entrants will be asked about their international business, strategy and results achieved, in the following areas:
- Overall performance: financial results and investments, supported by audited accounts for the past three years (past 18 months for the Emerging Exporter Award). Where necessary, documents must be certified by an auditor, accountant or competent authority to attest to their veracity.
- Market knowledge & international marketing: detailed information on the international marketing efforts undertaken through the company’s Malta office.
- Capacity building & innovation: detailed information on human resource development and innovation within your product or service.
All documentation and information provided will be treated in strict confidentiality and used solely to evaluate this competition.
Gala Dinner Tickets
Each participating applicant is entitled to one free ticket to the Gala Dinner. Additional tickets can be purchased as follows:
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Additional ticket | €80 per person |
| Full table of 10 (your free ticket + 9 additional) | €650 for the 9 additional tickets |