SMEs in Mauritius

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What are the benefits of SMEs in Mauritius?

A small enterprise is eligible, at its option, to pay a presumptive tax of 1% of its turnover and is not required to declare its chargeable income. Such an enterprise is exempted from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligation.

How many SMEs are there in Mauritius?

Approximately 127,000 SMEs

How do you qualify as an SME in Mauritius?

What is a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME)?

a microenterprise (turnover less than Rs 2 million),

a small enterprise (turnover above Rs 2 million but not exceeding Rs 10 million) or.

a medium enterprise (turnover above Rs 10 million but not exceeding Rs 50 million).

Role of SMEs in Mauritius

SMEs play a vital role in the Mauritian economy, representing a significant portion of the workforce and contributing substantially to the GDP. There are approximately 127,000 SMEs in Mauritius and they account for about 54.6 % of employment and contribute nearly 40% to the country’s GDP according to UNDP Mauritius (August 2024).

The Government of Mauritius implemented additional schemes to support SMEs in order to face the Covid-19 pandemic. These schemes are listed below:

  1. Internal Capability Development Scheme

Support SMEs to improve in terms of efficiency of their value chain; responsiveness to customer requirements and market dynamics and overall competitiveness through professional or technical input.

Grant value of 80% of total costs up to a maximum of Rs 200,000.

  1. Technology and Innovation Scheme

Enable SMEs to continuously invest in Technology and automated production capabilities and create technology based integrated and sustainable SMEs.

Grant value of 80% of total costs up to a maximum of Rs 150,000

For registered young and women entrepreneurs (29 years), a full grant up to Rs 50,000 is applicable for any productive equipment, excluding ICT

  1. SME Marketing Support Scheme

Support SMEs to improve their market accessibility and competitiveness in both local and export markets and respond to more stringent requirements of diverse customer bases.

Administrative costs: grant value of 80% per transaction, capped to a maximum of Rs 15,000

Others: grant value of 80% of total costs up to a maximum of Rs 150,000

As at 4th Sept 2020, 5 applications have been approved for an amount of Rs 139,400.

  1. Inclusiveness and Integration Scheme

Encourage SMEs to work together, favour inclusiveness, interlinkages and networking and collaborate and synergise for mutual benefit

Grant value of 15% of the total value of the subcontracted service costs up to a maximum of Rs 100,000

SME Utility Connection Assistance Scheme (UCA)

Connecting SME operation sites to mains of utility suppliers (CEB and CWA)

Grant value of 80% of costs up to a maximum of Rs 150,000.

  1. SME Employment Scheme for Graduates and Diploma Holders

Aims at developing and at instilling entrepreneurial skills and aptitude among graduates as well as boosts the employability of young graduates. As from Sept 2020, the duration of placements is for a maximum of 10 months only and registered SMEs will either benefit from one graduate or one diploma, but not both.

  1. SME Start-Up Programme

Aims to help aspiring entrepreneurs measure the potential of their business ventures before embarking on entrepreneurship. The training will take place once a week for one year and at the end of this support program, participants can launch their products or services as they will receive support from the institution. They will also be able to market their products or services in the buildings of SME Mauritius.

 

  1. ‘Vinn ou prop Boss’ Programme

It encourages those interested in starting their own business by providing them necessary information and tools in the Citizens Advice Bureau. The modules of this programme are ‘Idea generation business, Talent business, Legal issues, BRN registration and the holding of the SME Certificate’.

  1. Made in Moris Scheme

A one-off grant up to a maximum of Rs 50,000 is available to SMEs towards certification under “Made in Moris” label.

Other

As per Budget Measures 2021/2022, under electric vans and buses : • The Government will remove 5% excise duty on Electric Vans of up to 180Kw used for transport of goods • The subsidy for the purchase of electric buses is being increased: • From Rs 1 million to Rs 1.2 million for 9-meter buses • From Rs 1.3 million to Rs 1.5 million for uses above 9 meters • Operators acquiring electric buses will be eligible to a lease under the Transformation Fund.

By Reshmee Chamroo 
Founder & Director
Ideas For Us
Mauritius