Technology & Innovation Scheme (TINNS)

TINNS is the SME Mauritius grant for going digital. If you have wanted to buy ERP or accounting software, build a proper website, set up a mobile app, move to the cloud, or even bring in robotics or AI on your production line, this is the scheme that pays for most of it. Social-media integration and specialised software also count.

The grant covers 80% of the approved cost and you put in the other 20%. There are four category caps: Rs 50,000, Rs 130,000, Rs 200,000 and Rs 250,000 depending on your project size. So on a Rs 250,000 project you would receive Rs 200,000 and fund Rs 50,000 yourself.

To qualify you need a registered SME with a valid trade licence, at least 51% Mauritian-national shareholding, turnover under Rs 100M, and to be CSG-compliant. Most applicants need about 9 months of trading, but if you are a start-up under 6 months you can apply on start-up terms instead. Pure trading businesses are not eligible.

Apply online at smemu.com/schemes and budget around 10 weeks for processing. If you are under 29 or a woman, ask about the top-up: on some non-ICT components you may get up to 100% funding up to Rs 50,000.