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SHOWCASEMALTA
EXPO 2020 DUBAI
Networking
The key to success Using the word ‘indomitable’ when referring to Minister Miriam Dalli may be something of an understatement. Showcase Dubai caught up with the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development and she gave us a breath-taking sweep of the initiatives which her portfolio is responsible for.
“Despite the fraught Covid-19 Pandemic times, the Government of Malta didn’t hold back from increasing opportunities for entrepreneurs who are just starting out. Rather, we have increased initiatives by recently launching Start in Malta,” said Minister Miriam Dalli as an opening gambit. This directness is part of her modus operandi, in interviews as well as in the management of her portfolio. With Start in Malta as its platform, Malta Enterprise, one of the main drivers which Minister Dalli has at her disposal, launched three main initiatives. Business Start is a scheme offering seed-and-growth funding to small start-ups having an innovative idea, a “light-bulb moment”, where feasible. Start Up Finance is a repayable advance structure, supporting business ideas with good potential, which are based on a sound business plans and market studies. Business Development covers financial aid, depending on how much the business contributes to the economy. This would support entrepreneurs at the initial stages of various activities, such as the initial development phase of undertaking’s establishment of activities, and the re-engineering of business processes. Sustainable growth
Minister Dalli is not one to get carried away with entrepreneurial zest. She is equally mindful of the sustainability aspect of her portfolio. “Sustainability is key to economic growth. We are working hard to ingrain sustainable development in all our policies and in everything we do because we strongly believe that this is the only way forward to ensure our competitiveness,” emphasised the minister. Among the platforms which entrepreneurs can use is the Eco-Friendly Retail Investment Grant. This supports the retail value chain in investing in in-store solutions which allow reusable containers, and in related investments required to reduce the use of single-use plastic. Another scheme is the Investment Aid for Energy Efficiency Projects. Malta Enterprise, in collaboration with the Energy and Water Agency, is supporting undertakings in investments leading to improved energy-efficiency. The aid awarded through this measure is in the form of a cash grant or a tax credit or a combination of both. The Change to Grow 202I, is an innovative scheme where Malta Enterprise is funding consultation programs for companies to renew their business models and be more competitive. Self-employed and micro enterprises can now also apply as the criteria have been widened. Malta Enterprise has also recently announced that it will start paying One-Time Grant aid to eligible companies.
j Sustainability is key to
economic growth. We are working hard to ingrain sustainable development in all our policies and in everything we do because we strongly believe that this is the only way forward to ensure our competitiveness.
