Supporting and Training Businesses on EU Direct Funds
MBB holds information session on upcoming EU funds training programme
As part of its Funding Innovation platform, the Malta Business Bureau (MBB) held an information session regarding its upcoming training programme on EU Funds, focusing on the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs Programme (COSME).
During the session, MBB gave an overview on EU funding streams and encouraged businesses in attendance to contact the organisation should they need guidance on such matters. MBB CEO Joe Tanti stated that the ultimate objective behind the workings of the Bureau is to support businesses in their development.
Mr Tanti said that MBB has always been very active on tapping EU funds for the benefit of Maltese businesses. “EU direct funds, such as COSME, are a golden opportunity for local businesses, to partner up with other local and foreign companies who share the same vision”, he said. Mr Tanti encouraged businesses to make use of the various EU funding streams available in Brussels. “EU funds are key to contribute towards growth, job creation, research and innovation; benefitting companies and the Maltese economy in general”, he added.
Marija Elena Borg, Senior EU Funding Executive at MBB, presented an overview of the process behind the COSME Programme, once again highlighting the element of innovation. The details regarding the timeframe of the first training programme which will be held by MBB, with the support of The Malta Chamber and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, were also presented by Ms Borg.
A webinar session will be held on the 23rd of October, for those companies selected to participate in the first training programme. It will be conducted by expert trainers in COSME, providing the companies with professional advice on the programme. This will be followed by a more comprehensive workshop in Brussels, between the 28th and the 30th of October. Thus, through both online training and face-to-face workshops, the selected businesses will be fully equipped to make use of COSME in the best way possible.
Deadline to submit their application for participation in this training programme is the 15th of September. More information on how to apply and the applicable eligibility & selection criteria may be found here.
Towards the end of the session, Senior Manager at the Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses, Ms Marita Portelli, presented an outline of ‘Enterprise Incentives’—a mobile application that was recently developed by the Ministry. Through this app, the user can find a streamlined overview of funding schemes and other opportunities (such as awards) available for businesses, in one place.
Funding Innovation is led by the Malta Business Bureau in collaboration with the Brussels-based Out of the Box International and the European Projects Association. This initiative is being supported by The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.
