Author: SME Chamber

On Friday the 8th of July the Malta Chamber of SMEs celebrated its 75th anniversary during a reception organised at Villa Bighi, Kalkara.

During this event, among members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, entities and other stakeholders, a documentary about the history and achievement of the Malta Chamber of SMEs (formerly GRTU) was aired which included the participation of various key persons within the Chamber and former Prime Ministers Alfred Sant and Lawrence Gonzi.

The event was addressed by H.E President Dr George Vella, Parliamentary Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister Hon. Andy Ellul, Opposition Spokesperson for Social Dialogue Hon. Claudette Buttigieg and Malta Chamber of SMEs President Paul Abela.

During the event, Malta Chamber of SMEs  recognised the Malta Chamber of SMEs (GRTU) former President’s and current Executive council members.

The President of Malta George Vella said that the 75 years of history of the Malta Chamber of SMEs are years of history not only of this Chamber but also of our country.

Addressing an event on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, President Vella stated that despite the small size of our country, the 7,000 members of the Chamber representing around 12,000 different businesses show that there are many Maltese residents with an entrepreneurial spirit who are ready to take on risk and invest in themselves and in Malta. He then saluted the thousands of small businesses that, despite all the hardships of the last few years, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, were “sensible enough to stay afloat and are now getting back on their feet.”

President Vella expressed his appreciation that over the last four years, the Malta Chamber of SMEs has kept him informed about all the issues faced by Maltese entrepreneurs.

President Vella stressed once again the importance of sustainability. “I believe that we can use transversal economic models that while allowing the economy to grow, they help protect the environment and also ensure the strengthening of the social aspect”, stated President Vella.

The President referred to the role of the Malta Chamber of SMEs as a mediator between entrepreneurs and policymakers. He explained that it is “necessary to continue to teach small business owners about new and effective methods and the measures that they are bound to implement; to give more visibility to all local products and to encourage the public to use Maltese products, with the conviction that they are of the same quality as foreign goods.”

President George Vella concluded by wishing the Malta Chamber of SMEs well as it continues to work hard for the economic, social and environmental strengthening of our country in the coming years.

Through an initiative that is being spearheaded by the Southern Regional Council, the SME Chamber has embarked on campaign to educate commercial entities to abide by the waste recycled schedule for a cleaner and safer environment

Following the introduction of the new regulations on the collection of household waste, as of May 2023, the Regional Councils have included a new provision in order to be able to collect Recycled Waste (Grey Bag).

Although up till recently, the collection of recycled waste for commercial entities was not eligible under such collection, we have held various meeting and put forward complaints on behalf of businesses. Through a new arrangement reached, commercial entities can now dispose of Recycled waste (Every Thursday).

Important: Please note that Recycled waste needs to be disposed of ONLY IN grey bags or in the case of multiple cardboard boxes, these must be flattened and piled together.

The amount of recycled waste that will be collected is not being limited, it is essential that it follows the above directions because otherwise it will not be collected.

Other waste (black bag): Recycled waste and organic waste cannot be placed in black bag. Those caught disposing of such waste in this manner are liable to fines. Only black bags with waste that cannot go in any other bag (recycling/organic) will be collected. The number of black bags cannot be more than what is comparable to a household.

MITA through the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCC-MT) has launched CYBER+ALT – Agħżel Li Tipproteġi, a Grant Scheme specifically targeted to locally established SMEs. This Scheme intends to assist by part-financing up-to 80% of the cost for investment that will enhance their overall level of security and resilience, capped at a maximum grant of €60,000.

This scheme is co-funded through the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) and National funds (50-50).

The CYBER+ALT Grant Scheme landing page is: https://ncc-mita.gov.mt/cyber-alt whereby one can find all the accompanying documentation including the link to apply.

Click here to download further information Cyber+Alt Grant Scheme .

An Information Session on this Scheme will be held on Friday, 7^th July 2023 between 10:00 and 11:00. Anyone interested can find all details in the respective landing page. This online session is intended to give more practical information on the scheme whilst also giving the opportunity to ask direct questions.

This conference was organised as part of Crosswork project

Applications open until 31 July on maltabusinessawards.mt

Following the success of the first edition, the second edition of the Malta Business Awards is being launched today by the Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with Malta Enterprise and the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise.

With the launch of the awards, applications opened which will remain open until 31 July.

The launch was carried out by Enterprise Minister Miriam Dalli together with Malta Enterprise Chief Executive Kurt Farrugia, President of the Chamber of SMEs Paul Abela and Chief Executive Abigail Agius Mamo.

Malta Enterprise Chief Executive Kurt Farrugia explained that these awards are a tool for businesses to showcase the work they have been doing. We look forward to seeing applications and encouraging businesses to apply. As Malta Enterprise we are very glad to continue supporting initiatives that drive innovation and sustainability in business as we believe this is the way forward.

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Hon. Miriam Dalli said that economic growth is driven by the dedication and hard work of enterprises in our country.

“This should also serve as an inspiration for our businesses to be more sustainable, digital, meet the needs of their customers and ensure competitiveness. We want every business in Malta to achieve and exceed its own goals where the services and products offered will be of excellence, which not only serve our country’s customers, but also abroad,” Minister Dalli said.

She continued that the Malta Business Awards serve to show us success stories, where one learns from the other. “Above all they are an opportunity for each enterprise to see how it will improve its service and processes.”

The Chief Executive of the Malta Chamber of SMEs Abigail Agius Mamo urged businesses to apply for the Malta Business Awards by 31st July at www.maltabusinessawards.mt

Agius Mamo explained that companies can apply for more than one prize. It also announced that the first selected companies would be announced on 11 September and the finalists would be announced on 30 October. The final evening will take place on 1 December 2023.

For more information about the Malta Business Awards one can visit www.maltabusinessawards.mt.