Business mentoring

Have you tried contacting this Government organisation?

http://www.commerce.gov.mt/business.asp

They may be able to answer any questions you have.

Hi Pevi,
You can get the info from Malta Enterprise. Here's a link to the page dedicated to Stat Ups: maltaenterprise.com/en/business/assistance/start-ups
Also, here a link to their calendar of events: maltaenterprise.com/en/events/calendar
And here's the link to their contact details: maltaenterprise.com/en/contact-us
I hope you find this info useful.
Regards,
Charlo

Hi thank you for the links. I have checked their website before but they sounded too grand for my needs. I am not a business looking to relocate to Malta, I am not about to start a technology business or in production.I don't even have any world changing ideas:)

But I will contact them anyway. Thank you

Evi

You don't have to have any world changing ideas or huge amounts of money to invest in Malta to seek their assistance.
If you wish, I can send you the contact details of a Manager at Malta Enterprise. She is very helpful. Send me an email at charlo@charloseychell.eu so that I won't post her details publicly.
Regards,
Charlo

I have just remembered...last week I saw on TV an interview with Mr Paul Abela, President of the GRTU (the Association of General Retailers and Traders). He was explaining how they help new entrepreneurs open their own business. Maybe you could give them a call and check this out.
Their telephone number is (+356) 2123-2881.

And don't get disheartened because yours is just a humble project. Remember that the Maltese economy (and that of Europe) thrive on Small and Micro enterprises, with companies employing 5 people.

Good luck. And let me know if I could be of further help.

Thank you Charlo for all your help.

I have already received an answer from your contact at Business First, I think I will ask for an appointment to ask my questions in person.

I have also written to the course coordinator at GRTU to find out if they have any courses available.

Well done. I am glad you made progress. And I am also glad you found my info useful.
Don't forget to invite me for the official opening of your business venture. And if you would need PR, I am available.

I will definitely do that:))

Thank you again.

Evi

Hi Evi,

Let me know how you get on, my wife is looking to start her own business once we get there.

Thanks

Ken

Hi Ken,

yes, for sure. Actually your wife and I have a very similar business idea.

Evi

Hi Pevi,
Any progress with the contacts I gave you?
Have a nice day.
Charlo

Pevi,  Speak to Brigitte at Makemaltamine.com she is in BNI with myself and therefore have lots of contacts that may be able to Help.

Julian

Hi Charlo,

I went to the business first office last week, the lady I saw was very helpful and it is sounded that to set up a business would take about two weeks and it is pretty straightforward.

The more difficult part is to find a  premise with the right permits. I was there on Tuesday so I was able to talk to a MEPA representative (they are at business fist office every Tuesday morning). Unfortunately the shop space I have found is not in a Class 6 location, so either I have to change my original plan or find an other space.

Thank you Scubaboy for the contact

Thank you for your continuous support. Not much to report, but I have found out couple things, which might be useful for other budding entrepreneurs.

ETC is planning a course in their Start Your Own Business scheme for English speakers only in the near future. No date or requirements set but worth to  keep in touch with them.

Currently no short courses available either, but they have a scheme where you can can claim back 75% of course fees if you participate in a course/training not offered by ETC (terms and conditions apply)

I have visited the Business First offices and I have found them very helpful with lots of useful information. Even the MEPA representative who is in the Business First office every Tuesday morning gave me lots of info, unfortunately the shop space I have found is in the wrong location (no Class 6 permits available), so I have to rethink my idea or find an other space:((. I was also told that a revue of classifications is due in the next 7-8 months.

On the positive side I have decided to participate in the Malta Artisan Christmas Fair on the weekend of 14th-15th December. Although I have registered after the deadline I was fortunately accepted. As I am doing it on a very short notice I will not have a lot of handmade product to sell, but I see it as a market research and an opportunity to meet potential future costumers I also will be offering workshops for children and adults.
If you have time next weekend come and visit the fair and find me and say hello.  I will be located on the balcony of the Grand Ballroom. It is going to be also the debut of my future company's name: The Maker Shop

I have given up my resistance and registered on Facebook (themakershopmalta)

Evi