Microsoft Malta announces new programme for ICT start-ups
Microsoft Malta Ltd in collaboration with Malta Enterprise yesterday introduced the new Microsoft BizSpark, a global programme designed to help ICT start-ups grow into successful businesses through software support and a vibrant ecosystem that delivers...
Microsoft Malta Ltd in collaboration with Malta Enterprise yesterday introduced the new Microsoft BizSpark, a global programme designed to help ICT start-ups grow into successful businesses through software support and a vibrant ecosystem that delivers superior business advantage.
The programme was inaugurated by Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, Malta Enterprise chairman Alan Camilleri and Microsoft's country manager Pierre Mallia, at the new Microsoft Malta Office in Mosta.
"Despite the current economic climate, Microsoft is continuing to invest in the industry and the ICT market. We aim to encourage Maltese entrepreneurs thinking into starting an IT business, to take the plunge, and will provide them with the technical support they need in this challenging environment," said Mr Mallia.
Microsoft BizSpark will give young companies the boost they need, and when they need it most - at the early stage. We are confident that Malta Enterprise will encourage local technology startups to enroll in the BizSpark programme," he said.
Mr Fenech expressed his satisfaction at the announcement as it further reduces costs to startup companies. He said: "This is even more essential in today's context of an international economic crisis as it facilitates the growth of local industry, particularly SMEs. This Microsoft programme complements the current schemes launched by Malta Enterprise. The start-up scheme, allocates €2.5 million from EU funds to finance operational costs in the startup of companies."
Malta Enterprise will act as a conduit for the BizSpark programme and will provide guidance and support for existing and potential Maltese startups to develop and grow their businesses in ICT.
Mr Camilleri said: "Malta Enterprise is glad that Microsoft Malta is realising the importance of assisting and facilitating operations of start-up companies. In times where the prospects of increased demand are difficult to secure, focus on cost reduction and smart management are essential for profitability and hence survival. The launch of Microsoft BizSpark, means that start-up companies in the ICT sector can benefit from technology development tools at no cost. And this is over and above the assistance which they may avail themselves of through the ERDF Scheme which will finance a substantial part of their start-up operational costs. This further supports our notion that this is a time for investment."
Start-ups will receive fast and easy access to Microsoft platform software and development tools with no upfront costs and minimal requirements. The programme will also provide access to technical support and marketing visibility from Microsoft, as well as support from the local Network Partner, Malta Enterprise.
Mr Mallia said that the BizSpark programme will be made available to young companies and individuals building a software-based product or service who have been in business less than three years.
The launch of Microsoft BizSpark together with Developer Software + Services will take place on March 20 at 9 a.m. at Hilton Malta Conference Centre. Participation is free and prior registration is required. Registrations for the BizSpark launch are being accepted online: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=1032406800.
Any queries can be addressed to biz-spark@maltaenterprise.com.
The programme was inaugurated by Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, Malta Enterprise chairman Alan Camilleri and Microsoft's country manager Pierre Mallia, at the new Microsoft Malta Office in Mosta.
"Despite the current economic climate, Microsoft is continuing to invest in the industry and the ICT market. We aim to encourage Maltese entrepreneurs thinking into starting an IT business, to take the plunge, and will provide them with the technical support they need in this challenging environment," said Mr Mallia.
Microsoft BizSpark will give young companies the boost they need, and when they need it most - at the early stage. We are confident that Malta Enterprise will encourage local technology startups to enroll in the BizSpark programme," he said.
Mr Fenech expressed his satisfaction at the announcement as it further reduces costs to startup companies. He said: "This is even more essential in today's context of an international economic crisis as it facilitates the growth of local industry, particularly SMEs. This Microsoft programme complements the current schemes launched by Malta Enterprise. The start-up scheme, allocates €2.5 million from EU funds to finance operational costs in the startup of companies."
Malta Enterprise will act as a conduit for the BizSpark programme and will provide guidance and support for existing and potential Maltese startups to develop and grow their businesses in ICT.
Mr Camilleri said: "Malta Enterprise is glad that Microsoft Malta is realising the importance of assisting and facilitating operations of start-up companies. In times where the prospects of increased demand are difficult to secure, focus on cost reduction and smart management are essential for profitability and hence survival. The launch of Microsoft BizSpark, means that start-up companies in the ICT sector can benefit from technology development tools at no cost. And this is over and above the assistance which they may avail themselves of through the ERDF Scheme which will finance a substantial part of their start-up operational costs. This further supports our notion that this is a time for investment."
Start-ups will receive fast and easy access to Microsoft platform software and development tools with no upfront costs and minimal requirements. The programme will also provide access to technical support and marketing visibility from Microsoft, as well as support from the local Network Partner, Malta Enterprise.
Mr Mallia said that the BizSpark programme will be made available to young companies and individuals building a software-based product or service who have been in business less than three years.
The launch of Microsoft BizSpark together with Developer Software + Services will take place on March 20 at 9 a.m. at Hilton Malta Conference Centre. Participation is free and prior registration is required. Registrations for the BizSpark launch are being accepted online: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=1032406800.
Any queries can be addressed to biz-spark@maltaenterprise.com.