JCI to launch Best Business Plan competition

For the ninth consecutive year, Junior Chamber International Malta (JCI Malta) will be holding its annual Best Business Plan (BBP) competition.

Contestants aged between 18 and 40 are invited to develop business ideas (either on their own or in a group of up to four people) and turn them into a concrete business plan. Those submitting the best plan can win up to €2,500. The JCI Best Business Plan Competition is supported by HSBC Bank Malta plc and KPMG.

JCI Malta is part of Junior Chamber International (JCI), a worldwide community of nearly 200,000 young people in over 115 countries. Its mission is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.

JCI launched this programme in 2001. In so doing, it sought to foster the entrepreneurial spirit among its members and within communities around the world. To this end, JCI provides young entrepreneurs with the tools and the opportunity to turn an idea into a viable business plan.

As part of the programme, a number of training sessions will be held by leading experts from various industries, and participants may take part in a number of one-to-one guidance sessions by KPMG.

This year's BBP competition will be launched on Wednesday, following which interested parties may obtain further information and download the competition application form by visiting the JCI Malta website at www.jci.org.mt, e-mailing Hermione Portelli at hermione.portelli@jci.org.mt or by calling 9982 6960.

Applications and business plan proposals are to be submitted by March 17. The final business plan is to be submitted by September, after which a panel of expert judges will select the winning plan.

The best business plan will be that which clearly demonstrates the anticipated benefit to the local community, innovation, quality and a clear vision of the proposed project.

An introductory workshop on 'Idea generation and innovation' by Leonie Baldacchino, a lecturer within the Edward de Bono Institute at the University of Malta, will be held on Thursday at 6.30 p.m. at Misco, Fino Buildings, Notabile Road, Mrieħel.

This free session is open to both members and non-members.