Zaar, Malta’s first crowdfunding platform set to be launched before the end of the year, has signed a support agreement with Grant Thornton Malta.

Grant Thornton will be supporting Zaar – which is operated by PEI Ltd – in defining customer due diligence prior to launching a project on the platform, providing training and toolkits for project initiators and start-ups, as well as one-to-one assistance and business advice to project initiators considering crowdfunding as an alternative source of finance for their innovative ideas or projects.

Crowdfunding is a fast-growing alternative method to raise funding for projects or ventures by collecting many small amounts of money from a large number of people. It is a true means of giving entrepreneurs and start-ups a chance. Crowdfunding platforms are web-based, and allow would-be investors or funders to make offers to new entrepreneurs. Often the start-up does not have the relevant resources to finance a project in full and struggles to obtain financing from traditional credit institutions.

The first training session ‘Great idea to funding’ will focus on what crowdfunding is and the preparation required to get your idea crowdfunded and ready to launch on the platform. The training will be held on November 4 from 6pm to 7.30pm and is free to participants; however, reservation is required to secure a place on a first come, first served basis.

To book for the training e-mail Karl Grech at karl@zaar.com.mt or call 79050 478 or 2340 3982.