Steven Attard is the winner of the second edition of the Best Business Plan Competition, organised by Junior Chamber (Malta) and sponsored by HSBC Bank Malta and KPMG.
The winner was announced during an award presentation held at the Westin Dragonara Resort. Mr Attard received his Lm1,000 prize from HSBC Bank Malta and KPMG Malta, which were represented by HSBC chief operating officer Martin Wilkins, and KPMG managing partner Joseph Schembri.
In addition to the prize money, HSBC and KPMG will also be providing Mr Attard with banking and assurance services on favourable terms.
Mr Attard's Business Plan will now be JCM's official Malta entry to the International Best Business Plan of the World Competition organised by Junior Chamber International (JCI). The winner of the JCI Best Business Plan of the World Competition will receive a free airline ticket to attend the 2003 JCI World Congress.
Mr Attard's winning plan was for Campus SMS, which is a facility for students in European Universities, including Malta, to receive local university and faculty notifications on their mobile phone, such as lecture changes alerts, event reminders and exam results. Students also receive value-added marketing offers like discount coupons from marketing partners according to their criteria and preferences.
"JCM is once again delighted with the response to the Best Business Plan Competition, both in terms of the number of competitors and the quality of the plans submitted. This is a clear indication of the entrepreneurial talent that exists among Malta's youth. JCM would particularly like to thank HSBC and KPMG not only for their financial support but also for their logistical help," said JCM president Maria Vella-Galea.
"In addition we would also like to thank the competition judges namely KPMG partner Anthony Zarb, HSBC's head of corporate banking James Bonello, Vodafone Malta Ltd managing director Joseph Grioli, and Marsovin managing director Anthony Cassar, for their contribution in making our second Best Business Plan Competition a success," continued Ms Vella-Galea.
The runner-up in JCM's Best Business Plan Competition was Nils Hilsenitz who was presented with a consolation prize of Lm250. Mr Hilsenitz's plan was for a product entitled TripleD. This provided for a unique food and beverage concept in Malta, offering drive-through, delivery service and a leisure and activity filled dining experience, giving you the luxury of fast but healthy food at your fingertips.
Junior Chamber International (JCI), Inc., is a worldwide federation of young professionals and entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 40. Junior Chamber programmes revolve around four areas of opportunity which are - individual, business, community and international within a network of over 400,000 members around the world.
Junior Chamber has been represented in Malta since 1994 and organises a variety of activities.
For more information on Junior Chamber and on how to become a member, visit www.jcmalta.org, or e-mail JCM membership director Helga Moran on membership@jcmalta.org.
Junior Chamber Malta is proud to be associated with Platinum Partners: AirMalta plc, HSBC Bank Malta plc, The Westin Dragonara Resort;
Gold Partners: Clayton Communications Co. Ltd, Vodafone Malta Ltd;
Silver Partners: Digital Security Ltd, Jos. Vincenti (1911) and Co. Ltd;
Bronze Partners: General Soft Drinks Ltd, Marsovin Ltd.