HSBC has joined the Microsoft BizSpark Programme as a network partner.
The Microsoft BizSpark Programme is a global programme designed to accelerate the success of early stage ICT start-ups.
BizSpark provides software, support and visibility to ICT start-ups, giving entrepreneurs fast and easy access to current full-featured Microsoft development tools and productions licences of server products, with no upfront costs and minimal requirements.
As a BizSpark Network Partner, HSBC Malta Commercial Banking will be able to offer its technology start-up business banking customers the opportunity to enrol in Microsoft’s programme and receive its full suite of software and platform technologies free of upfront costs for the first three years.
The programme was designed to accelerate the success of technology start-ups across the globe by connecting them on an online ecosystem which will provide mentoring, guidance and resources from all network partners and peers.
It is available to businesses under three years of age, who are actively engaged in the development of a software-based product or service that is core to their business model.
Parliamentary Secretary for Small Businesses Jason Azzopardi, who was present for the agreement, said that initiatives like the BizSpark Programme formed part of a context which encouraged investment and initiative by the small and medium sized enterprise and the self-employed.
The government, he said, encourages such initiative, as it generated investment and created jobs.
www.hsbc.mt/bizspark
www.microsoft.com/bizspark