INT (Ibda Negozju Tiegħek) is an entrepreneurship programme aimed at people of all ages who want to start their own business.

 

We provide training, personal advice and counseling on how to start a business and successfully make it work, mentoring and financial grants.

 

This programme is part of our efforts at promoting an enterprise culture in Maltese society.

 

 

 

The INT programme is open to unemployed persons. Of course you need to be interested in opening a business. Priority is given to our clients who are registering for work on the unemployment register (Parts 1 and 2).

 

 

 

Our training in this aspect focuses on creativity, confidence building, business planning, business and people management, marketing, negotiation skills, legal aspects, health and safety, investment and financial management, retail skills, customer care and competition. A number of guest speakers from Government entities will be invited to give sessions with relevant information on the topic.

 

Past clients have found this programme useful and necessary for their business start-up.

 

INT includes about 270 hours of training. Participants are not required to sit for an examination at the end of the training however everyone is expected to take an active part in all lectures, especially when group discussions are held.

 

 

 

The scheme provides participants in the programme with the services of a mentor. Our mentors are persons who are already involved and experienced in managing a business. Mentors include retired people who have managed a business in the past. 

 

Our mentors offer one-to-one business counseling and advice and share their experiences with you to help you to identify your strengths and your shortcomings.

 

We treat all the information you pass to our mentors in the strictest confidence.

 

You only will be eligible for mentoring if you attend at least 80% of the training modules.

 

 

We offer a financial grant of up to €5,000 to those who attend at least 80% of the training modules. Terms and conditions apply. More information on the financial assistance is available from the Programme Coordinator. 

 

A childcare subsidy is given to those participants who have to leave their children at a childcare centre while attending the INT programme. A transport subsidy to participants who live in Gozo is also given. More information on the childcare and transport subsidies is available from the Programme Coordinator.

 

 

 

For more information, interested persons are kindly asked to set a meeting with the INT programme coordinator. Call us for an appointment on 2165 4940 or send us an email on etc@gov.mt.