Malta Enterprise is organising an upcoming training session aimed at supporting Maltese startups and SMEs in strengthening their intellectual property (IP) protection strategies as they expand beyond the European Union.
Held in collaboration with the Commerce Department (Industrial Property Registrations Directorate) and the Latin America & India IP SME Helpdesks, the session will provide practical guidance on trademark registration, patent and design protection, available financial support schemes, and key considerations when entering markets such as India and Latin America.
This initiative offers valuable insight for businesses looking to safeguard their innovations and brands while exploring new international opportunities.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs, in collaboration with the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), and with the participation of Identità and Jobsplus, organised a well-attended webinar addressing the latest updates on the recruitment of Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), including developments related to SkillsPass 2.
The webinar attracted over 185 participants, reflecting the strong interest among employers and stakeholders in understanding recent regulatory changes and procedural updates impacting the engagement of foreign workers.
During the session, representatives from ITS, Identità and Jobsplus provided detailed insights into the revised processes, compliance requirements and the implementation of SkillsPass 2. Participants were guided through key updates affecting recruitment procedures, documentation and employer obligations, with practical clarifications aimed at supporting businesses in navigating the evolving framework.
The interactive format allowed attendees to raise questions and engage directly with the respective authorities, ensuring greater clarity and transparency on the subject.
Through initiatives such as this, the Malta Chamber of SMEs continues to support its members by facilitating access to timely information and fostering constructive dialogue between businesses and public entities.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs’ Landlord Section met with Partit Nazzjonalista Deputy Leader Dr Alex Perici Calascione, Secretary General Mr Charles Bonello and Head of Secretariat Mr Damien Spiteri to present the position paper developed by the SME Chamber in collaboration with its landlords committee.
The paper aims to promote fair and balance between landlords and tenants.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs, in collaboration with KPMG Malta, recently hosted a series of EU Funding Information Sessions which confirmed a growing trend: interest among small and medium-sized enterprises in EU funding opportunities continues to increase.
The sessions attracted strong participation from businesses eager to explore available schemes and incentives. Digitalisation initiatives emerged as the area generating the highest level of interest, reflecting the ongoing drive among SMEs to enhance efficiency, competitiveness and innovation through technology. Significant attention was also given to funding opportunities supporting investment in machinery and equipment, staff training and upskilling, as well as business advisory services.
The sessions were led by KPMG Malta’s Public Sector and EU Advisory team in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of SMEs. Attendees were provided with a comprehensive overview of currently available EU funding programmes, practical guidance on eligibility criteria and insights into how businesses can successfully apply and benefit from these opportunities.
The agenda featured expert contributions from representatives of KPMG in Malta, the Malta Chamber of SMEs, and Malta Enterprise, offering participants a well-rounded perspective on funding support mechanisms. The event concluded with networking sessions, allowing attendees to engage directly with experts and fellow business leaders.
Through initiatives such as these, the Malta Chamber of SMEs remains committed to supporting businesses in accessing funding opportunities that drive growth, innovation and long-term sustainability.
During a meeting with Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, we discussed opportunities for European funding to support digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects for SMEs. The aim is to help small and medium-sized enterprises accelerate the adoption of new technologies, strengthen their competitiveness, and enhance their capacity for innovation in an increasingly digital economy.
Malta Chamber of SMEs officials met with Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque, responsible for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, at the European Commission Representation. The discussion focused on the European Commission’s priorities. The SME Chamber delegation included President Mr Paul Abela, Deputy President Philip Fenech and Head of Policy Mr Jamie Tanri.
Following collaboration and support by the Malta Chamber of SMEs with OHSA, the Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector has announced the launch of the application process for the free Health and Safety Training Programme offered by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA).
Free Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Awareness Course:
This course provides structured Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) awareness training to organisations, entities, and small and medium-sized enterprises. It consists of an 8 hour programme combining general OHS awareness with sector-specific training, covering legal obligations, hazard identification, risk assessment, and practical risk prevention measures.
The training is delivered through interactive sessions at OHSA premises, at participating organisations’ premises, or online.
The course is targeted at company administrators, policy managers, project leaders, OHS officers, and employees responsible for OHS within their organisation.
You are invited to register by downloading and completing the application form available here.
Once completed, kindly submit the form directly to OHSA at: .
We encourage you to take advantage of these free training courses. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr Fabian Demicoli at
The Malta Chamber of SMEs together with the Childcare Centre Providers Association (CCPA) welcomes the renewed free childcare scheme service agreement signed following discussions with Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment and Jobsplus.
The SME Chamber positively notes that Government has understood the sector’s main concerns and priorities, particularly the need to focus on maintaining quality service within childcare centres and ensuring staff retention, which formed the basis of the agreement reached.
Mr. Paul Abela, President of the Malta Chamber of SMEs said: “This agreement provides more certainty for operators and allows childcare centres to focus on delivering a high-quality service while keeping experienced staff within the sector.”
CCPA President Mr Simon Zammit stated: “Childcare providers have been facing challenges, especially when it comes to retaining qualified skilled staff. CCPA welcomes the Government’s willingness to recognise these realities and work with us towards practical solutions that protect quality.”
The Malta Chamber of SMEs and CCPA thanks the Government, Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Jobsplus and the Public Sector for their cooperation and commitment and willingness to reach an agreement for the benefit of the government, service providers and more importantly families benefitting from this scheme.
The SME Chamber together with CCPA remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure a strong, sustainable and quality childcare sector in Malta and Gozo.
Childcare Centres Providers Association committee with the Malta Chamber of SMEs
Innovative and creative businesses that transform intellectual property (IP) into tangible impact now have the opportunity to gain global recognition through the WIPO Global Awards 2026.
Organised by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the United Nations agency for innovation and creativity, the awards celebrate startups and SMEs that successfully leverage IP — including trademarks, copyright, and patents — to grow their businesses and generate positive economic and social impact.
Whether you protect your brand with trademarks, safeguard creative works through copyright, or hold patents for groundbreaking inventions, this competition offers a prestigious platform to showcase your achievements on a global stage.
Applications Open Worldwide
Entrepreneurs from all industries and regions are invited to apply between 15 January and 31 March 2026.
Applications are accepted in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Spanish, and Russian, ensuring accessibility to businesses across the globe.
Why Apply?
Participants in the WIPO Global Awards benefit from:
International recognition through the WIPO–UN network
A tailored six-month mentorship programme focused on IP strategy, commercialization, and business growth
Opportunities to connect with investors, corporations, institutions, and innovation hubs worldwide
An invitation to attend the Awards Ceremony in Geneva, held during the WIPO Assemblies, representing 194 countries
Awards and Special Prizes
In 2026, a total of 11 companies will be recognised:
10 winners across all economic sectors
1 Thematic Prize in Sports
2 Special Mentions for Best Woman Entrepreneur and Best Youth Entrepreneur
The WIPO Global Awards provide a unique opportunity for forward-thinking businesses to elevate their international profile while strengthening their IP strategy and global partnerships.
To learn more or submit an application, visit: wipo.int/en/web/awards/global
