‘eBiznify’ eCommerce training programme launched
The MCA launches free training programme that equips local enterprises to compete effectively in today’s global marketplace
A new training programme focused on enabling Malta’s micros and small and mediumsized enterprises to use eCommerce to become globally competitive has been launched by the Malta Communications Authority, as part of the National eCommerce Strategy (2014 – 2020).
The eCommerce training programme, named ‘eBiznify’, is to be offered completely free of charge to micros and SMEs to help them become proficient in eCommerce, and enhance their competence on the development of eCommercerelated services.
Fully accredited by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education, the course will be delivered online via a dedicated eLearning platform, with the first course commencing in October. The course is financed through EU funding with a total investment of €321,000.
The government feels that enabling local small enterprises to embrace business in the digital age through a higher competence in eCommerce, may be pivotal in boosting Malta’s business community globally.
“We believe that eCommerce can play a defining role in enabling our business community to break the mould and extend their business away from our shores,” says the Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, Silvio Schembri about the programme. “We understand this is not a trivial task and it involves both investment and planning, however, it also provides businesses with a unique
opportunity to open up to a worldwide market with limitless possibilities.”
Following up on Mr Schembri’s insight, Aaron Farrugia, Parliamentary
Secretary for EU Funds and Social Dialogue, stressed that, with tech and economic development happening at a breakneck pace all around the world, it isn’t hard to envision how advances in technologies are leading to the automation of our future.
“I urge interested SMEs to tap into more EU funded programmes and ICT-related opportunities. Our eCommerce grant scheme assists undertakings through a nonrepayable grant to finance investment for the development of eCommerce websites and mobile applications. The investment should enable online payments or booking systems through the integration of an online payment gateway. The maximum grant value is set at €5,000. It is time to make Maltese business entities and the EU single market fit for the digital age,” he said.
The course will guide local business-owners through a series of modules, including an Introduction to eCommerce, Taking your Business Online, Promoting Your Online Business, Delivering Your Products, Cross-border eCommerce, Content Design & Development, and Data Analytics.
The ‘eBiznify’ initiative joins another that is also related to eCommerce and driven by the MCA, ‘FastTrak’. Now in its second iteration, ‘FastTrak’ can be considered a great introduction to ‘eBiznify’, as it provides short, informal elevator sessions in which attendees learn quick wins they can immediately apply to their online presence, and is the ideal foundation for the more detailed and advanced training that will be delivered through ‘eBiznify’.