The Malta Independent on Sunday
FPEI hosts dynamic conference on making entrepreneurship more accessible
● MEP Marlene Mizzi was among the panel of experts invited to share their advice and insider knowledge
Potential entrepreneurs gathered at the Chamber of Commerce last week to discover how a variety of experts and experienced industry professionals believe entrepreneurship can be made more accessible.
Organised by the Foundation for the Promotion of Entrepreneurial Initiatives (FPEI), the event highlighted some of the key opportunities available to entrepreneurs, while also highlighted some of the challenges they face.
Among the highlights was a keynote speech by Duncan Chamberlain from the Three Questions Model of Developing Social Entrepreneurs (T3QM), an innovative methodology proven to create jobs and develop social entrepreneurial skills (part of an Erasmus+ funded project). Chamberlain provided valuable insight into how social entrepreneurship can be of great value to both the business world and society at large.
Also speaking at the conference, MEP Marlene Mizzi said: “Social entrepreneurship is key for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth and plays a key role in tackling current economic and environmental challenges. The EU offers a number of programmes in this regard within Erasmus Plus programmes. Other legislative initiatives, such as the Single Digital Gateway, of which I am the S&D rapporteur, is an example of an important online tool which will make it easier for citizens and businesses to find the right administrative information and procedures they require, as applicable in any other member states. Events such as the T3QM increase awareness about the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship and encourage potential entrepreneurs to develop their projects both in their own country and other countries across Europe.”
Meanwhile, Matthew Caruana, who spoke on behalf of FPEI and of ZAAR, Malta’s local crowdfunding platform, highlighted that the problem of access to finance proved to be a recurring theme. “A lack of funding is definitely an issue faced by potential social entrepreneurs and more needs to be done to support them in this crucial aspect of business.
“That said, the high attendance at this conference, as well as the lively discussion and input from the audience, shows there is huge interest in social entrepreneurship. Those present – including the excellent speakers – shared a common opinion that there is a need for someone to bring together all the efforts related to social entrepreneurship and to act as a platform for progress. They encouraged the newly-formed FPEI to be that organisation and we are now eager to press ahead on their behalf.” For more information follow www.facebook.com/FPEIMalta/