Funding 59 - Enterprise Europe Network
Transcription
Funding 59 - Enterprise Europe Network
Funding Opportunities Alert INSIDE THIS ISSUE: BUDGET 2009: New schemes launched by Malta Enterprise 1 Call for Proposals 2 Partner Searches 5 Events Eurozone ministers drops 2010 deadline to balance budgets Stroke patients may benefit from isoflavone-rich diet EU meets ahead of global financial summit SMEs access to public procurement— Study Report ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ News and Events Calls for SMES Partner Searches E.U.Info Video Link to Europe ME Schemes—EU Funding About us (EEN Services) Weather Forecast—main cities p. 2 p. 9 p. 10 p. 13 p. 14 p. 15 p. 19 p. 19 Issue 59 Image (C) europeanavenue.com ISSUE 59 PAGE 2 News & Events Budget 2009: New schemes to be launched by Malta Enterprise Malta Enterprise has approved 29 new industrial projects and expansions. 15 of these projects were foreign direct investment. € 10 million were awarded through the number of schemes, including the Exploratory Award, tax credits, start-up assistance, Gozo Regeneration grants, SME Development Grants, and Trade Promotion. 5 new schemes shall be launched through Malta Enterprise. € 20 million shall be invested over a period of 5 years. The schemes are: The International Competitiveness, is a € 2.5 million investment as an assistance to explore new foreign markets; € 3.5 million invested as R&D Grants; Innov Act is a € 9 million investment to assist SMEs to develop innovative products, p r o c e s s e s andservices, and the S ma l l St a r t -U p Scheme is a € 2.5 million to assist i n n o v a t i v e companies in their initial stage, and the E - b u s i n e s s Development Grant Scheme is a € 2.5 million investment aimed as an incentive to promote the use of ICT. The Kordin Business Incubation Centre currently hosts 32 companies. This is expected to double through an investment of €2.8 million. € 15 million shall be invested to set up a Bio Technology Park in San Āwann Industrial Area as part of the Government’s strategy to increase the uptake of R&D in Malta. This is apart from the € 3.5 million offered by Malta Enterprise as R&D Grants. This R&D Centre shall be around 100,000 meters squared and is an initiative to bring foreign R&D investment to Malta. Within the coming years, € 20 million shall be invested in the upgrading of the industrial estates. This shall start in 2009 with the upgrading of Ħal Far. This is estimated to be an investment of € 6.5 million. On a 4 year period, Bulebel, Mosta, Xewkija, and Kordin are expected to benefit from this initiative. This year over 80 foreign delegations have visited Malta. In order to complement the International Competitiveness to Establish New Markets, Malta Enterprise shall ISSUE 59 PAGE 3 sllocate € 500,000 to increase the amount of trade missions. The Government shall be also working on a Small Business Act, on the General Accounting Principles for Small Enterprises, and to establish one a stop shop for enterprise amongst others. The interest rate on the Income Tax fine when not paid in time, shall be revised. As from January 2009 this rate shall be diminished to 0.75% per month. Thus, down from 12% to 9% per year. Revised fuel prices announced In view of the increase in the excise duty on petroleum products announced in the budget , fuel prices are the following: Product Unleaded LRP* Diesel Previous Price €1.197 Revised Price €1.238 Change €0.041 €1.267 €1.206 €1.308 €1.230 €0.041 €0.024 A registration tax has been introduced on new cars based on CO2 and particulate matter emissions, and length. On imported second-hand cars, the tax will be based on market value.. Higher annual licences linked to emissions levels, for vehicles falling under the new scheme has been introduced. Owners of cars bought in 2008 may choose whether to fall under the new or old system. For those who choose the former, registration tax will be credited against licence fees. Licence fee for commercial vehicles to rose to €185. ISSUE 59 PAGE Reduction in the Car Registration Tax cc - 1000cc Old Rate + VAT 2.579 New Rate 1,455 Difference -1,124 Difference -44% 3,630 5,382 7,823 11,058 18,323 27,594 29,852 2,132 3,843 5,656 9,946 17,308 34,357 43,012 -1,498 -1,494 -2,167 -1,112 -924 6,763 13,430 -41% -28% -28% -10% -5% +25% +45% 1001cc—1300cc 1301cc - 1500cc 1501cc—1800cc 1801cc—2000cc 2001cc—2500cc 2501cc—3000cc 3001 cc + Yacht Registration Tax Yachts +3.64 (no engine) 0—9.9 hp 10—25 hp 26—50hp 51—75hp 76 –150 150 hp + Annual Registration (€) 90 120 140 165 185 190 200 4 ISSUE 59 PAGE Income Tax reductions Couple % 0 15% 25% 35% Single % 0 15% 25% 35% 2007 Rate (€) 0—10,482 2008 Rate (€) 0—11,400 2009 Rate (€) 0—11,900 10,483—18,635 18,636-23,294 23,295+ 11,401-20,500 20,501-28,000 28,001+ 11,901-21,200 21,201-28,700 28,701+ 2007 Rate (€) 0—7,570 2008 Rate (€) 0-8,150 2009 Rate (€) 0-8500 7,571-12,812 12,813-15,723 15,724+ 8,152-14,000 14,001-19,000 19,001+ 8,501-14,500 14,501-19,500 19,501+ Malta in Figures Deficit Ratio 2008 % of GDP Deficit Ratio 2009 % of GDP Deficit 2009 Labor Supply 06/2008 Gainfully Occupied Private Sector Public Service Part-timers Self-employed Unemployment– 06/2008 Direct Foreign Investment— 06/2008 Inflation Rate 09/2008 Cost of Living 5 ISSUE 59 PAGE 6 Investment Plans Infrastructural works € 322 million Environmental Projects Education and Training Alternative Energy Incentives to Industry (including tourism) € 112 million € 362 million € 30 million € 64 million Tax Breaks for Mothers Mothers, whose children were born in 2007, will get a 12month tax break, even if they have since returned to work, as part of the government's goal to entice more women to the working world. Those who choose to get a job after a five-year absence will also receive a one-year tax holiday for every child under 16. Image © blog.pennlive.com Community Work for the Unemployed The unemployed and those who have been unsuccessfully registering for a job for five years, while receiving benefits, will be subject to community work. Image © swivel.com ISSUE 59 PAGE 7 Energy Measures A new tax to raise price of traditional bulbs and neon tubes has been introduced. A refund of two-thirds of the cost of buying a solar water heater, up to a maximum of €460 is given. A refund of half the cost of installing photovoltaic panels, up to €3,000 is given. Furthermore, a refund of a third of the cost of roof insulation and double glazing in homes, up to €300. Industry can apply for funding for part of the cost of expert advice on energy use and of energy audits. Image © ecosharpa.com Other Measures for Industry Two-year income tax credits for small companies that invest a minimum of €10,000 in their business. New programmes for those looking for work or those who want to improve their skills, as well as for disadvantaged persons. Subsidies for companies to provide training to employees. Eco-contribution of €0.15, charged to customers, on every plastic bag given out by shops. Higher licence fees for private and commercial swimming pools. Excise duty on tobacco and cigarettes to rise by €0.20. ISSUE 59 PAGE 8 Eurozone ministers drops 2010 deadline to balance budgets Image (c0 news.bbc.co.uk Finance ministers from the 15 nations sharing the euro have dropped a 2010 deadline for balancing their budgets, in the face of a severe economic downturn, their chairman Jean-Claude Juncker. uncker told journalists that the deadline, which was agreed under much rosier economic conditions in April last year, "should be revised" in light of the severe downturn that has taken hold in the eurozone. "We have agreed between us that the decisions that we took in April 2007 ... should be revised and that the medium term objectives must be met by member states on a case-by-case basis at dates that will pushed back," Juncker said. In the face of the sharp economic downturn, few countries in the eurozone are in a position to be able to balance their budgets, especially as revenues slump and pressure for increased spending grows. The European Commission forecast that the slowdown would drive deficits in the eurozone as a percentage of output from 1.3 percent this year to 1.8 percent in 2009.However, some countries would be far over the average with France's deficit hitting the 3.0 percent limit allowed by EU rules this year and breaching it next year with a deficit of 3.5 percent. Although eurozone countries were no longer bound to the 2010 deadline, Juncker said that they would continue to respect deficit rules enshrined in the Stability and Growth Pact, which stipulates the 3.0 percent limit. However, he also insisted that the pact, under a 2005 revision, offered member states fiscal flexibility in the face of difficult economic times. "We will not soften the rules but apply the rules, the entire pact and nothing but the pact because its 2005 amended version offers a series of flexibilities which can be applied in negative circumstances like now," he said. Double taxation accord Malta has signed a double taxation agreement with Montenegro. The agreement was signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg and his Montenegran counterpart, Mila Rocen, in Marseilles during a meeting of Foreign Ministers. Dr Borg said the agreement was a step forward to explore new avenues of economic benefits and contribute towards the expansion of commercial activities between both countries. The agreement provided an "excellent basis" for establishing tax-efficient structures and relieving double taxation on cross-border transactions, he added. Image © CNN>com ISSUE 59 PAGE 9 Employers of illegal migrants to face severe penalties Plans to impose severe penalties on employers of illegal immigrants were discussed by MEPs during a meeting of the Civil Liberties Committee of the European Parliament. The proposed directive aims to set out Europe-wide minimum penalties for defaulting employers. The proposed penalties include paying the costs of returning workers to their country of origin and ensuring they get paid any money owed. The proposals form part of a series of rules being adopted by the EU against illegal immigration and are aimed at discouraging the exploitation of illegal immigrants in Europe by those commissioning cheap labour. Work is considered to be one of the main pulling factors of illegal immigrants towards Europe. Image © borglobe.com 2008 European Year of Intercultural Dialogue: Brussels Debate on the role of the Media Image © usinfo.state.gov The last of the seven "Brussels Debates" organised in the framework of the 2008 European Year of Intercultural Dialogue took place on Wednesday, 5 November 2008. The debate entitled "Talking Our Way out of Trouble: How Media Debate Can Combat Intolerance” is organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). ISSUE 59 PAGE 10 Europe Leaders hail Obama victory European leaders have hailed the triumph of Democrat Barack Obama in the US presidential election. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said the victory was "brilliant", while UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown hailed Mr Obama's "vision for the future". German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the result was "historic", while the European Commission president called for "a new deal for a new world". Mr Sarkozy said. "France and Europe... will find a new energy to work with America to preserve peace and world prosperity," the French leader acted. In London, Mr Brown said: "The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is vital to our prosperity and security. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said the world now needed the EU and US to forge "a new deal" to tackle the continuing global financial crisis and other major issues. With the economy in recession and the US at war on two fronts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mr Obama faces profound questions that will require quick answers, the BBC's Kevin Connolly says. Maltese Politicians congratulate Obama Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is confident that under the leadership of US President-Elect Barack Obama, the excellent relations between Malta and America will be further strengthened. In a letter he sent to Senator Obama congratulating him on behalf of the government, Dr Gonzi said he looked forward to the further enhancement of the "warm ties of friendship" to the mutual benefit of both peoples. George Vella, opposition spokesman for foreign affairs, said the fact that the son of an immigrant had been elected US President was proof of the country's democracy and the opportunities it offered. Electing Mr Obama as the first African-American President was the realisation of Martin Luther King's dream and of those who worked to end racial discrimination in the US. Throughout his electoral campaign, Mr Obama showed great organisational capabilities: He was calm and in control, knowledgeable, and a good listener who delivered his messages with persuasion. Above all, he showed he believed in justice, charity and was ready to repair his predecessor's mistakes, Dr Vella said. ISSUE 59 PAGE DEMOCRAT 11 REPUBLICAN Electoral College Votes Democrats 349 Republicans 162 Senate Results Democrats 54 Republicans 40 Senate Results Image © BBC Image © blogs.thestate.com Image © nytimes.com Democrats 254 Republicans 173 ISSUE 59 PAGE 12 Employment in high-tech sectors highest in U.K. Lowest in Cyprus Malta places 13th ahead of Netherlands, Luxembourg;, and Denmark 1st 2nd 3rd 13th 25th 27th Euro area unemployment stable at 7.5% EU27 up to 7% Malta reduces its unemployment; places 10th with the UK and Bulgaria, 0.8% less than U.S; 1.4% less than EU27; and 1.9% less than Euro Area 1st 2nd 3rd 10th 25th 26th 27th ISSUE 59 PAGE 13 Malta and Greece agree to form working group for Eastern Mediterranean countries Malta and Greece have agreed on the need for EU countries in the central and eastern parts of the Mediterranean, to hold a quadrilateral meeting as early as possible to discuss matters of common interest. Meeting in Athens, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici and the Greek Minister for the Interior, Prof. Prokopis Pavlopoulos, agreed that four EU Mediterranean States namely Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Malta should ensure that matters which are important for these Mediterranean countries are given priority during the coming Presidencies. Both countries agreed that the Immigration and Asylum Pact should be transformed from words into action and that the absolute priorities here should be the creation of a strong repatriation programme, the signing and implementation of agreements with countries of origin and transit for this purpose, and the coming into effect of the burden-sharing mechanism. . Imace © Wikipedia Both Ministers declared that the momentum which the French Presidency has established must be encouraged and sustained. Greece and Malta affirmed that the Pact is a great step ahead which should not be put on the backburner Minister Mifsud Bonnici and Minister Pavlopoulos also discussed and agreed that Frontex must be strengthened with more financial and logistical support in future missions.Matters concerning further cooperation between the police forces and civil protection agencies of both countries were also discussed during the meeting. Finally both Ministers agreed that such meetings should be conducted on a bilateral level in a more frequent manner. Commission brings forward its 2009 Work Programme Imace © europa.eu The European Commission has adopted its 2009 Legislative and Work Programme which announces the main initiatives it intends to present next year. In 2009, the Commission will follow up on the initiatives launched in recent weeks to address the financial crisis and to set out a European framework to address the economic downturn. At the same time, the Commission will use the final year of its mandate to complete the work already under way. ISSUE 59 PAGE 14 Ozone hole grows but is below 2006 record Scientists from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) have discovered that the ozone hole over Antarctica has expanded this year against what it was in 2007, but is smaller than what it was in 2006. The ozone is a protective atmospheric layer protecting Earth from harmful ultraviolet rays. Failure to shield the planet can trigger a multitude of health ailments in people and harm biodiversity. Further information http://ec.europa.eu/research/headlines/news/ article_08_11_06_en.html Getting to grips with Greenland’s ice loss Ice loss in Greenland is causing global sea levels to rise by half a millimetre a year, according to new research by Dutch and American scientists. While this doesn't sound like much, the researchers warn that the rate of ice loss appears to be increasing sharply, and in 2007 large amounts of ice were lost from high altitudes (above 2 000 metres) for the first time. The findings are published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. Further information http://ec.europa.eu/research/headlines/news/ article_08_11_05_en.html Image © climateprogress.org European researchers seek alternatives to sculpture dioxide in wine Biotechnology researchers in Portugal, Spain and Switzerland have joined forces in a project that aims to reduce or eliminate the amount of sulphur dioxide (SO2) used in making wines. SO2, an effective antimicrobial, antioxidant and preservative agent, is a potential allergen and can exacerbate asthmatic symptoms. The current project, called 'WineSulfree', is supported by the Eureka intergovernmental initiative Image © Westfieldspalmcourt.com Further information .http://ec.europa.eu/research/headlines/news/article_08_11_04_en.html ISSUE 59 PAGE 15 Historical warship under threat In the 17th century the kingdom of Sweden embarked on the construction of the most expensive and ornamented warship of its time. Taking three years to build, it involved the work of carpenters and sail-makers, as well as sculptures and painters to work on carving and painting the intricate woodwork motifs and decorations that adorn this ship. Unfortunately the ship sank on its maiden voyage. The king's misfortune however turned out to be our good fortune as it has been a vital resource for historians, giving us valuable insight into the times. Now the royal warship Vasa is facing a battle for its life as it is under threat from its own iron armory. Further information .http://ec.europa.eu/research/headlines/news/article_08_11_03_en.html Sea creatures can survive climate change Many organisms have been forced to adapt to the changes brought on by climate change. Their survival has depended on it. The zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus has not been left untouched by this phenomenon, new research shows. A main source of food for scores of fish, Calanus finmarchicus now lives in the cold North Atlantic and North Sea waters after being forced to move north some 18 000 years ago. The findings were recently published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Further information http://ec.europa.eu/research/headlines/ news/article_08_10_31_en.html Image © lestout.com Stroke patients may benefit from isoflavone-rich diet A new study may offer stroke victims a ray of hope. Researchers say a dietary supplement containing isoflavone can give a boost to the functioning of patients' arteries. Sources say this latest work is probably the first randomised controlled trial assessing how isoflavone supplement affects the brachial artery. The findings were recently published in the European Heart Journal. Further information http://ec.europa.eu/research/headlines/ news/article_08_10_30_en.html Image © pierolagonigro.com ISSUE PAGE 59 Radiology finds niche in e-Marketplace Online marketplaces provide solutions for manufacturers who have trouble finding new suppliers. For example, radiology would benefit from such a service because a number of European regions are currently faced with a shortage of radiologists, while others have too many. To cope with this, the EU is supporting a two-year market validation project, R-Bay, to create an eMarketplace for the purchase and sale of imaging-related eHealth services. The project, backed with€949 759 in funding, will end in 2009. Further information index_en.cfm Image © pierolagonigro.com http://ec.europa.eu/research/headlines/ E466 A Beginner’s Guide to Intellectual Property E467 5th International Technology Transfer Days—BIOMATERIALS 2009 E468 ReMat workshop E469 East meets West in Vienna E470 III Congress on Community Trade Mark 16 ISSUE 59 PAGE Calls for SMEs Benefit from the Exploratory Award FP7 calls: This is an indicative list of FP7 calls for proposals which will be closing soon. To obtain the full list and the latest details on FP7 kindly log onto http://corids.europa.eu/fp7 FP7 Specific Programme Closing date Call Identifier FP7 Health Cooperation 30th November 2008 FP7 - Health Cooperation 3rd December 2009 FP7 - Security Call 2 Cooperation 4th December 2008 FP7 – Space 2009 Cooperation 4th December 2008 FP7-People-ERG-2008 People FP7-Envioronment Cooperarion 8th January 2009 FP7-Socio-economic sciences and humanities Cooperation 13th January 2009 FP7 – Science in Society Capacities 13th January 2009 Researchers Night People 14th January 2009 FET Open Scheme Cooperation 20th January 2009 FP7 - Transnational Cooperation between Regional Research Capacities 27th January 2009 Research Potential Call 1 and Call 2 Capacity 13th February 2009 Reintegration Grants People 31st December 2008 2nd April 2009 For further information on the above calls kindly contact MCST— www.mcst.gov.mt 17 ISSUE 59 PAGE 18 Other calls: Call Identifier Specific Programme Closing date Support for television broadcasting of European audiovisual networks 14th November 2008 27th February 2009 26th June 2009 MEDIA 2007 Support for the development of production 17th November 2008 MEDIA 2007 Support for the development of audiovisual of on and offline interactive works 17th November 2008 EUROSTARS 21st November 2008 INTERREG IVB Alpine Space 21st November 2008 Measures to support promotion and market access 21st November 2008 MEDIA 2007 Life + Information and Communication 21st November 2008 EU-ACP Support Programme to cultural industries in ACP countries European Development Fund 28th November 2008 MEDIA 2007 European distributors Networking, selected support system e-learning awards I- learning Awards 15th December 2008 INNET- Innovation Express- Pilot Call Pro Inno Europe 31st December 2008 EU-China EU-China Managers Exchange and Training Prorgamme 4th January 2009 EURIMAGES 2009 5th January 2009 MEDIA 2007 Europan Development Fund Production of fruit plantation and fight against erosion in Rutana Province Experts for Fusion for Energy 1st December 2008 20th January 2009 4th April 2 013 ISSUE 59 PAGE 19 For further information on the above events kindly contact Johann Caruana at EEN — Malta Enterprise on [email protected] CP 109 EURIMAGES 2009 Keywords: Industry; Culture—Media Deadline: 5th January 2009 Partner Searches For further information on the partner searches kindly contact Johann Caruana at EEN Malta Enterprise on [email protected] FA 902 Healthy Cheese Looking for: Fat Manufactures; Starter culture Manufacturer (a culture house); Food coating equipment FA 903 IMOSHION Improving Occupation Safety & Health in European SMEs with help of stimulation and Virtual Reality The role of the SME associations / groupings in this project will be: The definition of the specific technological and security needs of their SME members - Ensuring that the research performed by the group of R&D performers complies with their requirements - Taking part into the dissemination and training activities ISSUE 59 PAGE Identify relevant Calls for Proposals Obtain call-specific documentation and forms Establish a consortium of researchers, developers and end-users Assistance to prepare a research proposal Submit the proposal to the Commission by Call deadline http://cordis.europa.eu www.mcst.gov.mt http://incentives.maltaenterprise.com www.cipmalta.com 20 through: MCST/CIP NCP Cordis; Malta Enterprise Funding Opportunities Alert; Malta Enterprise Business Advisor through: Cordis; MCST/CIP NCP Malta Enterprise Business Advisor through: MCST/CIP NCP Cordis; Enterprise Europe Network; Malta Enterprise Funding Opportunities Alert; through MCST/CIP NCP Cordis; Malta Enterprise Business Advisor; Malta Enterprise Exploratory Award ISSUE 59 PAGE 21 E.U. Info Video EU meets ahead of global financial summit http://www.euronews.net/en/article/06/11/2008/eu-meets-friday-aheadof-global-financial-summit/ EU heads of state meet in Brussels to try to hammer out a common position on the global financial crisis. Friday’s meeting comes ahead of a summit for the world’s largest economies, the G-20, in Washington in a week’s time. That will be devoted to an overhaul of the world’s financial institutions. The EU is pushing for reform of the International Monetary Fund to give developing countries more of a role in guaranteeing the world’s financial system. Analyst Daniel Gros, from the Centre for European Policy Studies, said: “The only thing that could be done would be to recast the governance of the IMF, the World Bank and the other international financial institutions. But here the solution is very simple, everybody knows it. We need to have a Euro area seat at the IMF with a much smaller share and a much larger share for China.” France has proposed specific measures for the EU ahead of the G20 summit. These include, among others, firmer oversight of rating agencies and codes of conduct to tackle excessive risk taking. But several states have refused to sign off on the plan, so it seems reform will take longer than hoped. ISSUE 59 PAGE Link to Europe Malta Enterprise www.maltaenterprise.com Enterprise Europe Network—European Commission www.enterprise-europe-network.ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm Enterprise Europe Network—Malta www.enterprise-europemalta.com Cordis - FP7 /cordis.europa.eu/fp7/home_en.html MCST—Malta National FP7 Contact Point www.mcst.gov.mt CIP - European Commission www.ec.europa.eu/cip CIP Malta www.cipmalta.com/ Ewropa – Gateway to the European Union www.europa.eu Eurostat—the European Statistics Office www.ec.europa.eu/eurostat European Portal for SMEs http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sme/index_en.htm Forum Malta fl-Ewropa www.forummalta.gov.mt Putting SMEs First www.ec.europa.eu/enterprise/entrepreneurship/docs/sme_pack_en.pd New Funds, New Rules http://ec.europa.eu/budget/other_main/funds_rules_en.htm 22 ISSUE 59 PAGE 23 http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/entrepreneurship/docs/SME_public_procurement_Report.pdf This Report presents the findings of the “Evaluation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ (SMEs’) Access to Public Procurement Markets”. The assignment was undertaken by GHK and Technopolis between April and September 2007 within the framework contract for the provision of studies and other supporting services on Commission evaluations (ENTR/04/093FC-Lot 1) on behalf of Directorate-General Enterprise and Industry. The evaluation was commissioned by the Directorate E “Promotion of SMEs Competitiveness”, Unit E4 – “Horizontal Aspects of SMEs Policy” of Directorate-General Enterprise and Industry in co-operation with Directorate-General Internal Market and Services who were represented in the Steering Group. ISSUE 59 PAGE ADVICE ON EU FUNDING 24 Business advisory services are provided with the aim to support undertakings identify strengths and to overcome weaknesses in specific areas. A range of business advisors are available and every effort is made to match the right advisor to the specific needs of the applicant. The scheme aims to provide tailored business advice to undertakings through advisors selected by Malta Enterprise They can address a number of areas grouped into four distinct categories: ♦ International Competitiveness Advisory Services (Including: Market positioning, and market research) Innovation Advisory Services (Including: Quality, benchmarking, and process optimisation) ♦ General Business Development Advisory Service (Including: e-business, waste and energy management) ♦ ♦ Start-up Advisory Services The advice provided should facilitate business owners and managers. The knowledge gained should help decision makers in the supported undertaking in evaluating projects and embarking on business development projects. The first part of assistance, covering the first 10 hours of an advisor’s intervention on a specific project/task is financed by Malta Enterprise. Part financing will be provided during the second phase of the support. “10 hours of an advisor’s intervention on a specific project/task is financed by Malta Enterprise For further information kindly log onto http://incentives.maltaenterprise.com ISSUE 59 PAGE 25 The Malta Enterprise Exploratory Award Scheme provides assistance, in the form of a grant, to help SMEs develop project proposals for submission to the European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), and the Competitiveness Innovation programme (CIP). The Fund is intended to stimulate the capacity of SMEs to participate in such projects. Malta Enterprise will be helping businesses overcome the barriers and challenges faced in developing proposals in order to enhance SME’s participation in submitting successful proposal submissions. Through these programmes, SME’s can strengthen their overall position through networking and relationship building with international partners, enjoy access to research centers of excellence, and develop research and innovation skills. The Exploratory Award Scheme will cover 60% of the total eligible costs of the preparatory proposal up to a maximum of € 10,000 and covers costs related to Personnel, Technical Advisors and Traveling. € 10,000 GRANT ISSUE 59 PAGE 26 ISSUE 59 PAGE 27 ISSUE 59 PAGE 28 Business Meeting Abroad? Weather Forecast: Major Cities Malta Madrid Berlin New York London Sydney Rome Friday 19 17 12 08 12 07 18 04 12 08 25 19 17 09 Saturday 20 19 12 03 11 05 15 12 14 08 22 16 17 08 Sunday 21 19 11 08 12 08 14 07 22 15 18 08 Monday 20 19 10 05 13 09 10 06 14 08 22 18 17 08 Tuesday 20 16 10 07 10 06 09 05 12 06 21 18 16 03 Brussels 12 04 Paris Tripoli Amsterdam Dubai Tokyo Hong Kong Friday 11 06 11 06 21 18 10 06 32 25 20 14 29 24 Saturday 11 08 13 11 21 13 10 09 32 24 13 12 26 20 Sunday 11 08 13 11 21 14 11 08 33 25 14 11 25 20 Monday 12 06 12 06 22 20 13 08 35 25 13 10 23 20 Tuesday 09 05 10 06 22 21 18 10 23 21 09 07 35 ISSUE 59 PAGE 29 If you would like to contribute to our next issue, kindly send us an email on: [email protected] Your contribution is highly appreciated! If you are not interested in receiving this information kindly inform us by email on [email protected] and your e-mail address will be removed from our registration list. Should you have any suggestions on how we could improve our service do not hesitate to contact us. Main Source: Enterprise Europe Network; Malta Enterprise ;Ewropa; Cordis Malta Enterprise (+356) 2542 3360 Tech Development & Innovation (+356) 2542 3401 Enterprise Centre Industrial Estate San Gwann, SGN 3000 [email protected] www.enterprise-europemalta.com www.maltaenterprise.com Disclaimer: the authors of this document do not bind themselves to present here a total overview of all EU support schemes for SME’s. This is a guide and users of these guidelines are recommended to contact the EEN or the competent official in order get more detailed advice. Editor: Johann Caruana Manager—Enterprise Europe Network