This year, the first-ever European SME Week was organised all over Europe between the 6^th and 14 of May. This pan-European activity sought to promote entrepreneurship across Europe and to inform entrepreneurs about support available for them at European, national and local level. In Malta, the activities were coordinated by the Ministry for Finance, the Economy and Investment.

Prospective investors in this sector were able to find all the information needed from regulatory bodies, licensing authorities, and the majority of SMEs support agencies, during the Business Convention fair “Small Business, Big Ideas” at the Old Opera House site in Valletta. SMEs and the general public also had the opportunity to participate in various discussions and information sessions. MEUSAC was responsible for two of these.

On the 6^th May, a well-attended seminar entitled Innovation and SMEs: Changing Challenges into Opportunities was organised by MEUSAC and the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST). It was of particular interest to the business community, SMEs interested in innovation and research and academics.  It also included a discussion on the advantages of having the private sector collaborating with the academic world. Speakers included Carmela di Santo from the European Commission’s DG Research who focused on Industry – Academia Pathways and Partnerships (IAPP), MCST and Malta Enterprise officials, as well as the Manager of the CIP National Contact Point.

Another successful information session focused on Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs and was organised by MEUSAC and Koperattivi Malta on the 7^th May. Participants had the opportunity to listen to representatives of Koperattivi Malta, which is the national coordinator, provide information on this pilot EU project set up for prospective entrepreneurs, or for those who have been in business for not more than three years. This activity was of particular interest to new entrepreneurs who wish to go abroad to learn from experienced entrepreneurs; experienced entrepreneurs who wish to host new entrepreneurs; providers of business-related services who support entrepreneurs and the development of entrepreneurship; University, MCAST and Institute for Tourism Studies students; as well as representatives of constituted bodies and cooperatives.