Activating job-seekers through start-up incentives

Abstract

EU surveys indicate that the Maltese population is not particularly entrepreneurial. The educational system has traditionally not focused much on promoting entrepreneurship among students. Lack of funding and excessive bureaucracy hinder budding entrepreneurs. In recent years, a number of actions have been taken to improve the situation by reducing bureaucracy, increasing the availability of training and financial and technical assistance, promoting awareness campaigns and setting up incubation centres. The INT scheme, one of the main ETC initiatives facilitating entrepreneurship among job seekers, has only achieved a limited success. More thorough information about the results of start-up incentives is required.