HSBC is partnering with TCTC Ltd, providers of ICT and business training services, to support ICT courses for small to medium enterprises, self-employed persons, shop owners and sole traders. Some 600 participants from 16 localities in Malta and Gozo are expected to benefit from this EBIZ project.

The initiative is being carried out with the collaboration of local councils in Zabbar, Mosta, Naxxar, Zejtun, Paola, Tarxien, Fgura, Hamrun, Ghaxaq, Gudja, Birzebbugia, Marsascala, Mellieha, Rabat and San Gwann.

The project was launched at the HSBC Operations Centre in Qormi by Public Dialogue and Information Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said, Labour spokesman for local government Stefan Buontempo, TCTC Ltd managing director Raymond Abela and HSBC’s deputy head of commercial banking Michel Cordina with the support of local councils and the GRTU.

During the course, applicants will also be taken through HSBC’s internet banking facilities and how these facilitate transactions and keep operational costs down, within the local market as well as cross border for small businesses.

Mr Cordina announced that HSBC is also working on an initiative with Microsoft to allow small enterprises and sole traders in the IT sector use advanced software for their projects for free.

Mr Abela explained that this course includes six modules focusing on E-Gov services, mobile communications and M-Services, Outlook for business, soft skills training for customer care, time management and basic book keeping, as well as the use of Excel Spreadsheet as a business tool. One of the course modules will be run by HSBC on internet banking facilities. Through HSBC’s internet banking, businesses may benefit from online access to their accounts from the comfort of their own home, office or even when travelling, as well as fast payment facilities in Malta and across borders without the use of a cheque book or other expensive payment methods.

The plans for next year are that EBIZ will be rolled out in the rest of local councils in Malta and Gozo and to be extended further into EBIZ YOUTHS for budding entrepreneurs over the coming three years.

Applications, which have to be submitted by 29 January, can be collected from the respective local councils, HSBC branches and TCTC offices in Naxxar and Paola. The courses will start at the end of January and there will be weekly classes between 1 and 3.30pm or from 7 to 9pm.