Bank of Valletta is the strategic partner and the main sponsor of the Business Technology Network Malta (BTN) Programme. This is a new project launched by Malta Enterprise to assist technology transfer and access to finance for start-up companies. BTN will provide a local forum for technologies and investors to learn more about each other’s needs. It will also provide a pool of business resources and skills to develop new ideas. BOV’s support of this programme forms part of a framework of wider

support it is providing to Malta Enterprise.

During a press conference held at Malta Enterprise to launch the BTN Programme, Tonio Depasquale, Bank of Valletta’s chief executive officer said, “We will be sharing our expertise in the areas of financing, use of technology and business advice to support the objectives of this programme, namely the transfer of technology and access to finance for start ups. Our sponsorship of this programme forms part of BOV’s strategy to support small and medium sized businesses – adding value in this area and sustaining economic growth through the development of new investment opportunities.”

BOV is at the forefront in supporting SMEs. The bank today operates a network of Business Centres, the sole focus of which is to assist small and medium sized businesses with the provision of value added financial services. “This concept builds on BOV’s relationship banking strategy whereby specialised employees are being deployed to support the specific needs of the business sector. Through the bank’s Business Centres, the right infrastructure has been created to enable BOV to focus on the individual needs of each business customer, adding value through a relationship built on mutuality and understanding,” Mr Depasquale said.

BOV’s CEO confirmed that the bank’s active support in the BTN project will continue to reinforce this dimension. It will ensure that BOV will be in the best position to sustain valid innovative ideas to be transformed into successful business ventures.

“Our business credo is – your success, our goal. And our active participation in BTN will help us to continue to put this business philosophy into practice,” Mr Depasquale concluded.