Young people who feel that they have a great idea for a new business have the chance to test their talents in the JCI Malta Best Business Plan Competition.

“It is the only one in Malta which gives individuals, rather than groups or teams, the opportunity to put their business ideas forward,” JCI Malta National president Dr Elaine Tabone Adami said yesterday.

Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Competitiveness and Communications, Marcel Pizzuto, HSBC’s Head of Commercial Banking James Dunbar Cousin and KPMG’s Senior Partner Hilary Galea Lauri, JCI Malta LOM President La Vallette, Chris Degabriele and BBP 2006 Project Leader Erika Azzopardi, were present at the launch.

The fifth edition of the competition is supported by HSBC Bank Malta and KPMG Malta.

The first prize is Lm1,000 and the first runner-up will be awarded a cash prize of Lm250. The winner will automatically participate in JCI’s International Best Business Plan Competition with the possibility of winning USD5,000 cash award as start up funding as well as an all expenses paid trip to the 2006 JCI World Congress in Seoul, Korea.

The BBP Competition is an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to compete both locally and internationally, for an award recognising the most innovative business plan.

Prospective entrepreneurs come up with an innovative commercial idea and communicate their ideas through the presentation of a business plan to a panel of judges.

“JCI Malta encourages a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship amongst young Maltese,” said Dr Tabone Adami.

“This sustains JCI Malta’s mission to be the forum for the development of bold and stimulating leaders within our community.”

Participation in the local competition is open to all Maltese residents aged between 18 and 40. Membership of JCI Malta is not a prerequisite for participation however the Lm10 application fee will automatically include a one-year membership.

Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a worldwide federation of young leaders and entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 40. The federation has over 200,000 active members worldwide and millions of alumni participating in projects and events.

For more information about the BBP Competition and an entry form, one may visit www.jci.org.mt, e-mail [email protected] or contact the 2006 BBP Competition Project Team on 99 488 509.

Submission deadline of a business plan for the competition is 12 May 2006.