HSBC is the first bank in Malta to join the Microsoft BizSpark Programme as a Network Partner. The Microsoft BizSpark Programme is a global programme designed to accelerate the success of early stage ICT start-ups. BizSpark provides software, support and visibility to ICT start-ups, giving entrepreneurs fast and easy access to current full-featured Microsoft development tools and productions licences of server products, with no upfront costs and minimal requirements.
As a BizSpark Network Partner, HSBC Malta Commercial Banking will be able to offer its technology start-up business banking customers the opportunity to enrol in Microsoft's Programme and receive its full suite of software and platform technologies free of upfront costs for the first three years.
The Programme was designed to accelerate the success of technology start-ups across the globe by connecting them on an online ecosystem which will provide mentoring, guidance and resources from all network partners and peers. The Programme is available to businesses under three years of age, who are actively engaged in the development of a software-based product or service that is core to their business model.
Michel Cordina, Deputy Head of Commercial Banking HSBC Malta, said: "The technology sector remains vitally important for HSBC and accounted for a substantial portion of start-up businesses in 2009. Given the current economic environment we will hold to our traditional values and support and nurture sensible business propositions. Joining an established programme like BizSpark helps us maintain our commitment to help our customers succeed.
"By becoming a BizSpark Network Partner we will be able to access the latest software to provide our technology start-up business banking customers with advice and networking opportunities at a life stage of their business when knowledge from outside sources is the most valuable, but also least affordable. This is a unique opportunity for start-up businesses in the IT sector to gain head-start. "
Pierre Mallia, Head of Microsoft Malta, said; "We are very pleased to have HSBC on board. It is often assumed that big multinational companies are unaware of or unconcerned by the pressures and needs facing small businesses. This is certainly not the case; we recognise how vital entrepreneurship is in driving innovation and to the Maltese economy as a whole, particularly in the current climate. Together we are able to extend BizSpark to more IT start-ups in Malta, enabling a new generation of entrepreneurs to flourish."
Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Lands Jason Azzopardi said that initiatives like the BizSpark Programme formed part of a context which encourages investment and initiative by the small and medium sized enterprise and the self-employed. He said that the Government encourages such initiative, as it generates investment and it creates jobs.
Dr Azzopardi said that such programmes go hand in hand with initiatives launched by the Government in the last budget, designed to help SMEs and the Self Employed. The Tax Credit Scheme which is already in the implementation stage, together with an abundance of other incentives, confirms the Government's commitment to the sector which is the back-bone of Malta's economy.
During the press conference announcing the partnership, HSBC presented an Award to its 1,000th Business Direct Customer, since the updated service was introduced in April 2009. The Award went to dentist Dr Adam Bartolo.
Details on the BizSpark Programme may be obtained by accessing the HSBC Bank Malta website www.hsbc.mt/bizspark or Microsoft BizSpark website www.microsoft.com/bizspark.