In the presence of Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana, the CEOs of SEM and Business First, Rodrick Zerafa and Marika Tonna, signed a cooperation agreement aimed at improving services for both startup and expanding businesses in accessing European funds.

The agreement establishes modes of collaboration between the two government entities, whereby SEM officials will provide training to Business First employees on European funding opportunities available for businesses. This cooperation is expected to lead to improved services and increased business awareness regarding sources of support for their operations.

In turn, SEM will gain a better understanding of business needs and will be able to guide them more effectively toward financing sources that align with their expansion goals.

Also present at the signing were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Economy, Enterprise, and Strategic Projects, Nancy Caruana, and the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for European Funds, Social Dialogue, Industrial Relations and Employment, Equality, and Reforms, Jonathan Vassallo. Malta Enterprise CEO George Gregory and SEM's Project Support Section Head, Darren Grasso, were also in attendance.

European Services in Malta (SEM) is a government agency that promotes European funds and assists individuals, organizations, and businesses in developing projects that may be co-financed by European funds and in applying for them.

Business First serves as the main point of contact for the business community, facilitating access to various public services and helping businesses to start and grow.