In Malta's evolving economy, Business 1st plays a central role as the government's one-stop shop for entrepreneurs and businesses. Operated under Malta Enterprise in partnership with the Malta Chamber of SMEs, Business 1st Limited was established eight years ago to consolidate a wide range of business-related government services into a single, accessible contact point. This corporate structure allows Business 1st to combine operational flexibility with a closer relationship to the private sector. Rather than navigating multiple government agencies, entrepreneurs can now access most of the essential services they need under one roof.
To understand Business 1st's significance, it is useful to consider the wider context of Malta's enterprise ecosystem. In 2023, Malta registered 56,358 active enterprises employing 252,021 people. Around seventy-two percent of these enterprises were either self-employed or operating as partnerships, with the remainder being limited liability companies. The vast majority of businesses in Malta are small and medium-sized enterprises, forming the backbone of the national economy. It is this segment that Business 1st primarily serves, offering targeted support and guidance to help SMEs establish, grow, and thrive.
At its core, Business 1st assists entrepreneurs with the registration of self-employed persons and partnerships and provides start-ups with essential information on the regulatory framework and their legal obligations. It also offers detailed guidance on the incentives, schemes, and support programmes available through Malta Enterprise and other government agencies. The organisation coordinates with the Malta Tourism Authority for licensing services, while also providing access to Inland Revenue and VAT services offered by the Ministry for Tourism, Culture and the Arts. When needed, Business 1st brings together representatives from different agencies to meet with SMEs and provide consolidated advice or approvals. By centralising these functions - ranging from registration to licensing, regulatory clearances, and tax registration - Business 1st significantly reduces the administrative burden on entrepreneurs and helps them start their ventures more efficiently.
Business 1st also serves an important European role as Malta's Point of Single Contact (PSC) within the framework of the European Commission's Single Digital Gateway. The PSC provides general information and assistance to Maltese and EU businesses wishing to operate in Malta, ensuring that they understand the required procedures and receive support throughout the process. This function makes Business 1st an essential partner for foreign investors and cross-border entrepreneurs seeking to establish a presence in Malta's growing economy.
Accessible Support Across All Channels
The organisation's website, businessfirst.com.mt, provides comprehensive information on how to start and manage a business in Malta. Entrepreneurs can visit the customer care counters located at Ċentru Joseph Grech, 2nd Floor, Cobalt House, Mdina Road, Central Business District in Mrieħel, without the need for an appointment. The centre hosts officers from the MTCA, responsible for VAT and Inland Revenue services, and from the MTA, who are available daily to assist clients. Other entities, such as Jobsplus and the Food Agency, maintain a regular presence at the Mrieħel offices to provide additional support. Clients can also contact Business 1st by telephone through the national helpline 144, available Monday to Friday. For entrepreneurs in Gozo, assistance is available through Malta Enterprise's office in Xewkija, ensuring that clients on both islands have equal access to services.
The reach and impact of Business 1st have grown steadily in recent years. On average, the organisation serves around forty thousand clients annually. By August of this year alone, more than twenty-four thousand clients had been assisted, with the walk-in service at the Mrieħel offices remaining the most popular channel. As demand continues to rise, maintaining high service standards has required adaptability and innovation. To meet this challenge, Business 1st has adopted flexible operational strategies such as cross-training employees so that back-office staff can assist front-office operations during peak periods. This approach has helped minimise waiting times and ensure that entrepreneurs continue to receive prompt, efficient service.
The organisation's dedication to service excellence has been widely recognised. Positive feedback is received regularly, both directly from clients and through mystery shopping exercises conducted by the Office of the Prime Minister. These results confirm that Business 1st consistently upholds the principles of efficiency, professionalism, and accessibility that define its mission.
Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Looking ahead, Business 1st is placing a growing emphasis on fostering youth entrepreneurship. The number of young people launching their own businesses immediately after completing school or university has increased notably, particularly in sustainability-driven sectors. This shift reflects a broader transformation in Malta's economy, where innovation, creativity, and adaptability are becoming critical drivers of success. In response, Business 1st is developing new initiatives to encourage young entrepreneurs and provide them with the tools and information they need to succeed.
The organisation is also expanding its support services to Gozo, working closely with the Ministry for Gozo and the Gozo Business Chamber to ensure that businesses on the sister island enjoy the same level of assistance as those in Malta. In addition, Business 1st has strengthened its collaboration with key institutions, including the Crafts Foundation, Servizzi Ewropej f'Malta (SEM), the Family Business Office, and the Commerce Department. These partnerships enhance the breadth and depth of support available to local enterprises by connecting them with valuable expertise and resources.
Today, Business 1st stands as more than an administrative hub; it is a strategic body in Malta's ambition to become a competitive, innovation-driven economy. For investors, it simplifies the regulatory landscape and provides clarity on processes. For SMEs, it opens doors to incentives, funding, and transformation. For digital and emerging businesses, it offers the tools for integration and scalability. By combining efficiency with collaboration and foresight, Business 1st continues to empower Malta's entrepreneurial ecosystem and strengthen its position as a dynamic centre for enterprise and innovation.
Marika Tonna is CEO, Business First