MESSAGE FROM CEO
As we step into April, we take a moment to reflect on a highly impactful and dynamic month of March at JA Malta.
Over the past weeks, we have seen strong engagement across our programmes, alongside key national developments that continue to highlight the growing importance of entrepreneurship and financial education. From large-scale events to hands-on learning experiences, March has been a clear reflection of our commitment to equipping young people with practical skills for real life and real work.
This edition looks back at some of the key highlights from the month, including major milestones, student achievements, and collaborative initiatives with our partners. It also provides a glimpse into what lies ahead as we continue building momentum into the coming months.
As always, we remain grateful for your continued support in helping us create meaningful opportunities for young people across Malta.
Thank you for being part of the JA Malta journey.
Warm regards,
Matthew Caruana
CEO
JA MALTA STORIES
Malta Opens the Door for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Malta has taken a significant step forward in youth empowerment with the official launch of Intrapriża 16 – a new legal framework enabling young people aged 16 to 18 to set up and run their own businesses.
This initiative introduces a new type of company, known as a Youth Enterprise (YE), removing longstanding legal barriers that previously prevented minors from formally registering and operating a business.
The reform is the result of ongoing collaboration between the Government and JA Malta, building on years of work focused on equipping young people with entrepreneurial and financial skills through practical, hands-on experiences.
Through structured safeguards, mentorship, and training, participants will be able to gain real-world business experience while continuing their education. This initiative aims to strengthen essential skills such as financial literacy, critical thinking, and confidence—preparing young people for future opportunities.
🔗 Learn more: https://jamalta.org/youth-enterprise/
Intrapriża 16 represents a bold and forward-looking investment in youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and opportunity in Malta.
Marketplace 2026 Recap
On the 17th Marketplace 2026, hosted by JA Malta at the entrance of Valletta, brought together over 180 students from more than 30 Company Programme teams, each showcasing their mini-companies – real businesses developed through months of hands-on entrepreneurial learning.
The event celebrated the creativity, innovation, and dedication of Malta’s emerging young entrepreneurs, offering them a platform to present their ideas to the public and key stakeholders.
We were honoured to welcome distinguished guests, including Robert Abela, Ian Borg, Julia Farrugia, and Keith Azzopardi Tanti, alongside members of the Opposition, all of whom engaged with students and showed their support for youth entrepreneurship.
A highlight of the event was the Marketplace Green Practices Award, sponsored by Project Green, which recognised the team demonstrating the strongest commitment to sustainability. Congratulations to XUĠA, this year’s deserving winner 🌱
We extend our sincere thanks to all our partners: Deloitte Malta, Jobsplus Malta, HSBC Malta Foundation, Hili Ventures, EFQ Management Consultants, Malta Business Registry, Corinthia Hotels, FinanceMalta, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, Farsons Group, and Bolt Malta for making Marketplace 2026 possible.
Learning by doing. Start here. 🚀
Start-Up Programme Bootcamp: From Ideas to Execution
The JA Malta Start-Up Programme Bootcamp continued with two impactful days focused on turning ideas into action.
The weekend kicked off with sessions led by Marion Bugeja (MDIA Malta) and Rebecca Gera (MISCO Malta), who introduced participants to prototyping and market research, equipping them with the tools to test their ideas and better understand their target audiences.
Participants also had the opportunity to hear from Elenya Spiteri (MedyMind), last year’s programme winner, who shared insights from her entrepreneurial journey and reflected on her experience within the programme.
This was followed by a session delivered by JA Malta CEO, Matthew Caruana, focusing on the Business Model Canvas, helping students strengthen the foundations of their startup concepts.
Additional sessions included Luca Bondin (Digital Brain), who explored the role of AI in business innovation, and Frank Zammit, who provided valuable insights into branding and positioning.
Through these sessions, participants gained practical tools, real-world perspectives, and continued to develop their ideas through JA Malta’s learning by doing approach.
We extend our sincere thanks to our partners HSBC Malta Foundation, Jobsplus, EY Malta, Tech.mt, Malta Business Registry, and Camilleri Preziosi Advocates for their continued support.
Global Money Week 2026 - Economics of Life Hackathon
As part of Global Money Week 2026, JA Malta, in collaboration with HSBC Malta Foundation, hosted the 2nd Economics of Life Hackathon at St Clare’s College.
The hackathon brought together over 130 students across 25 teams from schools throughout Malta, creating a dynamic environment focused on tackling real-life financial conversations.
Through a hands-on, “learning by doing” approach, students developed essential skills in:
- navigating financial pressure points
- making informed financial decisions
- building everyday money management confidence
🏆 Winners – Tertiary Category
🥇 Infinity – Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)
Secondary Category
🥇 Money Masters – St. Benedict College Pietru Pawl Saydon Secondary School, Kirkop
🥈 SMC L8 – Chiswick House School & St Martin’s College Malta
🥉 SAS 2 – San Anton School
A sincere thank you to HSBC Malta Foundation for their continued support in empowering young people with the financial knowledge and skills needed for life.
STEMstarz Shine on the International Stage
Congratulations to the STEMstarz team from Verdala International School, representing JA Malta at the International Student Company Festival in Riga, Latvia, who were awarded the Socially Responsible Business Award.
This achievement marks a proud moment for Malta on the international stage, recognising the team’s commitment to impact, innovation, and responsible entrepreneurship.
During their time in Riga, the team also had the opportunity to visit one of the McDonald’s premises, gaining valuable insights into real-world business operations and experiencing first-hand how a global organisation operates.
A sincere thank you to Hili Ventures for making this international experience possible and for their continued support in creating meaningful learning opportunities for our students.
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
🚀 JA Malta Finals Night 2026: Celebrating Student Innovation
🚀 Get ready for an inspiring evening of innovation and ambition!
Join us on 16 May at Teatru Salesjan as we celebrate the incredible achievements of students in the Company and Start-Up Programmes.
✨ Experience bold ideas, creative solutions, and the energy of Malta’s next generation of entrepreneurs – all in one unforgettable night.
🎟️ Don’t miss out – secure your seat now:
https://jamalta.org/r/Finals-Registration-Form-2026
Be there. Be inspired. Be part of the future.
Summer Opportunity: Become a Programme Facilitator
JA Malta is currently seeking Summer Entrepreneurship Programme Facilitators to deliver engaging, hands-on sessions as part of Skolasajf 2026 for students aged 7–14.
This is a unique opportunity for individuals looking to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on young learners.
Why apply?
- Develop your public speaking and leadership skills
- Gain valuable experience in entrepreneurship and education
- Work alongside a dynamic and inspiring team
- Contribute to shaping the next generation of innovators
We are looking for individuals who are creative, confident, and passionate about working with young people.
📩 Apply now: hello@jamalta.org
⏰ Deadline: 15 May 2026
🔗 More information: http://jamalta.org/summer-entrepreneurship-facilitator/
Take the opportunity to inspire, educate, and make a difference this summer.