A new chapter for youth entrepreneurship in Malta began with the official launch of the Intrapriża 16 initiative, a framework that will allow young people aged 16 to 18 who have completed compulsory education to establish and run their own Youth Enterprises.
The initiative was officially launched at an event held at Junior College, where stakeholders from government, education, and youth organisations came together to discuss how Malta can better support young people in exploring entrepreneurship and participating in the economy.
The new framework introduces a legal structure for Youth Enterprises (YE), enabling minors to formally register and operate businesses under specific safeguards. The initiative aims to remove legal barriers that previously prevented young people under 18 from engaging in entrepreneurial activity, while ensuring that they receive the necessary mentorship, support, and oversight.
The concept behind this reform emerged from discussions between the Government and JA Malta, reflecting years of work dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and employability among young people. Through its programmes, JA Malta has long advocated for creating practical pathways that allow students to gain real-world experience in business while developing the confidence and responsibility required for future leadership.
During the launch event, speakers emphasised the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial thinking from an early age and creating environments where young people can test ideas, learn from experience, and build valuable life skills.
For JA Malta, the initiative represents a natural extension of its mission to prepare young people for real life and real work through experiential learning. Programmes such as the Company Programme and Start-Up Programme already provide students with opportunities to conceptualise, develop, and manage real ventures. The introduction of Youth Enterprises further strengthens this ecosystem by enabling motivated young individuals to take their entrepreneurial ambitions one step further.
The launch also reflects a growing national conversation about youth participation in economic activity and the role of entrepreneurship education in shaping Malta’s future workforce.
By enabling young people to explore entrepreneurship earlier, Intrapriża 16 aims to foster innovation, responsibility, and financial capability among Malta’s youth while supporting the development of the country’s next generation of business leaders.
More information about Youth Enterprises and JA Malta initiatives can be found at:
https://jamalta.org/youth-enterprise/
