Valletta, Malta – 14 March 2026 – JA Malta will host Marketplace 2026 at the entrance of Valletta, bringing together over 180 students from more than 30 Company Programme teams to showcase the businesses they have developed through hands-on entrepreneurial learning.
Marketplace marks the culmination of months of student-led work. Through the JA Malta Company Programme, participants conceptualise, develop, and manage real business ventures, gaining practical experience in teamwork, financial literacy, problem-solving, and leadership. The event provides students with the opportunity to present their products and services to the public, business leaders, and industry professionals.
This year’s event takes place against the backdrop of ongoing national discussion regarding youth participation in economic activity. The Prime Minister has recently announced plans to propose legal reforms that could potentially allow young people aged 16 to 18 to engage in commercial activity with fewer administrative constraints. While details of the proposal are yet to be outlined, the conversation reflects a broader recognition of the importance of equipping young people with entrepreneurial skills and financial capability.
“Marketplace is about creating meaningful opportunities for young people to apply what they learn in a real-world setting,” said Matthew Caruana, CEO of JA Malta. “Experiential learning builds confidence, responsibility, and readiness, qualities that are essential regardless of the wider regulatory framework.”
JA Malta extends its sincere appreciation to its partners: Deloitte, Jobsplus, HSBC Malta Foundation, Hili Ventures, EFQ Management Consultants, Project Green, Malta Business Registry (MBR), Corinthia Hotels, FinanceMalta, Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), Farsons Group, and Bolt for their continued support in making Marketplace 2026 possible.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend and support Malta’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
For more information, visit www.jamalta.org
