Capacity Building programme

“Capacity Building for Equipping and Representing Micro Business Employers”

ESF 2007-2013 project (code 4.86)

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During the period 2009-2012 MEA embarked on a specific ESF programme “Capacity Building for Equipping and Representing Micro Business Employers”, focusing on microbusinesses. With the aid of the ESF funds, MEA carried out a three year awareness campaign, including an outreach exercise amongst 750 entrepreneurs, published a 67 page information booklet with a total distribution of 6000 copies, and also organised 22 training seminars with the participation of 235 entrepreneurs.

Details:

A Three year awareness campaign which included the:

Information booklet

Publication, printing and distribution of a 67 page information booklet.

6000 copies distributed amongst SMEs and Micro Enterprises.
An on-line HR manual which is accessible to MEA members.

Basically the Booklet includes:

32 pages -The Human Resource Handbook- FAQs about employing people
3 pages including info about a sample contract of employment
2 pages on Occupational health and safety
3 pages demonstrating Samples of engagement and termination forms
2 pages on Policies and procedures
8 pages on Opportunities for SMEs
And 2 pages with useful contact details

Training Seminars

22 training seminars with the participation of 235 micro business entrepreneurs.

Over a period of two years (Sept. 2010 – Sept. 2012)
The seminars were:

2 on finance legislation management
2 on human resources management
3 on energy/water/ waste serving
4 on EU occupational, health and safety legislation
3 on EU legislation for Micros
2 on EU and local tax legislation
1 seminar on Employment of third country nationals
3 on marketing policies
And 2 on EU rights and obligations

Outreach Exercise

Long hours dedicated for Outreach activities amongst 750 SMEs, operating in various sectors including:

Manufacture
Finance
ICT
Wholesale and retail
Bars and restaurants
Construction
Other services

During the outreach visits, MEA obtained key data on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the Micro Business Sector in Malta.

During the publicity campaign, a leaflet and a calendar were also published and distributed amongst thousands micro-businesses.