Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Youth Entrepreneurship: Taking Ideas to the Marketplace measure is an EU-funded initiative implemented in Gozo to support young people and youth-led micro enterprises in developing and expanding innovative business ideas. It is part of the CAP Strategic Plan (LEADER) 2023–2027 and aims to strengthen rural entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.
The measure provides grants between €5,000 and €10,000, covering 80% of eligible costs, with a total programme budget of €100,000. It focuses on helping young entrepreneurs aged 18–30 transform ideas into viable, market-ready businesses in rural Gozo.
What is the Youth Entrepreneurship Measure?
This measure is a targeted funding initiative designed to support youth entrepreneurship in the Gozo Region. It helps young individuals and micro enterprises develop, refine, and scale innovative business ideas that contribute to rural economic development.
It is implemented by the Gozo Action Group Foundation under the EU-funded CAP Strategic Plan (LEADER) 2023–2027 and forms part of Gozo’s Local Development Strategy.
Purpose of the Measure
The initiative aims to:
- Support youth-led entrepreneurship in rural Gozo.
- Encourage development of innovative business ideas.
- Strengthen rural economic activity and diversification.
- Improve access to markets for young entrepreneurs.
- Enhance skills, knowledge, and business capacity.
- Promote sustainable rural development.
- Facilitate transformation of ideas into viable enterprises.
- Expand economic opportunities for youth.
Key Focus Areas
The measure supports a wide range of entrepreneurial development areas:
Youth Entrepreneurship Development
- Encouraging young people to start new businesses.
- Supporting early-stage business creation and innovation.
- Promoting entrepreneurship as a career pathway.
Business Growth and Expansion
- Diversification of existing micro enterprises.
- Expansion into new markets.
- Strengthening business competitiveness.
Skills and Capacity Building
- Acquisition of business and entrepreneurial skills.
- Knowledge development for enterprise management.
- Training and practical learning opportunities.
Innovation and Market Readiness
- Development of creative and innovative business concepts.
- Preparation of businesses for market entry.
- Creation of information and demonstration materials.
Rural Economic Development
- Strengthening the rural economy in Gozo.
- Supporting local business ecosystems.
- Enhancing access to economic opportunities.
Who Implements the Program?
The measure is implemented by:
- Gozo Action Group Foundation
under the EU-funded CAP Strategic Plan (LEADER) 2023–2027.
It is part of broader EU rural development policies aimed at strengthening local economies through youth engagement and entrepreneurship.
Funding Details
The programme provides:
- Total budget: €100,000
- Grant size per project: €5,000 to €10,000
- Funding support: 80% of eligible costs
Applicants must co-finance the remaining 20% of project costs.
Eligible Beneficiaries
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Youth aged 18 to 30 years.
- Micro enterprises owned by individuals aged 30 or under.
- Ultimate beneficial owners must all be 30 or younger at the time of application.
- Must have a registered address in the Gozo Region.
Both individuals and existing youth-led businesses are eligible if they meet the age and location requirements.
Eligible Activities
Funding may be used for:
Business Development
- Development of new business ideas.
- Launch of innovative products or services.
- Business planning and market research.
Business Expansion
- Diversification of existing operations.
- Entry into new markets.
- Scaling of micro enterprises.
Skills and Knowledge Development
- Training programs and workshops.
- Entrepreneurship skill-building activities.
- Business management development.
Marketing and Market Preparation
- Creation of promotional and informational materials.
- Business visibility and branding initiatives.
- Market readiness activities.
Application Process
The program follows a structured rolling call process:
Step 1: Application Submission
Applicants submit proposals detailing:
- Business idea or existing enterprise.
- Development objectives.
- Budget and funding requirements.
- Expected impact on rural economy.
Step 2: Evaluation Process
Applications are assessed based on:
- Innovation and creativity.
- Economic and rural development impact.
- Feasibility and sustainability.
- Alignment with programme objectives.
Step 3: Bi-Monthly Assessment
Applications are reviewed every two months.
Step 4: Funding Award
Successful applicants receive funding covering 80% of eligible costs.
Step 5: Project Implementation
Beneficiaries implement business development activities.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated on:
- Strength and originality of business idea.
- Potential for rural economic impact.
- Innovation and market potential.
- Capacity of applicant to deliver the project.
- Contribution to youth entrepreneurship development.
- Feasibility of proposed activities.
Key Benefits of the Measure
The program provides:
- Financial support for young entrepreneurs.
- Opportunities for business innovation and growth.
- Improved access to markets and resources.
- Skill development and capacity building.
- Strengthening of rural economic ecosystems.
- Encouragement of youth-led enterprise creation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Weak or unclear business concepts.
- Lack of market research or feasibility planning.
- Missing eligibility requirements (age or location).
- Overestimating budgets or unclear financial planning.
- Lack of alignment with rural development goals.
- Poorly defined business outcomes.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve success chances:
- Clearly define the business idea and its value.
- Demonstrate strong market potential.
- Show how the project benefits rural Gozo.
- Provide realistic financial planning.
- Highlight innovation and sustainability.
- Emphasize youth-led leadership and ownership.
- Ensure compliance with eligibility rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is this youth entrepreneurship measure?
It is an EU-funded grant programme supporting young people and micro enterprises in Gozo to develop and expand business ideas.
Who can apply?
Individuals aged 18–30 and youth-led micro enterprises registered in Gozo with owners under 30.
How much funding is available?
Grants range from €5,000 to €10,000, covering 80% of eligible costs.
What is the total programme budget?
The total budget available is €100,000.
What can the funding be used for?
It can be used for business development, expansion, training, marketing, and innovation activities.
How often are applications reviewed?
Applications are assessed every two months under a rolling call system.
What is the main objective of the programme?
To support youth entrepreneurship and strengthen rural economic development in Gozo.
Conclusion
The Youth Entrepreneurship: Taking Ideas to the Marketplace measure is a targeted EU rural development initiative that empowers young people in Gozo to turn innovative ideas into viable businesses. By providing financial support, skill development opportunities, and market access assistance, it strengthens youth-led entrepreneurship and contributes to sustainable rural economic growth under the CAP Strategic Plan (LEADER) 2023–2027.
For more information, visit Gozo Action Group Foundation.