With the various benefits it offers to businesses, Gozo certainly warrants some serious attention from prospective investors looking for a European base, as it is increasingly becoming the place to do business smartly and innovatively.
Among others, businesses based in Gozo can count on super-fast and resilient internet connectivity (GigaPower internet), excellent transport links, great business rates, a skilled local workforce, networking opportunities, and an idyllic island lifestyle offering 300 days of sunshine a year!
Business in Gozo
Although just 67 sqm, Gozo has big potential and big opportunities for businesses to grow. Building on the national economic growth the Maltese islands continue to experience as a regional centre of excellence, Gozo is now commanding attention from savvy investors inspired by the island’s economic potential.
The development of the Gozo Innovation Hub together with the installation of an additional fibre optic cable across the island ensure Gozo can credibly offer next-level digital solutions to tech companies in AI, bio-information, cyber-security, DLT’s and the Internet of Things.
These sectors are in no way limited by the islands’ insularity. On the contrary, thanks to its smaller size and population, Gozo offers them the ideal platform where to come up and develop innovative ideas, try them out in a small pilot project at a contained cost, and then share them on the global market once they have proved to be successful.
Identifying and integrating emerging technologies assures investors of the island’s ongoing commitment to Gozo’s Smart Island Digital Economy, and this has lured partner companies of Microsoft and Google to invest and commit to a future in Gozo.
Adapting to evolving market needs, Gozo is now fully equipped for teleworking and its workforce is highly skilled. Most Gozitans are not only fluent in their native Maltese and English, but many are conversant in other European languages too. Proportionally, in terms of population, Gozo sends more students to the University of Malta than Malta itself, with Gozitans generally achieving high standards of education.
The Location
Its island life is captivating: Steeped in history, with stunning coastal and rural landscapes, beautiful beaches and landmarks, a thriving sports scene (running, diving, football), and a laid back family-focused way of life. Although merely a 25 minute ferry trip away from mainland Malta, both islands are distinctly different and Gozo´s natural beauty and relaxed pace attract an eclectic mix of artists, professionals and academics.
Gozo’s thriving cultural scene has year-round music festivals and entertainment events, some of which link to its Roman Catholic faith, involving colourful festas, carnivals and pageants. Packed with things to see and do, Gozo inspires a strong sense of community belonging.
Its reliable public transport system and easily readable road signage make navigating around the island simple, adding to its international appeal. Visitors enjoy its clean living lifestyle, hiking coastal walkways, discovering historical treasures, or relaxing at its beaches and restaurants, savouring mouthwatering Maltese cuisine while watching the world go by. Also, Gozo’s reliance on tourism means there’s always a plentiful supply of rental properties; from character farmhouses with pools, through to modern townhouses and stylish seafront retreats.
Available schemes
Investors bringing businesses to Gozo are eligible for exclusive financial schemes administered by the Ministry for Gozo, such as the Employee Generation Refund Scheme giving employers partial salary reimbursements for newly recruited Gozo based staff; and the forthcoming Business Relocation Schemes to Gozo providing grants to help newcomer businesses penetrate the local marketplace.
If you are an investor considering relocating or expanding your business abroad, why not contact us and explore these and the many other advantages Gozo has to offer to you?
