Gozo Forum Strengthening Malta’s Family - Business Backbone

The Family Business Forum Gozo 2025 took place on 27 November 2025 at the Gozo Innovation Hub to help family-owned firms improve governance, plan succession, and drive long-term growth. Through grants, advisory support and incentives, registered businesses gained access to structured guidance and financial benefits - cementing their role in Malta's economic fabric.

The forum brought together Gozitan business owners, successors and advisors for focused discussions on sustainable business practices. Representatives from the Gozo Business Chamber, Malta Enterprise, Invest Gozo, and the Malta Chamber of Commerce joined FBO Regulator Joseph Gerada to outline the support framework available to family enterprises.

Malta has made significant regulatory strides in recent years to position itself as an attractive hub for family offices. The establishment of the Family Business Office (FBO) under the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects demonstrates the Government's commitment to strengthening the continuity and competitiveness of family-run enterprises. This institutional support, combined with the strategic Mediterranean location, has enhanced the island's appeal for both local and international family businesses.

Gerada emphasised the tangible benefits of formal FBO registration. Registered family businesses can access advisory grants up to €20,000 for governance, strategic development and succession consultancy, alongside mediation support grants reaching €2,500.

The forum featured practical case studies from Gozitan family enterprises, interactive Q&A sessions with regulators and industry leaders, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration. Attendees also had the option to schedule one-to-one advisory meetings with the FBO team for personalised guidance on registration and available incentives.

With family businesses being a crucial part of Malta's economy, initiatives like the Family Business Forum Gozo 2025 underscore the government's recognition of their vital contribution. By providing structured support, financial incentives and regulatory clarity, Malta continues to build an ecosystem where family enterprises can thrive across generations while attracting international family offices seeking a stable, business-friendly jurisdiction.