Market Gaps on Access to Finance - Bank of Valletta

Malta Business Bureau – <strong>Market</strong> gaps in access to finance
April 2013
4.1.3 The Questionnaire
The final version of the questionnaire (copies of which are shown in Appendix A: English version and
Appendix B: Maltese versions) and the ‘demographic’ variables used were discussed and determined
with the MBB, also taking into consideration relevant questions from the EC’s SAFE initiative. The
questionnaire consisted of a number of close-ended questions and probes the attitudes, individual
preferences, behaviour and concerns related to access to finance for SMEs.
The draft questionnaire was initially pre-tested on a sample of 5 respondents. Adjustments were
made accordingly, depending on the feedback received.
4.1.4 The Interviewers
The survey was conducted by trained and experienced interviewers who were given a technical
briefing organised by our research team before conducting the interviews. The inputting of the
quantitative data from the responses was carried out by these trained staff using a spreadsheet
specifically prepared by the research team.
4.2 Stakeholder consultation
In order to gather further information on current financial assistance and sectoral needs, a number
of sectoral stakeholder interviews were conducted. These included interviews with:
Bank of Valletta plc, as financial intermediary in charge of the implementation of JEREMIE
Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs, including officials in charge of fisheries and
agriculture assistance schemes, as well as officials from the Paying Agency
Co-operative representing operators in the fisheries sector
Malta Enterprise representatives
Sectoral Sub-Committee on Growth and Competitiveness, within MFIN
Office in charge of the EMFF within PPCD
Office in charge of ESF within PPCD
Individuals involved in VC funds in Malta
Page | 42