USEFUL INFORMATION FOR START-UPS

HKTDC organises more than 30 trade fairs a year in Hong Kong, forming 11 largest marketplaces of their kind in Asia, five of which are the world's largest. These fairs allow suppliers to meet with quality buyers from around the globe, enhancing the city's reputation as Asia's trade fair capital.

A) Supports from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)

i) HKTDC Marketing and Promotion
• Economy Booth / Start-up Zone at HKTDC Trade Fairs
HKTDC organises more than 30 trade fairs a year in Hong Kong, forming 11 largest marketplaces of their kind in Asia, five of which are the world's largest. These fairs allow suppliers to meet with quality buyers from around the globe, enhancing the city's reputation as Asia's trade fair capital. Start-up companies will be given priority when they apply for Economy Booths at HKTDC trade fairs. In some major HKTDC trade fairs, there is even a dedicated Start-up Zone, where start-up companies can apply for a mini-stand with a very economical price. Start-up Zone is an ideal platform for start-ups to get connected with manufacturing partners, suppliers, engineers, entrepreneurs and investors from around the world at the fairs. It not only allows start-ups to gain exposure but also offers an ideal occasion to test and validate their ideas and products. More details here.

• Dedicated events for start-ups at all stages
o To get started:
HKTDC Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) provides a wealth of start-up opportunities and supporting services tailor-made for the new start-ups in Hong Kong. It includes exhibition, informative seminars and forums as well as pitching sessions and onsite one-to-one advisory services to provide everything one needs to craft a business plan. More details here.

o To expand your business:
HKTDC SmartBiz Expo is a one-stop platform tailored for enterprises to explore trends in business transformation and upgrade through innovation, creativity, and application of technology and design, and market opportunities. More details here.

BIP Asia Forum - IPHatch Hong Kong Launch (Co-organised with Piece Future) is an open-innovation competition looking for enthusiastic start-ups or entrepreneurs to bring business concepts to fruition by commercialising the IPs / technology portfolios from renowned MNCs, local universities and R&D centres. More details here.

o To raise funds:
Asian Financial Forum - Deal Flow Matchmaking Session is a unique deal-sourcing and matchmaking session. Its InnoVenture Salon is newly launched to help investors identify high-potential start-up projects, as well as for start-ups to grasp intelligence to grow and prosper. More details here.

• Online Promotion
The hktdc.com in an online marketplace with 1.9 million registered international buyers. Start-ups can start with a free-trial and then choose to join the Super Promotional Package to display more product photos online and enjoy priority referrals to buyers visiting HKTDC trade fairs.

• Product Display / Catalogue Show at Overseas Trade Fairs
HKTDC offers preference to start-ups to participate in Hong Kong pavilions at important trade fairs overseas under the cost-effective Product Display and Catalogue Show format. More details here.

Nurturing and Mentoring Programme

• Start-up-Express

Co-organised with Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF), the programme targets start-ups with products or services suitable for mass consumer market, as well as with strong desire to enter the Chinese mainland market, or/and other Asian markets. Through a series of capability building, mentoring sessions and marketing activities, the programme offers start-ups with unique opportunities to learn, to grow and to connect. More details here.

• International Trade Fastpass

The “International Trade Fastpass” is a year-round seminar series that provides start-ups with practical knowledge on international trade, as well as the latest global market and technological trends. The programme has two major tracks, namely “Market Exploration” and “Capacity Building”. More details here.

ii) Other Services

• Business Matching

HKTDC constantly creates business opportunities for Hong Kong companies by putting them in touch with overseas and Chinese mainland business partner through the Customised
Business Matching Service. More details here.

• HKTDC Business Advisory Services

The HKTDC provides a free business advisory service to SMEs looking to capitalise on a trade-related business opportunity. This service is provided in-person on a one-on-one basis at the HKTDC SME Centre at Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
More details here.

• SME Workshop & Market Seminar

HKTDC offers a series of Entrepreneur Workshops and Seminars providing practical guides to areas such as business planning, SME financing, company set-up procedures, and online business. Check for latest events here.

• Online Resources

o SME‧Start-up Portal: A portal with access to all HKTDC support and resources to SMEs and Start-ups
o HK Startup Society: A “virtual co-working space” which provides a platform for the start-up community to work, learn, connect and grow.
o SME Blog: A blog with professional knowledge shared by industry experts
o HKTDC Forum: A platform for the business community to discuss issues, share experience and exchange ideas relating to international trade and business operations

B) Start-up Funding Schemes from Various Organisations in Hong Kong
• British Chamber Business Angel Programme
• Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF) Scheme
• Cyberport Incubation Programme
• Design Incubation Programme
• Incu-Tech Programme
• Incu-App Programme
• Innovation and Technology Venture Fund
• PolyU Tech Launchpad Fund (TLF) Scheme
• Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities (TSSSU)
• The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund
• Youth Business Hong Kong Microfinance Scheme

The Hong Kong SAR Government also offers various types of loans and funding schemes to support and promote the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong.

C) Visa Application
Entrepreneurs from overseas, Taiwan and Macao who plan to establish or join in a business in Hong Kong may apply under the General Employment Policy (GEP). Key requirements include:

• Good education background, technical qualifications or proven professional experience
• In a position to make substantial contribution to the economy of the HKSAR

Applications will be favourably considered for start-up entrepreneurs who plan to establish or join in a start-up business supported by a government-backed programme.

Consideration factors in assessing applications:
❖ Business plan
❖ Business turnover
❖ Financial resources
❖ Investment sum
❖ Number of jobs created locally
❖ Introduction of new technology or skills

To apply or learn more, please visit: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/investment.html