2 May 2014 – More than 230 exhibitors, up 86 per cent over last year’s show, and a new fair record, are taking part in the sixth Entrepreneur Day, which opened today and continues through tomorrow at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The two-day fair features business start-up information and support services for entrepreneurs, along with a wide variety of activities and events.
A Challenging Dream
“Starting a new business is the dream of a great many people. Indeed, a recent HKTDC survey finds that the entrepreneurial spirit in Hong Kong is stronger than it was three years ago,” said Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Executive Director Fred Lam, speaking at the fair’s opening ceremony this morning. “Of course, no one said starting a business was easy. And maintaining it and expanding it are as challenging as getting it off the ground.”
That’s where the HKTDC comes in, said Mr Lam. “The HKTDC offers a wide array of services. We help start-ups find business partners and strategies for success. Entrepreneur Day is one of our major initiatives,” he added. “You’ll find a wealth of start-up opportunities and support services at this year’s fair.”
“Helping Start-ups Take Off” is the fair’s theme. Specialised areas include Franchise Operator, Business Brokerage, Online Start-up, Social Enterprises and Micro-Enterprises. There are also zones for fund-raising platforms, incubation funds and support services. Start-ups can look for partners and investors at the show.
Making it Happen
Some 20 seminars and workshops are on offer over the fair’s two days. They range from today’s noon “Business from the Heart,” organised by the Home Affairs Bureau and the HKTDC, to this afternoon’s “Strategies in Starting a Business in China” and “Be Your Own Boss” sessions. Seminar highlights tomorrow include a morning spotlight on shared space, along with afternoon sessions on expat start-up stories, starting an online business and franchising.
Success Stories
Today’s “CEO dialogue” features four successful CEOs: Dr Cliff Chan, CEO of TeleEye Holdings Ltd, Ronnie Cheng, Director of Lab Made Ltd, Crystal Hung, Managing Director of Chocolat-ier Ltd, and Joyce Wu, founder of the CANA Academy Ltd.
Designing Business
Other highlights include the new Cross-Matching Pavilion. Organised by the Innovative Entrepreneur Association, sponsored by CreateHK and implemented by the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the pavilion showcases 80 illustrators and graphic, product and multimedia designers. And, in the fair’s Micro-Enterprise Zone, 20 small companies are presenting their products and services.
Entrepreneur Arena
Returning are the popular “Fund & Mentor” and “Entrepreneur Arena” offerings. The latter spotlights those intending to start a business within the year, presenting their business plans to judges and an audience. This year, 23 individuals are taking part, with more than a thousand audience members casting their votes online. Paul Pong, Managing Director of Pegasus Fund Managers Ltd, and Vincent Wong, founder and CEO of Solution-on-Wheels, are the star judges of Entrepreneur Arena.
Fair Dates/Hours
2 May: 10:30am to 6:30pm
3 May: 10am to 6pm
Venue: Hall 1 DE, HKCEC
Website: www.hktdc.com/eday
Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Corporate Communication Department:
Joe Kainz
Tel: (852) 2584 4216
Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org
