Hong Kong’s Trade & Industry Department hosted an event yesterday to mark the completion of the eighth round of its SME Mentorship Program.
Launched in 2000, the program is organised by the department’s Support & Consultation Centre for SMEs (Success) and is supported by industrial and trade organisations as well as professional bodies in Hong Kong. These organisations assign mentors to the owners and management staff of young SMEs, offering free consultation on entrepreneurial skills over 12 months.
Program co-organisers have risen in number from nine in the first round to 68 in the current round. More than 600 mentors have participated in the scheme so far, to the benefit of about 1300 mentees, who receive one-on-one counselling.
Success also organises regular business management activities for program members, including seminars and activities. There are also funding schemes to help SMEs with financing, expanding export markets and enhancing competitiveness. The program has a new office in Kwun Tong offering business information and consultation services for SMEs.