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The Trade and Industry Department (TID) today (January 21) hosted a reception to mark the successful conclusion of the eighth round of the SME Mentorship Programme. The Director-General of Trade and Industry, Mr Kenneth Mak, expressed his gratitude to programme co-organisers, mentors, and various parties and organisations for their dedication and wholehearted support. A few mentors and mentees also shared their experience under the programme at the reception.
Since its inception in 2000, the SME Mentorship Programme organised by the Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs (SUCCESS) of TID has received support from major industrial and trade organisations as well as various professional bodies in Hong Kong. These supporting organisations assign suitable mentors to owners and management staff of participating SMEs who are at an early stage of business, offering them free consultation on entrepreneurial skills for a 12-month mentorship period. The number of programme co-organisers rose significantly from nine in the first round to 68 in the current round of the programme. Moreover, the total number of mentors participating in all rounds has exceeded 600, benefitting about 1,300 mentees in total.
SMEs face many challenges and difficulties during their start-up stage. Under the programme, accomplished entrepreneurs and professionals render expert advice to mentees through one-on-one counselling, helping the mentees to establish a good foundation for their business development, widen their exposure and expand their business connection, thereby raising their competitiveness.
In addition, SUCCESS has organised various business management activities for mentees under the programme. The mentees are also encouraged to participate in seminars and activities organised on a regular basis by the TID on issues of concern to SMEs, to help them broaden their business knowledge and enhance their entrepreneurial skills.
In addition to the programme, the TID operates various SME funding schemes to assist SMEs in financing, expanding export markets and enhancing competitiveness. SUCCESS' new office in Kwun Tong also provides a comprehensive range of business information and consultation services for SMEs.
Ends/Thursday, January 21, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:42
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