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The 2014/15 SME Mentorship Programme is open for application from today (February 18). The programme provides an invaluable opportunity for entrepreneurs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who are at an early stage in their business to learn from and be guided by accomplished entrepreneurs, senior executives and professionals through one-on-one free counselling.
The SME Mentorship Programme is organised by the Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs (SUCCESS) of the Trade and Industry Department (TID), with the support of 68 industrial and trade organisations and professional bodies as co-organisers.
"Through the programme, SME entrepreneurs can learn entrepreneurship, enhance their competitiveness, widen their exposure and expand their business network. Each successful applicant will be matched with an experienced mentor and undergo a 12-month mentorship. Mentors will listen to mentees' views and problems in running businesses, share with mentees their thinking and experience, and give advice," said a TID spokesman.
"In addition to meetings between mentors and mentees, SUCCESS will also organise various activities for mentees including experience sharing sessions, seminars and workshops, with a view to broadening their business knowledge and expanding their network of contacts," the spokesman added.
The first round of the SME Mentorship Programme was launched in 2000. Since then, the programme has successfully completed seven rounds. Thus far, over 500 volunteer mentors have participated in the programme, providing free counselling to about 1,100 mentees.
Entrepreneurs who own and actively run a business with a valid business registration in Hong Kong, which has been established for less than five years and employs fewer than 20 employees locally, are eligible to apply. Application forms and details of the programme can be obtained from SUCCESS, the co-organisers and District Offices of the Home Affairs Department. Alternatively, application forms and information can also be downloaded from the SUCCESS website (www.success.tid.gov.hk).
Completed application forms with the specified supporting documents should be submitted in person or by mail to SUCCESS (address: M/F, Trade and Industry Department Tower, 700 Nathan Road, Kowloon; office hours: Monday to Friday, 8.45am-6pm) on or before March 18.
For enquiries, please contact SUCCESS by phone (2398 5133) or e-mail (success@tid.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:01
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