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SME Link provides comprehensive information and support services to SMEs

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the bedrock of Hong Kong’s economy, accounting for more than 98% of enterprises and employing about 45% of the private sector workforce in the city. With a view to strengthening support for SMEs to attain prosperity and success, the Trade and Industry Department consolidated the services of the existing four SMEs centres to provide one-stop "Four-in-One" integrated services for SMEs to obtain information and services at any of the Centres and launched a web portal called "SME Link" for SMEs to access comprehensive information and support services from a single online platform. Access comprehensive information from a single online platformSME Link features links to latest information on the SME support services provided by the four SME Centres and various Government bureaux and departments. Support and Consultation Centre for Small and Medium Enterprises (SUCCESS) SUCCESS under the Trade and Industry Department in collaboration with various industrial and trade organisations, professional bodies, private enterprises and other Government departments to provide SMEs with business information and consultation services free of charge. "Meet-the-Advisors" Business Advisory Services (BAS) provided by SUCCESS that makes arrangements for SME encountering problems relating to the starting and running of a business to consult experts for their professional advice on 25 advisory areas, including setting up business, marketing, legal and accounting matters. SME Centre SME Centre under the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) offers a comprehensive business library, meeting areas, function rooms and business support services. In association with various partner organisations, including industry organisations, chambers of commerce and Consulates in Hong Kong, the HKTDC provides a free business advisory service for SMEs to capitalise on trade-related business opportunities.The HKTDC Transformation Sandbox (T-box) is a SME support programme that helps SMEs enhance business competitiveness and achieve transformation goals in the areas of branding, e-commerce, manufacturing and supply chain solutions and new markets. Dedicated T-box staff will work with SMEs to identify goals and provide support over a three-month period, with group and individualised services, including advisory services, workshops, government-funding information, market knowledge and networking opportunities. The programme is offered free of charge and is open to all companies registered in Hong Kong. SME One SME One under the Hong Kong Productivity Council strives to facilitate local SMEs and startups to sustain their businesses’ competitiveness by providing to startups and inventors various supports, timely assistance and comprehensive information on market insights, technology transformation and government funding schemes, through its Inno Space and InnoPreneur Network. Assistance provided includes Meet with New Faces, eClinics, Seminars/Workshops/Study Missions and O2O Platform to showcase Tech and Business Solutions. TecONE TecONE under the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) provides detailed information on various funding schemes and indepth advisory services (in particular technology-related programmes under the funding schemes of HKSTP or the HKSAR Government), including professional guidance on the application of the funding schemes. Other topical contentInformation and services under the cluster "Support for SMEs" of the SME Link are categorised by subjects under a customer-oriented approach, comprising "Government Funding Schemes", "Non-financial Assistance", "Startups", "Mainland Market" and "Overseas Markets", facilitating SMEs to search for useful information and services in a more systematic way.

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[Social Innovation] SIE Fund's new batch of intermediaries to provide support for social entrepreneurs

The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (SIE Fund) has appointed four organisations as the third batch of intermediaries in 2023 to run a new round of innovative programmes to provide support for more social entrepreneurs. By promoting social innovation and entrepreneurship, it enables more social entrepreneurs to address social needs through innovative ideas, products and services, and assists the Government in formulating targeted poverty alleviation initiatives. The four intermediaries appointed are Fullness Social Enterprises Society Ltd, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, MakerBay Foundation Limited and Oxfam Hong Kong.The four intermediaries are knowledgeable and experienced organisations in the social innovation field. They aim to nurture and support social innovators and organisations to develop innovative projects with diversity and impact through the following innovative programmes. Individuals and organisations with innovative ideas in addressing poverty issues and wish to seek financial support to implement innovative projects may learn more by clicking the below logos and approach the intermediaries running innovative programmes directly and submit applications under their funding schemes. Wish to compare the four innovative programmes in one go? Do not miss the Programme at a glance, a clear comparison table highlighting the eligibility, amount of grant and uniquite features of the prorgammes. Innovator Farm Impact Incubator Impact Innovation Lab Grant for Good  What is Social Innovation? What are Social Entrepreneurs? Click here to view the story《6 Fun Facts about Social Innovation》and know more！

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• #SocialInnovation
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