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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s economy, particularly in a climate where digital innovation and cutting-edge technology reign. Given the current economic uncertainties and the complex external environment, businesses must strategise and leverage market opportunities effectively to navigate ongoing challenges.
To support local SMEs, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) has launched a comprehensive suite of support measures and services to enhance their operational resilience and competitiveness. These initiatives encompass six core service offerings designed to address operational difficulties, restore confidence, and improve overall efficiency and adaptability in today’s dynamic landscape.
HKPC’s Executive Director emphasised the organisation’s long-standing commitment to providing holistic assistance to SMEs and start-ups through an extensive industry network. The HKPC’s support encompasses a range of initiatives that focus on enhancing productivity, fostering innovation, and strengthening competitiveness. They aim to enable local businesses to seize opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and international markets, ultimately fostering long-term sustainable growth.
The HKPC’s SME ReachOut team is dedicated to helping SMEs access suitable government subsidies and overcome challenges in navigating the application process. The team provides personalised consultation to address specific business needs. Additionally, the “Tech Buddy” service further supports SMEs by offering guidance on technological integration, helping them implement necessary upgrades and find solutions tailored to their operational requirements.
Recognising the growing importance of digital security, HKPC has collaborated with the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) to introduce the “Incident Response Guideline for SMEs”. This guideline is available free of charge and serves to heighten cyber security awareness and enhance prevention capabilities. The resource includes a range of cyber security alerts, phishing detection tools, and a ransomware prevention page, equipping SMEs with the knowledge to identify and counteract potential threats.
In line with global trends towards sustainable development, HKPC’s ESG One initiative offers complimentary ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) assessments for enterprises. The initiative promotes awareness and strengthens ESG capabilities within the business community. By collaborating with various industry stakeholders, HKPC seeks to build a comprehensive ESG ecosystem that supports SMEs in fulfilling their sustainable development objectives and enhances their overall business value.
HKPC has extended a 50% discount on select courses available through its vLearn online learning platform. These courses cover a wide range of topics, such as project management, marketing strategies, cyber security, crisis management, and ESG, providing SMEs with an opportunity to upskill and keep pace with the latest industry developments. The discount is also applicable to the consultancy and testing service personnel costs, supporting enterprises in research and development, as well as product testing initiatives.
The “Digital DIY” initiative offers cost-effective digital transformation solutions for SMEs and start-ups. It includes an AI chatbot service that provides digital self-assessment tools and tailored recommendations. This initiative is designed to guide businesses through the digital transformation process, enabling them to streamline operations and improve their technological infrastructure.
The “Biz Expands Easy” platform simplifies the government funding application process by providing a centralised interface for users to view and manage their applications in real-time. This service aims to alleviate the administrative burden associated with navigating various funding schemes, enabling SMEs to focus on growth and development.
To further promote SME development, HKPC will co-organise the “SME ReachOut: FUND Fair plus Tech Sourcing 2024” in collaboration with the Trade and Industry Department of the HKSAR Government on October 29 and 30, 2024, at the HKPC Building. This event will feature comprehensive resources, including information on government subsidies, technology solutions, expert consultations, and success stories. The fair aims to provide SMEs with a one-stop platform to explore solutions related to funding, technology integration, market expansion, ESG, and other business challenges.
