NOBODY EVER said starting a business was easy. In fact, most aspiring entrepreneurs feel they have accumulated the skills and experience needed to set up a business only when they reach mid-career.
With the support of Youth Business Hong Kong (YBHK), however, some young adults have taken the plunge and launched new businesses that are expanding fast and are certain to inspire others.
The programme was established in July last year by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. So far it has helped nine companies to get started. One of them, Yik Shuen Chi Development, is doing improvements and renewal work for sports grounds.
Owner Hugo Lo Sai-kit said the first client turned out to be his previous employer.
'My former boss contacted me last summer, the peak season for renewal projects. I had worked [for the company] for about two years and was familiar with the working procedures, so they were happy to outsource some projects to me,' said Mr Lo, who graduated from Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2001 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
He said he had always planned to start his own business, but lacked the working capital to make it happen. When he heard that the YBHK offered loans to young entrepreneurs, he saw a golden opportunity and decided to apply.