Have faith in Hong Kong's creative start-ups

We heard only recently, as the inaugural Art Central graced the waterfront, that start-ups shouldn't rely on the government to create a favourable environment to get going. As one of the 37,000 creative and cultural businesses in Hong Kong, it's fair to say this is already happening. Unorthodox businesses and daring entrepreneurs with a vision are making that leap - working, eating, sleeping, and updating their Instagram feed at all hours.

But not all start-ups are created equal. Of all of the categories of 'start-up', the creative industries are thought of as Hong Kong's wild child. The pink-haired black sheep of the family, a 20- or 30-something upstart teetering somewhere on the cusp of major fame or total collapse. It's brave, unchartered and it's not encouraged.

Creative start-ups are treated with both a reverential sort of acclaim - invited to speak on panels as "the creative", and yet at the same time, given a wide berth. The business that your parents would be keen you avoided at career fairs. "This way, darling," the wide-eyed student is steered towards a more conventional career path.

There is a sort of educational and economic cold feet about creativity and entrepreneurship, especially together, which has a stifling effect on the growth potential of the art, craft, film, music, design and gaming industries.

Yet, we know that a mature economy has creative industries. Why? Because they represent innovation, curiosity and a depth of thinking that challenges the status quo.

Until Hong Kong has its very own authentic creative export, the economy can't and won't be considered fully mature. Ironic really.

Despite this, Hong Kong is actually a pretty remarkable place to set up a creative business. You can do anything you want in one day - you can go to the bank, the post office, your printer, meet customers, and even visit your manufacturer, who is probably only a two-hour drive away across the border. Hong Kong is also one of the global distribution and logistics centres.

There is a vibrant and educated market for designer-direct goods, innovative products and new brands here. Discerning consumers are looking for tailor-made and become a supporter when they can meet and get to know the creative talent behind the product.

From a practical perspective, Hong Kong's thriving co-working spaces also take the loneliness out of starting your own business. But they aren't viable for all - for instance, product designers with patents pending, fashion brands that need a showroom. For these businesses, the only option is their own office space or shop, and unfortunately you're then competing with the big guys. Even at start-up-friendly spaces like PMQ in Sheung Wan and locations at about-to-be-delivered MTR stations, you are faced with high rents and fierce competition.

As long as the creative industries are still seen as a risky business with questionable returns, talent and money will go with the "safer bet". But some of the most innovative companies in the world were never considered the safe bet to begin with.

Kitty Parkes is managing director of Parkes & Poole, a PR consultancy for start-ups and SMEs. She is also founder of What Kitty Made, an artisan crafts, food and events business