Well Being·Start-Up 2.0 provides approximately 50 shops with discounted rent to support youth entrepreneurship

The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) announced today (April 17) the launch of the Well Being·Start-Up 2.0 Program, aimed at further supporting youth entrepreneurship through an expanded public-private partnership.

At the event held at Domain in Yau Tong, Secretary for Housing and HA Chairman Ms. Winnie Ho, along with Permanent Secretary for Housing Miss Charmaine Lee and other notable figures, celebrated this milestone and recognized the success of the programme's first phase. Awards were presented to outstanding entrepreneurial teams for categories such as Best Business Plan, Most Creative Product, Most Promising Business, and Most Popular Business.

Ms. Ho emphasized the strong support the programme has received from various sectors, stating, "To further assist youth entrepreneurship, the HA has expanded the programme with Well Being·Start-Up 2.0. This includes an entrepreneurial ladder with staged rental concessions and the addition of more shopping centres and shops." She noted that the programme will now extend to private shopping centres, allowing commercial partners to collaborate in providing more opportunities for young entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to inject vitality and innovation into Hong Kong's retail landscape.

The Well Being·Start-Up 2.0 Programme will offer three years of staged rental at discounted market rates, enabling entrepreneurs to allocate funds effectively for business development while gradually adjusting to market rental levels. The HA will conduct annual reviews to ensure the programme supports the sustainable growth of these entrepreneurial teams.

Additionally, the HA has expanded the total number of shops to 12, creating more opportunities for young people. The HA is also encouraging private shopping centres and landlords to join the initiative, having already secured support from over 10 organizations to provide approximately 40 shops and pop-up stores. These commercial partners will tailor their programmes to meet the diverse needs of youth entrepreneurs.

This expanded programme is expected to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hong Kong, enhancing the community and retail dynamics.

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