To help young people realize their start-up dreams, Sino Group has been offering physical shop spaces in its malls with zero base rent for the first six months and a flexible rental payment based on sales turnover under the programme “Well-Being • Start-Up 2.0”, an initiative by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA).
A physical shop is more than just the first step to starting a business. It also allows young entrepreneurs to interact directly with their customers, promote their brand vision and expand their business.
The programme also benefits Hong Kong by fostering a start-up culture and injecting fresh impetus into the local retail sector while infusing the community with greater vibrancy and creativity.
Phase 1 of the project has received overwhelming response with four projects selected and launched in August at three Sino Malls: Olympian City, Island Resort Mall and Citywalk.
Winnie Ho Wing-yin, Secretary for Housing, recently made a visit to the start-ups at Olympian City. They include fragrance brand Mindfie Goods that crafts incense cones using natural materials; eco-friendly paper quilling craft Well Voyaged; and therapeutic sand painting Satou.
Impressed by the young entrepreneurs, Ho thanked Sino Group for its strong support for the HKHA’s “Well Being・Start-Up 2.0” programme and for providing opportunities for budding creative brands to expand their businesses from e-commerce and pop-up markets into physical stores.
“These projects blend meaningful elements such as art, eco-friendliness and wellness into their brands, showcasing the diverse creativity of Hong Kong’s entrepreneurs and their deep connection with the local community,” said Ho.
Phase 2 of the programme is now open for application. On top of retail spaces at Sino Malls including tmtplaza, Olympian City and Citywalk, Sino Group is giving successful applicants another strong boost by promoting these newbies in multiple aspects.
“In addition to providing support with rental costs, we will continuously offer comprehensive marketing support, including exposure on giant in-mall screens and social media platforms, as well as leveraging the Group’s membership program,” said Bella Chhoa, Director of Asset Management of Sino Group.
Chhoa added that the brand concepts, target customer groups and actual needs of the start-ups will be matched with Sino Group’s retail strategy to help young businesses set up in its large shopping malls in different districts.
