On 12 August 2023, Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) held a party to officially launch our Community of Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs. FSI has been growing this community since the completion of our inaugural Mentorship Program for Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs in 2022, all in an effort to bring like-minded people together to grow and support each other.
As we continue to work with and support more ethnically diverse entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, a common thread has started to emerge: the ethnically diverse communities in Hong Kong often lack opportunities to represent themselves, especially when it comes to entrepreneurship.
From what we learned about the challenges facing ethnically diverse entrepreneurs, FSI continues to collaborate with corporate volunteers to curate toolkits and guides that are consolidated and accessible on our Entrepreneur’s Toolkit. To enhance the visibility of businesses run by ethnically diverse entrepreneurs, we have launched GuideFong, Hong Kong’s first business directory for every ethnically diverse business. Additionally, our annual Mentorship Program for Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs is designed to practically support the long-term growth of the entrepreneurial community.
The launch party was more than just about showcasing, gathering, and celebrating the various businesses and veneers of the ethnically diverse communities in Hong Kong. It also served as an occasion to facilitate knowledge and opinion exchange, and recommendations from our community of entrepreneurs on the next steps of co-creating a more equitable and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hong Kong.
We are also partnering with other organizations like FundFluent and WEDO Global to expand our reach and impact. We hope that through this community, we can create an interactive ecosystem and a reciprocal hub where diverse voices can thrive, and entrepreneurship becomes a bridge to bring everyone closer.
A Community for Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs by Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs
We kicked off the launch party with an open-mic session that showcased the range of ideas and businesses founded and run by the attendees. From tech startups such as Hollo and VSurf, sustainable brands such as Breer HK and Bampads, to marketing ventures and influencers such as KOLture and @foodie_explorez, the attendees demonstrated the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape that is diverse in ethnicity, gender, and business solutions to social challenges.
Then came FSI’s big reveal to unveil our upcoming plans to support ethnically diverse entrepreneurs, including the positively acclaimed Mentorship Program and an exciting lineup of workshops developed with our corporate partners.
But the real magic happened when we invited the community to speak up for themselves. Our key learnings were:
Importance of Community: Having a community that entrepreneurs can resonate and work with brought in fresh perspectives for growing their businesses, in addition to opening more opportunities for creative collaboration.
One-Stop Resource Hub: Entrepreneurs pointed out the scattered nature of entrepreneurial resources and the need for a central platform of knowledge dissemination, especially resources that are accessible in English. We’re taking note: a unified place to guide both budding and veteran entrepreneurs is on the radar.
Main Challenges: Language barriers, funding conundrums, and cultural nuances came to the forefront. The demand for solutions was loud and clear. Of particular importance to members of the community was the ‘art of selling’, especially marketing and sales initiatives that would enable the community to access the local mainstream market.
The launch party concluded successfully on a high note with a networking session over delectable finger foods provided by Africa Center Hong Kong and Al Baick Fast Food. Entrepreneurs exchanged ideas, contacts, and inspiration, reinforcing the foundation of a community committed to mutual growth. We are grateful to all participants, partners, and contributors who made this event unforgettable.
Join FSI’s Community of Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs if you want to co-learn with and build a reciprocal relationship with entrepreneurs like yourself in Hong Kong! The easiest way is to apply for our Mentorship Program 2023 by 25 August, whether as mentors or mentees. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn, grow, and support one another in our journey to build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Additionally, you can join our WhatsApp group, list your business on GuideFong, and explore various FSI programs designed to nurture your entrepreneurial aspirations. For more information, reach out to us at cbs@shared-impact.com.
