Why Expand? Unlocking US Market Opportunities for Hong Kong Startups

As the local landscape becomes increasingly competitive, Hong Kong startups are eager to explore new growth opportunities abroad. The United States, with its expansive market and culture of innovation, stands out as a prime destination for companies ready to scale internationally.

However, entering the US market comes with its own set of challenges, from navigating cultural nuances to understanding regulations and market entry strategies. To succeed, startups need a global mindset, agility, and practical know-how.

Join us for a Free Taster Workshop organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and Think Global Training Academy, designed specifically for Hong Kong startups looking to penetrate the US market. This hands-on program will provide essential insights, facilitate connections with global peers, and offer practical solutions for successful international scaling.

Deep dive into adapting Hong Kong business models for American consumers. This 3-hour workshop covers cultural messaging frameworks, value proposition translation across cultures, pricing psychology differences, and customer journey mapping for US markets. Participants develop culturally-adapted marketing campaigns and learn to avoid common cultural missteps that can damage brand credibility.

The workshop focuses heavily on developing cross-cultural business competency for US expansion. It covers American negotiation styles, relationship-building approaches, communication preferences, and regional market differences (West Coast vs East Coast business cultures). Includes practical exercises in pitching to American investors and building US-based partnerships.

Why Expand? Unlocking US Market Opportunities for Hong Kong Startups is an action-oriented workshop where Hong Kong entrepreneurs develop and refine their US go-to-market strategy in real-time. The program covers cultural market segmentation, American-style customer success approaches, partnership channel strategies, and building local credibility through culturally-informed content marketing.

Features case studies of successful Hong Kong companies in America and common pitfalls to avoid when crossing the Pacific.

 

Workshop Details

Date: 29 November 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Venue: Room B-E, 11/F, Genesis, 33-35 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong
Target Audience: Young entrepreneurs (companies over 2 years), startup founders, decision-makers, and business development leads interested in the US market
Language: English
Cost: Free of charge

 

Workshop Sessions

Session Content
The US Market Opportunity (45 minutes)
  • Market size and accessibility for Hong Kong startups
  • Success stories: Hong Kong companies thriving in America
  • Industry sectors with the highest potential for Hong Kong innovation
  • Understanding American consumer behavior and business culture
Challenges & Solutions (45 minutes)
  • Common obstacles Hong Kong startups face in US expansion
  • Cultural misunderstandings that can derail market entry
  • Resource requirements and timeline expectations
  • Building credibility as a foreign startup in competitive US markets
Your Expansion Readiness Assessment (45 minutes)
  • Self-assessment tools for expansion readiness
  • Timing indicators: when to expand vs. when to wait
  • Building your expansion team and advisor network
  • Next steps framework for serious expansion candidates
Q&A and Resource Sharing (30 minutes)
  • Open discussion with international business experts
  • Resource sharing and contact exchange
  • Introduction to comprehensive expansion programs for interested participants

 

Meet Your Trainer

Tonya McNeal-Weary, MBA, AMC
Managing Director, IBS Global Consulting, Inc.

Tonya McNeal-Weary is the visionary founder of IBS Global Consulting and a dynamic force behind empowering startups and entrepreneurs to “Think Global” and thrive in today’s interconnected world. With sharp expertise in international business strategy, Tonya transforms ambitious ideas into sustainable global success stories. Her hands-on consulting approach and innovative training methodologies equip emerging businesses with the tools and confidence to navigate complex markets, break barriers, and seize opportunities worldwide.

As an award-winning entrepreneur, Tonya is a trusted business advisor and mentor for prestigious programs, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Star Venture Programme, Select Global Women in Tech (SGWIT), Entrepreneurship World Cup, and several incubation and acceleration programs globally. As a mentor, she gives strategic advice and guidance to support startups in achieving their business objectives, drawing on her 23 years of business experience. Tonya has provided strategic advice and mentoring to entrepreneurs across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. She is also actively involved in various entrepreneurial networks, serving as a valuable resource and connector for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Tonya holds an Executive Diploma in Management Consulting from Grenoble Ecole de Management (France), an MBA in International Business from Walsh College (USA), and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Davenport University (USA).

 

Application Method

  1. The Programme only accepts online applications.
  2. Please submit the online application form on or before 26 November 2025, 5:00 PM.
  3. Seats are limited. Only shortlisted applicants will receive a confirmation email.

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your startup!

 

Contact us

The HKFYG Social Innovation and Youth Business Unit
Telephone: 3595 0945 (Ms Queenie Ting / Mr Fire Ng)
Email: sic@hkfyg.org.hk
Address: Room B-E, 11/F, Genesis, 33-35 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong
Facebook: hkfyg.sic