Background
Incubation, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) is committed to encouraging young people to explore new directions beyond traditional employment, promoting the concept of “Another Choice. Another Opportunity.” Since 2002, we have been providing entrepreneurial education and training for young people. Established in 2005, the “Youth Business Hong Kong (YBHK)” offers comprehensive support for local young entrepreneurs, including practical financial assistance and a range of diverse services to help them realise their entrepreneurial aspirations.
The HKFYG is dedicated to fostering innovation and technological advancement. Effective from 2 October 2025, new interest-free loans will be introduced for entrepreneurial projects incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), with successful applicants eligible for up to HK$200,000. Meanwhile, other entrepreneurial projects will qualify for interest-free loans of up to HK$180,000, an increase from the original maximum loan amount of HK$150,000.
Four Core Services
1. Providing Seed Money
- Successful applicants will be eligible for interest-free loans of up to HK$180,000.
- For entrepreneurial projects incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), successful applicants can receive interest-free loans of up to HK$200,000.
The total loan amount will be determined by the review panel based on individual project proposals, with approved loan amounts varying accordingly.
2. Arranging Business Mentorship and Professional Consultancy
Our business mentors comprise experienced entrepreneurs, corporate executives, consultants and professionals. They contribute their time, expertise and experience to serve as business operation advisors for young entrepreneurs. Professional consultations are also available from trade and industry associations and business service organisations.
3. Giving Business Support
We provide young entrepreneurs with the necessary hardware, resources, and support for their business operations. Additionally, we assist in establishing a professional network to facilitate their entrepreneurial journey.
4. Information and Networks
We provide young entrepreneurs with essential information on industry, trade, finance, and legal matters to support their business operations. Additionally, we offer channels to help them access local business networks.
Requirements
- Hong Kong resident aged between 18 and 35.
- Have either a viable business idea that can start within one year, OR already running a business under own name for not more than three years – business plan and report required.
- Demonstrate a commitment to start and run their own business, but have no access to seed money.
- Have registered or will register own business in Hong Kong and have own business activities undertaken in Hong Kong.
- If the intended business OR existing business is owned by the Applicant in the form of a sole proprietorship, he/she must fulfil the requirements of the above items.
- If the intended business OR existing business is owned by the Applicant(s) in the form of a partnership, all the partners of the business must complete the application form and fulfil the requirements of the above items.
- If the intended business OR existing business is owned by the Applicant(s) in the form of a limited company, all the shareholders of the limited company must complete the application form and fulfil the requirements of the above items.
- Franchise store projects will not be included in the scope of consideration for entrepreneurship.
Application and Vetting Procedures
The Applicant(s) must submit the following documents:
- Application Form
- Business Plan (Template)
- Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card
- Copy of proof of residence (within 3 months)
- Copy of education qualification and employment records
- Copy of existing or past business registration certificates (if any)
- Credit report obtained from the TransUnion Limited within 3 months
- Personal Income and Net Asset Value
- Income Proof
(e.g. Bank statement, Tax return, Payroll advice, Signed tenancy agreement, Employment letter, etc.)- Regular income earners: record for the latest month
- Irregular income earners (include customers working on a part-time, commission or profit-sharing basis): record for the latest 3 months
- The viability of the business, the Applicant(s)’ determination and competence to start the business, along with the credibility of the Applicant(s), will be vetted by the YBHK Secretariat. Nominations will then be made towards the appropriate Applicant(s) to attend the Vetting Panel interview. YBHK will exercise its discretion in approving the application and determine the loan amount and the supportive services to be offered with reference to the interview results.
- Applications will be considered only if all applicants attend the Vetting Panel interview.
Terms and Conditions for Loan and Repayment Arrangement
- Upon successful application, each entrepreneurial project may receive an interest-free loan of up to HK$180,000; projects incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) can obtain an interest-free loan of up to HK$200,000.
- The repayment period and amount will be determined by the Steering Committee based on the Applicant(s)’ business needs. Generally, monthly repayments will start in the seventh month following the disbursement of the loan, with a maximum repayment period of 24 months.
- Borrowers must utilise the funds in accordance with the conditions and purposes outlined by the YBHK and provide proof of such usage.
- Borrowers are required to make repayments by the due date; late repayments will incur additional administrative fees.
- YBHK mandates that each loan application include a guarantor. Should the borrower fail to repay on time, the guarantor will be responsible for settling the full amount.
- Borrowers must submit business and financial reports to the YBHK regularly and authorise the Secretariat to access all relevant business accounts and information. Borrowers are also required to accept guidance from their mentors and maintain close communication with the Secretariat and their mentors.
- If there are changes in the business operated by the borrower, including alterations in the company structure or ownership stakes, the borrower must notify the YBHK Secretariat at least two weeks prior to such changes. Non-compliance with the business plan, improper use of the loan, refusal to submit or submission of inaccurate reports, or involvement in other illegal or unreasonable business activities may result in the programme’s decision to suspend or terminate the loan and support services, or modify the terms of the loan and support services.
- To instil the importance of integrity and responsibility, the YBHK reserves all legal rights to recover any outstanding debts from the borrowers.
Application and Submission Deadline
- The YBHK is currently open for applications. Applicants should submit their application form.
- The YBHK accepts applications four times a year, with deadlines on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October. Please ensure that your business plan and related documents are emailed to sic@hkfyg.org.hk by 5:00pm, using the subject line “Application for Youth Business Hong Kong_Company Name.”
- All submitted documents will not be returned. Applicants are encouraged to retain copies for their records. The information provided will be used exclusively for the evaluation of applications to the YBHK.
*Warning: “You have to repay your loans. Don’t pay any intermediaries.”
Complaint Hotline: (852) 3956 8001