With the support of industrial and trade organisations, professional and academic bodies, the SME Mentorship Programme has successfully matched entrepreneurs with suitable mentors, Director-General of Trade & Industry Joseph Lai says.

At the 2007-08 SME Mentorship Programme reception today Mr Lai said SMEs and business start-ups may face more challenges in financing, staff training and developing new markets due to their small scale of operation.

Under the programme, accomplished entrepreneurs, professionals and academics can give advice to help fresh entrepreneurs develop their business, he added.

The number of programme co-organisers has risen to 51 from nine in 2000 while the number of mentors has exceeded 350, benefitting 710 mentees. The department's Support & Consultation Centre for SMEs also organises tailor-made activities for entrepreneurs. Click here for details.