Graduate Support Fund

Introduction

In response to the adverse economy and rising unemployment rate, LEI has introduced this innovation and entrepreneurship programme to provide immediate support and alternative career development aid to LU graduates since 2020. The goals of the programme include:

• nurturing graduates to develop businesses and self-employment opportunities
• engaging graduates in joint-incubation programmes
• engaging graduates in local and global innovation and entrepreneurship competitions

 

LEI Programme

LEI will make full use of its I&E network to offer Start-up and Social Enterprise Subsidies. The types of services include:

1. Provide funding and other incubation supports for the students' startup businesses, not-for-profit organisations, and social enterprises for a more inclusive economy
2. Develop joint-incubation programme(s) with HKSTP and Cyberport to shoot for startup funds
3. Mentor student groups to engage in major local and global competitions and funding applications (e.g. ITF, Bill and Melinda Gate Foundations, etc.)

 

Benefits

This empowerment programme will benefit students in one or more of the following ways:

• Become self-employed in the process
• Acquire demonstrable problem-solving and leadership skills
• Enrich CV with award recognition

Eligibility

• LU's graduates of UG programmes in the academic year of 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 or 2022/23*; OR
• Young entrepreneur(s) who teamed up with at least one LU graduate of UG programmes in 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 or 2022/23*

(*will be considered as a higher priority)

 

Funding Amount

Up to HKD30,000 per approved project

 

How to Apply?

All applicants should complete the application form and submit the following documents to lei@ln.edu.hk 

1. CV; &
2. 10-slide PPT (please refer to the sample of the business model canvas)  

 

Application Process

Step 1: Submit the application form with a 10-slide pitch deck and a resume (The slides should include all 9 elements from the Business Model Canvas.)
Step 2: Pitch your idea during an interview
Step 3: Accepted Applicant > Submit start-up proposal > Proposal Approved by LEI > Sign Agreement Form
Step 4: Begin the business operation
Step 5: Business Registration
Step 6: After spending the first HKD15,000 or after 3 months, LEI will conduct a mid-term progress review to justify if the team will be accepted for the remaining HKD15,000
Step 7: Reimburse 30,000HKD in 6 months and submit a Final Report.

 

Useful Resources 

• Guidelines on business proposal, final report and notes for reimbursement

 

Enquiry

• Ms. Kati Ng (2616-8071/ kating@ln.edu.hk)