Starting a business a 'treacherous journey'

With the help of seasoned entrepreneurs, Wei got a clearer picture of the advantages, policies and supporting industries of various mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area. He subsequently relocated his business to Guangzhou, capital city of Guangdong province. "Guangzhou is friendlier to enterprises in the cultural and creative industries," he said.

Although he sees the investment and time he had made and spent on the mainland as a "tuition fee", Wei hopes that young entrepreneurs first seek the help of professional platforms or institutions.

He applauded a plan unveiled by the Hong Kong government earlier this year that aims to help young entrepreneurs looking for opportunities on the mainland.

Under the program, the special administrative region government will subsidize 16 nongovernmental organizations with about HK$130 million (US$16.73 million) in implementing youth entrepreneurship projects, as well as 230 startups for youths. More than 4,000 young entrepreneurs will receive better support and incubation services. "This will help young entrepreneurs avoid some detours," said Wei.

He has high hopes for another program called the Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme. The plan, launched in December, will subsidize enterprises operating in Hong Kong and other cities in the Greater Bay Area in recruiting graduates from the SAR to work there.

Wei is among employers who intend to join the program. As a Hong Kong-based enterprise, his company plans to cultivate a management team that'll be familiar with its products and technology, as well as Hong Kong and mainland culture and markets.

Wei has been collaborating with more than 200 top-notch brands from 15 countries and regions, having started operations in four mainland cities, including Chengdu and Hangzhou.

"Hong Kong is the starting point, but the market here isn't big enough. The opportunities in the Greater Bay Area are almost 10 times that of Hong Kong. So is the competition," he said.