HIBC Summer Startup Bootcamp – Empowering Entrepreneurs for Success in China

Entering the Chinese market can be daunting for new founders, but the HIBC Summer Startup Bootcamp aimed to change that. This intensive multi-event program was designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills for doing business in China – from marketing and branding to legal, tax, and HR know-how. Hosted by HIBC (HongXia International Business Consultancy), which strives to create an inclusive startup ecosystem in China, the bootcamp offered participants practical knowledge and mentorship to help them thrive. Equally important, it emphasized the power of community and networking within the startup ecosystem. Each session not only delivered expert insights but also encouraged founders to connect, share experiences, and build relationships. By bringing together international entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors, the bootcamp fostered a collaborative environment where learning and networking went hand in hand.

"How to Use Social Media to Build Your Brand"

Speakers: Xie Lina and Raphael Thomas – both seasoned experts in digital marketing and global branding. In this kick-off session, they revealed how startups can leverage social media to establish a strong brand presence internationally. The speakers shared proven strategies for crafting a compelling brand story and engaging audiences across borders. They emphasized the importance of consistency and cultural relevance when marketing to global consumers. A key highlight was learning to harness major platforms like Facebook and Google Ads to fuel business growth through targeted advertising. For example, the presenters noted that social networks are often the first touchpoint for new customers – in fact, over half of consumers discover new businesses via social media. By the end of the talk, participants walked away with actionable tips on boosting online visibility, running effective ad campaigns, and building a loyal online community around their brand.

"Build Your Empire: Essential Information of Doing Business in Mainland and HK"

Speakers: Ranran Xia (CEO of HIBC) and Jenny Kun (Director of J&K Partners CPA Limited). Xia – herself the founder of a consultancy that helps foreign companies land in China – and Jenny Kun – an experienced Hong Kong-based CPA

– teamed up to demystify the process of setting up and running a business in Mainland China and Hong Kong. This session provided a roadmap for structuring a foreign-invested company, handling taxes, and managing finances on both sides of the border. They broke down the types of legal entities available to foreign entrepreneurs, from Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises (WFOEs) to joint ventures, explaining the pros and cons of each. Notably, the speakers highlighted that setting up a WFOE is often the preferred route, as it allows 100% foreign ownership with no local partner required and no hefty minimum capital except in special industries. Taxation was another focal point – Jenny outlined key tax obligations in Mainland vs. Hong Kong, helping founders understand corporate tax rates, VAT, and profit repatriation rules. She also stressed the importance of maintaining proper bookkeeping and accounting workflows to stay compliant with local regulations. By covering everything from registration procedures to ongoing compliance, this event gave participants a solid foundation in the “nuts and bolts” of building their business empire in China.

"Foreigners' Individual Income Taxation in China"

Speaker: Lawyer Anita Wang (Senior Partner at P.C. Woo & Zhonglun W.D. LLP). As a legal expert specializing in Chinese tax law, Anita Wang delivered an eye-opening session on China’s individual income tax policies and what they mean for expats and foreign entrepreneurs. She began by explaining the residency rules that determine how foreigners are taxed. Under the latest regulations, foreign individuals who reside in China for 183 days or more in a tax year are deemed tax residents and are generally subject to income tax on their worldwide earnings. Anita broke down complex concepts like the “183-day rule” and the new six-year rule, which affects long-term residents’ global tax liabilities. She also touched on double taxation agreements, illustrating how tax treaties between China and other countries can prevent foreigners from being taxed twice on the same income. Recent changes in policy were a hot topic – attendees learned about the updates effective from 2019 onward, including shifts in expat allowances and stricter enforcement of tax reporting. Throughout the talk, Anita provided real-world examples to show how these rules play out, ensuring that everyone left with a clear understanding of their tax obligations. This informative session demystified China’s tax system for foreigners and offered practical advice on staying compliant, planning tax-efficiently, and avoiding pitfalls when working in China.

"Practical Issues for Foreign Employment & Working Visa in China"

Speakers: Wayne Yan and Melanie Chen from FESCO Adecco Shenzhen (a leading HR and employment services firm in China). This workshop focused on the human side of expanding a startup in China – specifically, hiring and managing foreign talent legally and effectively. Wayne Yan and Melanie Chen drew on their HR expertise to guide participants through China’s work visa regulations and employment procedures. They walked the group through the step-by-step process of obtaining the necessary work permits and visas for foreign employees. From securing the initial work permit notice and Z visa to registering for the residence permit after arrival, every stage was explained in practical terms. The speakers underscored that founders must play by the rules – for instance, trying to have someone work on a business (M) or tourist (F) visa is no longer tolerated, so obtaining a proper work visa and residence permit is essential. Beyond visas, they addressed key HR considerations for foreigners on staff. Attendees learned about mandatory components of a labor contract, social insurance enrollment, and other compliance requirements when employing foreigners. Wayne and Melanie also shared tips on navigating cultural differences in the workplace and supporting expat employees, from onboarding practices to handling translations and local bureaucracy. By covering both legal requirements and on-the-ground HR best practices, this session gave startup founders the confidence to hire globally and manage their international team in China smoothly.

"Startup Networking Night"

The bootcamp culminated in a lively Startup Networking Night – a fitting finale that brought together all the knowledge sharing and community spirit of the prior sessions. This closing event was less about lectures and more about making connections. Entrepreneurs, mentors, and local investors gathered in a relaxed setting to mingle, swap stories, and explore collaboration opportunities.

The atmosphere was energizing as participants applied their new insights while pitching ideas and discussing potential partnerships with peers. Many exchanged business cards and WeChat contacts, planting the seeds for future deals and friendships. By the end of the night, it was clear that the bootcamp had not only imparted valuable information but also forged a supportive network of like-minded innovators.

In the startup world, who you know can be just as important as what you know – and this networking night underscored that truth. It fostered exactly the kind of connections and community that HIBC champions for entrepreneurial success. As a wrap-up, the event reinforced the bootcamp’s core message: with the right knowledge, support, and network, ambitious founders can truly flourish in the Chinese startup ecosystem.