The Growth Company has become a Global Partner of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to support Greater Manchester businesses to enter HKTDC’s Start-up Express International.
The partnership opens up a new path for Greater Manchester startups to expand their businesses overseas and access new opportunities in Hong Kong
Greater Manchester based learning platform Little Lions Rising Ltd has been selected in the final 30 businesses for this year’s competition.
The Growth Company is pleased to announce it is a Global Partner of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Start-up Express International 2026.
HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 51 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub.
Launched in 2022 the international edition of Start-up Express aims to engage startups to establish business connections with potential partners in Hong Kong.
As a Global Partner, the Growth Company can nominate startups to be considered for selection of the 10 international startups to take part in the initiative.
2026 nominee Little Lions Rising Ltd has been selected as part of the top 30 startups in the first round of nominations. If they’re selected by the judging panel as top 10 winners, they’ll be invited to take part in a complimentary showcase and enjoy HKTDC’s business matching service at their Entrepreneur Day in Hong Kong on 19-20 November.
Jenny Lam, founder of Little Lions Rising Ltd, said: “Little Lions Rising helps children around the world learn Cantonese, Traditional Chinese and connect with Hong Kong culture, wherever they’re growing up.
“Building this from Greater Manchester means my work now bridges the two places that shaped me. We’re so grateful to the GM Business Growth Hub for the mentoring, coaching and connections that have helped us grow — and for seeing potential in an idea this early.”
Those selected enjoy the benefits offered by the “Start-in-Hong Kong Programme”, which provides a range of advantages for the winners, including a complimentary booth and travel sponsorship for participating in the HKTDC Entrepreneur Day, membership in HKStartupSociety, access to exclusive business matching and networking opportunities, as well as connections with potential investors.
Susana Cordoba, head of international at GM Business Growth Hub, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with HKTDC to open up opportunity for Greater Manchester businesses to take part in their Start-up Express. Creating opportunities overseas, especially in Hong Kong is something we’re really excited about.
“Little Lions Rising Ltd success in the first 30 is a fantastic result for our first year of partnership with HKDTC, and we look forward to cheering them on in the rest of the competition.”
The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels.
Greater Manchester’s ASCEND Scale-Up Programme opens for applications