Shandong builds the -Entrepreneurship Qilu- brand and supports more than 300,000 entrepreneurs
On October 16, the Shandong provincial government held a press conference to unveil a comprehensive support package aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in the region. Deputy Director Li Shigong of the Shandong Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security shared insights about the newly released “Shandong Province ‘Entrepreneurship Qilu’ Action Plan (2024-2026).” This plan lays out a framework of 24 specific initiatives across seven key areas, with the goal of supporting over 300,000 entrepreneurs and creating more than 800,000 jobs by 2026.
Li emphasized that Shandong aims to cultivate more than 1,000 specialized and innovative enterprises and approximately 1,000 quality-focused individual businesses each year. The plan also includes provisions for issuing over 15 billion yuan in entrepreneurial guarantee loans and at least 50 billion yuan in operating loans for individual businesses annually. Furthermore, it seeks to attract no fewer than 1,500 quality entrepreneurial projects and hold over 1,000 entrepreneurial events each year.
When discussing improvements to the entrepreneurial environment, Li introduced the “Warm Heart Plan,” which is focused on creating a first-rate entrepreneurial landscape within the country. “Our action plan is designed to streamline services for entrepreneurs, incorporating efficient, integrated support for various business tasks such as company registration and business relocations,” Li stated. He outlined a vision for a system that allows entrepreneurs to handle all necessary tasks online or via mobile platforms, promoting a seamless experience throughout the province.
In terms of priority sectors for entrepreneurship, Li noted that Shandong has unveiled the “Strong Chain Plan,” aimed at enhancing the integration of entrepreneurship with technology, industry, and employment. The action plan focuses on advancing high-tech innovations, new industrialization, and emerging employment formats. It will implement about 20 cutting-edge technology projects and encourage collaboration through initiatives like the “Ten Chains, Hundred Groups, Ten Thousand Enterprises” program, all to stimulate various entrepreneurial entities and transition the economy toward an innovation-driven model.
Li further highlighted the initiative’s financial support strategies, including the “Guarding Plan” for entrepreneurial finance, the “Phoenix Plan” for leadership talent, and the “Nesting Plan” for entrepreneurial platforms. These initiatives are designed to address the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, aiming to create a robust support system that encompasses diverse funding channels, talent pools, platform levels, and services tailored to meet the needs of various entrepreneurs.
To foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, Shandong plans to implement programs focused on enhancing entrepreneurship skills and cultivating a supportive cultural environment. Li reiterated that the action plan prioritizes skill training and mentorship for new entrepreneurs while also promoting a sense of cultural identity around entrepreneurship. This includes a diverse array of entrepreneurial competitions and creating a distinctive Shandong brand that will bolster the region’s entrepreneurial spirit.
In closing, Li assured that the Human Resources and Social Security Department of Shandong will follow through on the action plan by strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, enhancing communication of policy details, and ensuring effective implementation to achieve tangible results.
