As part of our series of market access support, IDA is organising the iSTART@Beijing and iSTART@Shanghai programme. Through delegation trips to each of these destinations, IDA will engage China-based incubators, investors and companies, to help Singapore-based start-ups enter the Chinese market. They would help participating companies understand market dynamics, and connect with key individuals with the intent of securing customers, investors, and partners - through a variety of targeted meetings, events and workshops organised for the delegation. IDA is seeking infocomm companies that are keen on China market expansion to join us for the programme. Your company should have a working product, be proficient in mandarin, and have the necessary resources (finance & manpower) for international expansion.

You may also wish to download the programme Application Form by clicking here . This Application Form, together with your ACRA business profile should be submitted via email to [email protected] by 9am, 7th September 2012 (Friday) . This deadline has been extended.

Highlights of each programme:

• Companies will be matched with China-based mentors and consultants that will provide business advice from a local context. They will also facilitate connections to potential customers, investors and partners.
• Programme will include workshops on the basics of market entry, legal, finance & tax, fine-tuning of biz model for the market, market dynamics of various IT verticals etc.
• Companies will attend networking events, and product Demo Day's for pitching to investors / local partners.
• Companies will visit local co-working spaces for networking opportunities.
• Companies will have a chance to meet Chinese entities that they can outsource non-core development work to.
• iSTART@Shanghai will be held from 13th - 20th October 2012 & iSTART@Beijing from 22nd - 26th October 2012, and companies have a choice to attend either one, or both, depending on your expansion requirements.

Cost:

• IDA will cover the fees charged by the accelerator/mentors/consultants for organising such a programme.
• Companies need to cover their own return airfare, accommodation, cost of living, and additional entry fees for optional events, etc.

Eligibility and Screening:

• Open to companies incorporated & physically present in Singapore
• Company's group annual sales turnover is not more than $100 million or group employment size is not more than 200 workers
• Preferred product verticals: Mobile, E-commerce / payment, Web & Social Media
• Companies should have a working Product, and have the necessary resources (finance & manpower) for international expansion
• Screening will also be conducted by the China-based accelerator/incubator - to select companies that they can best help.

Note : This programme has ended. Do look out for news on upcoming sessions.

---