Guangzhou, July 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A successful entrepreneur plays a crucial role in the long-term healthy development of a business. Recently, Hilton Worldwide launched its first new youth entrepreneurship training program, "Startup 365," aimed at improving the employment prospects of unemployed youth in China in response to the company's commitment to "open its doors" to one million youth by 2019. The "Startup 365" program is dedicated to helping youth adapt to today's competitive job and work environment through vocational skills training and entrepreneurial guidance.
Hilton Worldwide pilots Startup 365 youth entrepreneur program in Guangzhou
This innovative program is jointly driven by the T Foundation (China) and the International Youth Foundation (IYF), with Hilton Worldwide providing financial support and assisting in the joint promotion of the project. Through participating in a two-day boot camp, "Startup 365" participants can gain a thorough understanding of entrepreneurial theory, personally experience launching a startup and managing a company, and learn about markets, product segmentation, and profitability.
"Currently, there are over 74 million unemployed youth globally [1]; in China, more than 20% of recent graduates are unable to find jobs [2]. Today’s youth are facing an increasingly competitive and challenging employment environment," said Mr. Bruce McKenzie, Senior Operating Vice President of Hilton Worldwide Greater China & Mongolia. "In such a situation, many young people are turning to entrepreneurship for self-employment, and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has also actively encouraged youth entrepreneurship [3]. In addition to creating job opportunities for youth across our hotels in China, Hilton Worldwide also provides essential entrepreneurial skills training through the 'Startup 365' program to help youth become future employees, contributing to the economic development of Guangzhou and even the whole nation."
A total of over 150 outstanding local youth from Guangzhou participated in this two-month program through an open application process, most of whom come from low-income families in Guangzhou and are team members at Hilton Worldwide hotels in the city. During and after the event, 25 team members from hotel management served as youth entrepreneurship mentors, providing strong support to the participants.
"Startup 365" was carried out at Hilton Guangzhou Baiyun, Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe, and DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou, where youth, mentors, and facilitators engaged in intensive experiential training, learning and practicing key business concepts. This included the interactive simulation game "Fishing Market," which encourages participants to take initiative through teamwork and make full use of resources and networks. Participants also visited core areas of the respective hotels to gain an in-depth understanding of the various operational and functional departments critical to successful hotel management.
One participant, Wendy, said: "The 'Fishing Market Exchange' activity made me realize that if you move fast, you can win. The most important thing for an entrepreneur is to focus on your business dream, take proactive measures, and be adaptable." Through the activity, Wendy said shenot only gained a better understanding of business skills but also found inspiration for entrepreneurship.
"'Startup 365' aims to cultivate youth creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities through hands-on learning and business simulation," said the Director of Enterprise Programs at the International Youth Foundation. "Through participation in this program, Hilton is giving more youth greater opportunities and confidence, helping them achieve success in both work and life." Lindsay Vignoles “By participating in this project, Hilton has provided more young people with greater opportunities and confidence, helping them achieve success in both their careers and personal lives.”
"China is one of Hilton Worldwide’s key markets, and we are committed to investing in and developing the communities where we operate, making a positive impact on local youth,"said Lawrence Lee, Vice President of Human Resources, Hilton Worldwide Greater China & Mongolia."The hospitality industry offers abundant employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth. Hilton Worldwide is well-prepared to leverage its resources and expertise through innovative programs like 'Startup 365' to support the personal development and entrepreneurial mindset of China’s youth."
Hilton Worldwide is collaborating with multiple local and international organizations to promote youth support initiatives and create more opportunities for youth in the hospitality industry. In May 2015, Hilton Worldwide hotels in China participated inCareers@Hilton Live"Hotel Industry Youth Month," the company’s largest global annual career event to date, showcasing numerous opportunities in the hospitality industry for young talent. In June 2015, based on a survey conducted by Universum among 55,000 students from 109 top universities in China, Hilton Worldwide was named a "China Ideal Employer" for the third consecutive year.
[1] "International Youth Day 2014," International Labour Organization, August 2014
[2] "Graduate Employment Situation," People's Daily, June 11, 2015
[3] "Li Keqiang Encourages Entrepreneurs: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Are the Trend of the Times," Central Government Portal, May 8, 2015
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is one of the world’s most recognized hotel management companies, with brands ranging from luxury and full-service hotels to resorts, focused-service, and extended-stay properties. For 95 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional service to guests worldwide. Hilton Worldwide operates 12 premier hotel brands, directly managing, franchising, owning, or leasing more than 4,350 hotels and timeshare properties with over 720,000 rooms in 94 countries and territories, including: Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and Hilton Grand Vacations. The award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors® is also managed by Hilton Worldwide. For more information, visit news.hiltonworldwide.com and connect with Hilton Worldwide on facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, flickr.com/hiltonworldwide, and linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.
AboutTthe Foundation (China)
The T Foundation is dedicated to empowering youth in developing countries by providing training in entrepreneurial skills and more. For more information, please visit http://www.tfoundation.in/.
About the International Youth Foundation
The International Youth Foundation (IYF) invests in the extraordinary potential of youth. Founded in 1990, the foundation builds and sustains a global community of businesses, governments, and civil society organizations committed to helping youth become productive, employed, and healthy citizens. IYF programs are key drivers in helping young people gain quality education and employment skills, make healthy choices, and improve their communities. For more information, please visit www.iyftnet.org/.
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