A collegiate social entrepreneurship program, aiming at helping young people across the Straits to realize their dream of starting a business, started in Shanghai, on Dec 27.

"We hope that our efforts can provide new channels for youth who are starting up businesses on public welfare," said Shelley Wang, executive of SOZOTEAM Cultural and Consultation, the program's organizer, during its opening ceremony.

Through a selection and support system, the program has attracted hundreds of students interested in starting their projects, said Wang.

Shelley Wang, executive of SOZOTEAM Cultural and Consultation, addresses the Shanghai meeting on Dec 27. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The students' ideas and projects cover a broad range of areas including health care, childhood education, online education and fresh food.

Gao Wenqian, a Capital Normal University student involved in an educational project, said, "Startups need hard work and we should focus on vulnerable groups to contribute to the public welfare."