The shimmering waters of Dishui Lake in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area, which once inspired American youth Charlie Howes, who gave himself the Chinese name Wang Kang, during a college cycling trip, have now become the foundation of his startup dream. The special area has nurtured his ambition to connect small and medium-sized enterprises around the world with the Chinese market.

In the fall of 2024, as Howes struggled with the complexities of registering a company in Shanghai, a veteran in a Shanghai expat entrepreneur group advised him to go to Lin-gang, where he was offered efficient, concierge-style startup services and a warm welcome into the local community, far exceeding his expectations.

He officially established his company on March 26. Thanks to the fast-track channel opened by the Lin-gang Special Area Administration for him, he was able to resolve issues related to his visa, which was set to expire in June. "They understood my fears and helped me mitigate the risk," Howes said.

Lin-gang's talent policies provided him with additional support: not only did they help him secure a workspace and the longest possible rent-free stay in a talent apartment, but his company also received subsidies for hiring employees and interns, significantly reducing his labor costs.

Howes is not alone in the Lin-gang expat entrepreneurship circle. Despite their diverse languages, cultures and dreams, they have all found the support and strength to grow in this vibrant business community.