In recent days, the aroma of coffee and the sound of lively conversation filled the air at the popular Yuyuan Road café "artist la pie" — the inaugural "Silicon Lane Morning Light, Smooth Convergence Gathering" breakfast meeting, jointly organized by the District Investment Promotion Office's "Changrong Hui" initiative and the Huayang Road Subdistrict's "Shanghai Silicon Lane" brand, warmly kicked off here.

Representatives from various enterprises in fields such as robotics, digital culture and tourism, coffee chains, and luggage trade gathered alongside officials from financial institutions including China Construction Bank, China Everbright Bank, and China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation. Seated together, they engaged in face-to-face discussions. Companies presented their financing needs on the spot as if "ordering from a menu," while government departments and financial institutions "served up solutions," providing precise support and making this breakfast meeting an efficient platform for addressing business challenges.

Enterprises ‘get straight to the point,’ expressing urgent financing needs 

"Our robotic coffee kiosks are already deployed at nearly 100 locations in Shanghai and exported to over 40 countries. We now urgently need funding to support overseas expansion," said Pang Lixin, deputy general manager of Shanghai Hi-Dolphin Robot Technology Co Ltd, getting directly to the point. She explained that the company’s robotic kiosks, occupying only 2.5 square meters, operate 24/7 unattended and offer Americanos for just 9.9 yuan. "We hope financial institutions like banks can provide low-interest loans and export credit to help us further explore international markets."

The co-founder of CUBIC3 Coffee also shared the brand’s expansion needs: "We are in a rapid growth phase and plan to open 50 new stores next year. We need financing to build our franchise system and optimize our supply chain." Known for its point-based rewards system for peripheral products, the brand boasts high customer retention and significant growth potential.

The overseas expansion head of Shanghai ElloWorld Digital Technology explained that the company originally focused on mobile advertising but now specializes in using 3D scanning and MR glasses to digitize cultural relics, "bringing them to life." "We have secured free space in Dubai’s Chinatown and hope to bring China’s digital heritage to the world. However, the initial investment is substantial, so we urgently need financial support and government endorsement."

Xu Xiuqun, operations director of Shanghai Ubag Information Technology Co Ltd, revealed that the company is shifting from foreign trade to domestic sales and plans to launch a multi-brand retail store. "We want our first flagship store to be in Changning and hope the government and banks can help us coordinate resources."

Financial institutions provide ‘on-site support,’ delivering tailored solutions

In response to these pressing needs, financial institutions offered immediate, targeted solutions.

The head of the Technology Industry Finance Department at China Construction Bank’s Shanghai Changning Branch introduced the "Shanjian Technology" service brand for tech companies, covering "full-cycle, full-element, full-chain" support. "For a company like Hi-Dolphin, we can provide credit through patent pledges." He also demonstrated the "Technology Evaluation System" in the mobile app, where the number of patents can directly translate into credit lines, giving companies a clear understanding of financing possibilities.

China Everbright Bank’s Shanghai Branch presented a "1+3+6+n" full-lifecycle service solution. The head of the Products Department in the Sci-Tech Finance Division explained: "For CUBIC3’s franchise expansion needs, we offer supply chain financing products that allow advance payments based on franchisee orders. For ElloWorld’s overseas projects, we can collaborate with Everbright Securities to provide cross-border M&A loans."

A client manager from China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation’s Shanghai Branch highlighted the "free insurance policy for small and micro export enterprises" policy: "Companies with annual exports under US$5 million can receive free export credit insurance of up to US$120,000, with premiums covered by the municipal government." This policy excited enterprises looking to expand overseas: "Such a policy is incredibly supportive and can save us significant costs."

Government ‘bridges the gap,’ promoting a better business environment

"Financial support is crucial for sci-tech innovation companies, and their growth also creates opportunities for financial institutions. This is the underlying logic behind Changning’s efforts to build a tech-finance ecosystem," said Yang Qing, deputy director of the Changning Investment Promotion Office. "The government’s role is to build a 'rainbow bridge' that connects both sides."

Chen Xin, director of the Huayang Road Subdistrict Office, stated: "Whether it’s policy consulting, financing matchmaking, project implementation, talent recruitment, or market expansion, enterprises can reach out to us at any time. We will respond, coordinate, and resolve issues at the earliest opportunity." Chen’s words undoubtedly boosted the confidence of the attending enterprises.

Companies praised the event: "This 'breakfast meeting' is more efficient than traditional roadshows. With government, banks, and businesses all at the same table, issues can be directly addressed and quickly resolved!"

The "Silicon Lane Breakfast Meeting" concluded amid laughter and conversation, but the connections forged over coffee are just beginning. Seeds of collaboration between government and enterprises, and among businesses themselves, were sown in the morning light. Through the deep integration of the "Changrong Hui" financial bridge and the innovative "Silicon Lane" setting, this café-hosted morning meeting is vividly and continuously energizing Changning District’s economic landscape.