Government News
Shanghai adviser urges stronger support for youth-run small businesses 2026-03-09
A national political adviser from Shanghai has called for clearer rules and stronger support for youth-run small businesses, saying many so-called youth economy stores face high rents, weak operating capacity and fierce copycat competition.
Shangguan Jian, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and secretary of the Communist Youth League Shanghai Committee, made the proposal during this year's national "two sessions," Shangguan News reported.
The term "youth economy" refers to businesses and consumer services built around young people as both entrepreneurs and customers, with stores spanning coffee, cultural and creative products, pets, ACG, intangible cultural heritage and hands-on experiences.
Shangguan said the sector is still at an early stage of policy development and public understanding, with no unified institutional framework yet in place to guide orderly and compliant growth.
In his research visits, operators said heavy rents remain a major burden, while some store owners still lack experience in business model design, market expansion and digital operations, he said.
He also warned that many youth-oriented businesses have become highly similar, especially in easy-to-copy formats such as cafes and handicraft stores, limiting differentiated supply and long-term growth.
Shangguan proposed clarifying the scope and standards for youth stores, introducing a dynamic certification and directory system, and exploring targeted consumer vouchers for young people.
He also called for a one-stop service platform integrating business registration, tax, social security and policy support, along with rent reductions, low-interest loans and other measures to lower start-up costs.
To strengthen long-term development, he proposed more training in branding, operations and finance through youth night schools and youth centers, while encouraging local cultural IP, themed pop-ups and immersive retail experiences to help stores build distinctive brands.
He also urged stronger intellectual property protection and clearer rules for outdoor stall operations to improve the business environment for young entrepreneurs.
Source: City News Service
