Overview of Hong Kong government funding for SMEs

Government Funding for Hong Kong SMEs

Hong Kong SMEs can access government funding through schemes administered by the Trade and Industry Department, the Innovation and Technology Commission, and other government bodies. Each programme targets a specific business purpose. Consult the official administering body for current funding ceilings and application windows.

BUD Fund

The Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales, or BUD Fund, supports Hong Kong enterprises developing brands, upgrading operations, and expanding outside Hong Kong. It operates on a matching basis. The government matches an enterprise's contribution for projects in designated markets. Eligibility requires registration in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance. The Trade and Industry Department administers the BUD Fund. Check the scheme's page for the current funding ceiling and application window.

SME Export Marketing Fund

The SME Export Marketing Fund helps SMEs participate in export promotion activities. These include trade fairs, exhibitions, and overseas business missions. The fund reimburses a portion of eligible expenses on a matching basis. An eligible enterprise is a Hong Kong-registered company meeting the SME definition set by the Trade and Industry Department. This fund is also administered by the Trade and Industry Department, which publishes current funding ceilings and application deadlines on its website.

SME Financing Guarantee Scheme

The SME Financing Guarantee Scheme provides government guarantees on loans from participating lenders to Hong Kong SMEs. This guarantee reduces lender risk, making credit more accessible for operations, equipment purchases, and working capital. The Trade and Industry Department administers the scheme. Eligible enterprises must meet the SME definition and hold a business registration in Hong Kong. The official site updates specific guarantee percentages and loan terms for each product regularly.

Technology Voucher Programme

The Technology Voucher Programme supports technology adoption to improve productivity or upgrade business processes. It funds projects like purchasing technology equipment, implementing software systems, and engaging technology consultants. The programme operates on a matching basis, with the government contributing a portion of the project cost. The Innovation and Technology Commission administers it. Eligible enterprises must be registered in Hong Kong and have a substantive business operation. The Innovation and Technology Commission's website details the current funding ceiling and application process.

Other Support Schemes

Other government bodies offer further support. Cyberport runs incubation and acceleration programmes for digital businesses. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) runs similar programmes for technology companies. InvestHK provides free advisory services to overseas and mainland companies establishing a presence in Hong Kong. Each body publishes its own eligibility criteria and application procedures on its official website.

How to Apply

The official administering body for every scheme publishes the application form, funding ceiling, matching ratio, and application window on its website. Funding ceilings and matching ratios change with each programme round. Verify the current figures directly from the source before preparing an application. The Trade and Industry Department, the Innovation and Technology Commission, Cyberport, HKSTP, and InvestHK each maintain a dedicated page for their respective schemes.