How to apply for the SME Export Marketing Fund in Hong Kong

SME Export Marketing Fund Eligibility and Application Process

The SME Export Marketing Fund is a government programme administered by the Trade and Industry Department that helps Hong Kong enterprises expand into overseas markets. It provides financial support on a matching basis for participation in export promotion activities.

SME Export Marketing Fund Eligibility

To qualify for the SME Export Marketing Fund, an enterprise must meet the definition of an eligible enterprise under the scheme. The Trade and Industry Department requires that the business:

• Be registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310).
• Have substantive business operations in Hong Kong. This means the enterprise must employ staff and maintain a physical office, generating business activity within the territory.
• Not be a listed company or a statutory body.
• Not be a local branch of an overseas company.

The enterprise must also have a valid Business Registration Certificate at the time of application and throughout the project period. If the business is a sole proprietorship or partnership, the owner or partners must be Hong Kong residents. For limited companies, the majority of beneficial owners must be Hong Kong residents or companies incorporated in Hong Kong.

The scheme is open to enterprises across all sectors, provided they are engaged in export of goods or services. Businesses that operate solely within the domestic market are not eligible.

Export Marketing Fund Application

The application process for the SME Export Marketing Fund is managed entirely through the Trade and Industry Department's online system. Applicants must submit their application before the start of the export promotion activity. The department does not accept retrospective applications.

The steps are:

1. Register an account on the Trade and Industry Department's e-submission portal.
2. Complete the online application form, providing details of the enterprise, the proposed activity, and the estimated costs.
3. Upload supporting documents, including the Business Registration Certificate, proof of business operations, and quotations from service providers.
4. Submit the application and receive an acknowledgement.

The department reviews applications within a standard processing time. If the application is approved, the enterprise receives a letter of offer setting out the approved funding amount and the conditions of the grant.

SME Export Marketing Fund Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the SME Export Marketing Fund are divided into enterprise-level requirements and activity-level requirements.

At the enterprise level, the business must:

• Have a valid Business Registration Certificate.
• Have substantive operations in Hong Kong.
• Not be a listed company.
• Not be a statutory body.
• Not be a local branch of an overseas company.

At the activity level, the export promotion activity must:

• Be directly related to promoting the enterprise's products or services in markets outside Hong Kong.
• Take place within the application window specified by the Trade and Industry Department.
• Be completed within the project period stated in the letter of offer.

The department may request additional documentation to verify eligibility. Enterprises should keep all original receipts and contracts for audit purposes.

EMF Funding Hong Kong

The SME Export Marketing Fund provides funding on a matching basis, meaning the government reimburses a percentage of the eligible costs incurred. The funding ceiling for each enterprise is set by the Trade and Industry Department and may change with each programme round. For the current funding ceiling, refer to the official scheme page on the GovHK website.

The matching ratio means the enterprise must spend its own funds first and then claim reimbursement. The department reimburses up to the approved amount, subject to the submission of valid receipts and proof of participation.

The fund covers a range of export promotion activities, including:

• Participation in trade fairs and exhibitions outside Hong Kong.
• Business missions and study tours.
• Advertising and promotion in overseas media.
• Design and production of promotional materials.
• Setting up or upgrading websites for export promotion.

Each activity must be directly linked to the enterprise's export efforts. Activities that benefit the domestic market only are not eligible.

Trade and Industry Department EMF

The Trade and Industry Department is the government body responsible for administering the SME Export Marketing Fund. It sets the application window, reviews applications, and disburses funds. The department also provides guidance and support to applicants through its hotline and online resources.

The department works with participating lenders under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme, but the EMF is a separate programme. Enterprises can apply for both the EMF and the BUD Fund, provided the activities are distinct and do not overlap.

The Trade and Industry Department also administers the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales, commonly called the BUD Fund, which supports enterprises developing brands and upgrading operations in specified markets. The EMF focuses specifically on export promotion activities.

Types of Export Promotion Activities Covered

The SME Export Marketing Fund covers a broad range of export promotion activities. These include:

• Trade fairs and exhibitions: Participation in physical or virtual trade fairs held outside Hong Kong. Costs covered include booth rental, travel and accommodation for staff, and shipping of samples.
• Business missions: Participation in organised business missions to overseas markets. Costs covered include registration fees, travel, and accommodation.
• Advertising and promotion: Placement of advertisements in overseas print, broadcast, or digital media. Costs covered include production and placement fees.
• Promotional materials: Design and production of brochures, catalogues, and other materials specifically for export promotion.
• Website development: Setting up or upgrading a website to promote products or services to overseas buyers.

Each activity must be completed within the project period and supported by receipts and proof of participation. The department may require a report on the outcomes of the activity.

Required Documentation for Application

When applying for the SME Export Marketing Fund, the enterprise must submit the following documents:

• Completed application form.
• Copy of the Business Registration Certificate.
• Proof of business operations, such as recent invoices, contracts, or bank statements.
• Quotations from service providers for the proposed activity.
• If the activity is a trade fair, a copy of the fair brochure or confirmation of participation.
• If the activity is advertising, a copy of the media rate card or quotation.

After the activity is completed, the enterprise must submit a claim form along with:

• Original receipts and invoices.
• Proof of payment, such as bank transfer records or credit card statements.
• Evidence of participation, such as photographs, copies of advertisements, or attendance certificates.
• A brief report on the outcomes of the activity.

The department may request additional documents if needed. All documents must be in English or Chinese, or accompanied by a certified translation.

Application Window and Deadlines

The SME Export Marketing Fund operates on a rolling application window. The Trade and Industry Department announces the application period for each programme round. Applications must be submitted before the start of the export promotion activity. The department does not accept late applications.

The project period is 12 months from the date of the letter of offer. The enterprise must complete the activity and submit the claim within this period. Extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances, subject to the department's approval.

For the current application window and deadlines, refer to the official Trade and Industry Department page on the GovHK website.

Other Relevant Government Schemes

The SME Export Marketing Fund is one of several government programmes supporting Hong Kong enterprises. Other schemes include:

• BUD Fund: Supports branding, upgrading, and domestic sales in specified markets.
• SME Financing Guarantee Scheme: Provides government guarantees on loans made by participating lenders.
• Technology Voucher Programme: Supports adoption of technology to improve productivity or upgrade business processes, administered by the Innovation and Technology Commission.
• Cyberport incubation and accelerator programmes: Support digital businesses through mentorship, funding, and networking.
• HKSTP incubation and accelerator programmes: Support technology companies through research and development facilities and business development services.
• InvestHK: Provides free advisory services to overseas and mainland companies setting up in Hong Kong.
• New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme: Provides a residence route for individuals making qualifying investments.

Enterprises can apply for multiple schemes, provided the activities are distinct and do not duplicate funding.

Where to Get Further Information

For the latest funding ceilings, application windows, and detailed guidelines, visit the official Trade and Industry Department page on the GovHK website. The department also operates a hotline for enquiries. Enterprises should check the scheme's own page for current figures, as funding ceilings and matching ratios change with each programme round.