1. Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD) Fund

The Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) supports non-listed Hong Kong enterprises in strengthening their brands, upgrading business operations, and expanding sales in the Chinese Mainland as well as markets covered by Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (IPPAs) with Hong Kong.

Administered by the Trade and Industry Department (TID) and implemented by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), the fund now operates on a 1 (Government) : 3 (Enterprise) matching ratio for applications received on or after 14 March 2025. This means the Government provides up to 25% of the total approved project cost, while the enterprise must contribute at least 75% in cash. Audit fees are also subject to the same 1:3 ratio.

Key features include:

• Cumulative funding ceiling — up to HK$7 million per enterprise (across a maximum of 70 approved projects).

• General applications — funding ceiling of HK$800,000 per project.

• Easy BUD — simplified track with a ceiling of HK$100,000 per application and faster processing (30 working days).

• E-commerce Easy — dedicated support for e-commerce initiatives, with its own sub-ceiling of HK$1 million (still counted toward the overall HK$7 million limit).

Eligible activities cover brand development, technology adoption, automation, product innovation, e-commerce platform setup, market promotion, and more. The scheme is ideal for SMEs aiming to enhance competitiveness and diversify into Mainland and overseas markets.

Applications are submitted online via the BUD Fund portal. Note that an initial payment option (20% of approved government funding) is available for general applications, with the balance reimbursed upon project completion and audit.

2. SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF)

The SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF), administered by the Trade and Industry Department (TID), helps non-listed Hong Kong SMEs explore overseas markets and secure new export orders through targeted marketing activities.

It offers 1:1 matching funding (up to 50% of approved costs) with a cumulative ceiling of HK$1 million per enterprise and a cap of HK$100,000 per application. Covered expenses include participation in overseas or virtual trade fairs, advertisements, and development of export-oriented websites or apps.

Special measures for the EMF will be consolidated into the BUD Fund from July 2026 onward. Applications are made via the TID’s online system on a reimbursement basis.

3. Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS)

The Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS), under the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), encourages local companies to invest in in-house research and development (R&D) to create innovative products, services, or processes with strong commercial potential.

It provides dollar-for-dollar matching funding (1:1), with a maximum support of HK$10 million per approved project. Eligible costs cover manpower, equipment, materials, and other direct R&D expenses. The project must be conducted primarily in Hong Kong.

Open for applications year-round, ESS is perfect for technology-driven SMEs aiming to innovate and stay competitive. Submissions are made through the Innovation and Technology Commission Funding Administrative System.

4. SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS)

The SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS), administered by HKMC Insurance Limited (HKMCI), helps SMEs and non-listed enterprises obtain bank loans more easily by providing government guarantees.

It offers 80% or 90% guarantee coverage on loans for working capital, equipment purchase, or other business needs. The maximum loan under the 80% Guarantee Product is HK$18 million, with guarantee periods up to 7–10 years. This reduces the risk for lenders and improves access to financing for SMEs with solid business plans but limited collateral.

Enterprises apply through participating banks (not directly to the government). The scheme has been extended with ongoing support measures to assist SMEs amid economic challenges.

5. Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund (TSF)

The Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund (TSF), managed by the Trade and Industry Department (TID), provides funding to non-profit organisations such as trade associations, chambers of commerce, and professional bodies.

These organisations can implement industry-wide projects that benefit Hong Kong SMEs, including seminars, workshops, market research, best-practice guides, exhibitions, and testing/certification platforms. The fund covers up to 90% of approved project costs, or a maximum of HK$5 million, whichever is lower.

Individual SMEs cannot apply directly — benefits flow through the supported organisations. This scheme strengthens the overall ecosystem and enhances sector competitiveness.

Grow your company with government funding and grants

The Hong Kong Government provides extensive financial support to SMEs through various funding schemes designed to boost innovation, market expansion, and overall competitiveness.