The answer first
The Hong Kong Government runs several funding and support schemes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The main ones help with branding and market expansion, financing through loan guarantees, and research and development. Most are reimbursement or matching schemes: you spend first under an approved plan, then claim part of the cost back.
The BUD Fund supports branding, upgrading and domestic sales in Mainland China and many other markets, with a cumulative ceiling of HK$7 million per enterprise. Since 1 July 2026, the former SME Export Marketing Fund has been consolidated into the BUD Fund.
The main schemes at a glance
| Scheme | Purpose | Key figures (as published) | Administered by |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUD Fund: General Programme | Branding, upgrading, and developing sales in covered markets | Up to HK$800,000 per application; cumulative HK$7 million per enterprise | Trade and Industry Department / HKPC |
| BUD Fund: Easy BUD | Simpler, smaller projects with faster processing | Up to HK$150,000 per application (from 15 June 2026) | Trade and Industry Department / HKPC |
| BUD Fund: E-commerce Easy | E-commerce projects in Mainland China and ASEAN markets | Up to HK$800,000 per application; HK$1 million cumulative for these markets | Trade and Industry Department / HKPC |
| SME Financing Guarantee Scheme | Government-backed guarantees for bank loans to SMEs | Guarantee products at different percentages and loan limits; check which products are open | HKMC Insurance Limited |
| Enterprise Support Scheme | In-house research and development projects | Dollar-for-dollar matching, up to HK$10 million per project | Innovation and Technology Commission |
Please confirm current termsThe figures above reflect the schemes' published terms at the time of writing. Schemes are revised, merged or closed by the Government from time to time, and some products have fixed application deadlines.
Who can apply
- Most schemes require a non-listed enterprise registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance, with substantive business operations in Hong Kong.
- Some schemes have size limits (for example, employee numbers) or sector restrictions.
- Foreign-owned Hong Kong companies are generally eligible if they meet the substantive operations test.
- The applicant usually needs to show its operations: premises, staff, accounts and tax returns.
Key takeawayA newly incorporated company with no operating history may find it hard to show "substantive business operations". Keep your records, filings and accounts in good order from the start so that you are eligible when you need to apply.
How a typical application works
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Plan | Define the project, budget, timetable and measurable deliverables |
| 2. Apply | Submit the application with quotations and company documents before starting the project |
| 3. Approval | The secretariat assesses the project; approval may be subject to conditions |
| 4. Deliver | Carry out the project in line with the approved plan, keeping invoices and evidence |
| 5. Report and claim | Submit final reports and audited project accounts (where required) to claim funding |
Common pitfalls
- Starting work or paying suppliers before approval: costs incurred before approval are usually not claimable.
- Using related parties as service providers without following procurement rules.
- Changing the project scope without approval.
- Missing reporting deadlines or failing to keep the required evidence.
How DBMS Global can help
- Checking which schemes may suit your plans and whether your company meets the eligibility tests.
- Keeping the company records, accounts and filings that applications rely on.
- Project accounting and coordination of audited project accounts where required.
- MAP Asia Pacific helps shape branding, market expansion and transformation projects; RENT-CFO supports budgeting and reporting for funded projects.
- Funding is approved solely by the administering bodies and cannot be guaranteed.
Official references
- Trade and Industry Department: BUD Fund, www.tid.gov.hk and www.bud.hkpc.org
- HKMC Insurance Limited: SME Financing Guarantee Scheme, www.hkmc.com.hk
- Innovation and Technology Commission: Innovation and Technology Fund, www.itf.gov.hk
- SME One / Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs, www.smeone.org