The Hong Kong Government supports SMEs through BUD Funding to strengthen their role as the backbone of the economy, accounting for 98% of businesses and a large share of employment. The funding enhances competitiveness by promoting branding, upgrading, and expansion into domestic and regional markets, aligning with initiatives like the Greater Bay Area development. It encourages innovation, diversification, and internationalization, fostering resilience and growth in a globalized economy. Post-pandemic, it aids recovery while driving job creation. By empowering SMEs, the government ensures sustainable economic development, bolsters Hong Kong's position as an international business hub, and facilitates regional economic integration.

Yes, despite the parent company is listed in or outside Hong Kong, its subsidiary companies are eligible for this funding support as long as they are non-listed companies in and outside Hong Kong, registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance and have substantive business operations in Hong Kong.

Yes, but the applicant is required to provide relevant information of the approved projects and other applications being processed on the application form. The applicant should note that the project progress or performance of the previously approved projects may affect the review results of their new applications.

No, the applicant has to contribute no less than 50% of the total approved project cost in cash.

In order to ensure effective implementation of the funded project, the company has to comply with the requirements of the Programme during implementation of the project, including:

• The applicant has to sign a designated agreement with the BUD Fund Implementer.

• If the applicant opts to receive the first installment, the company has to open a separate bank account for processing all receipts and payments of the project, and the related statement of income and expenditure has to be audited by the third party.

• The company has to submit the progress/final reports and the audited accounts as required according to the project duration.

• The BUD Fund Implementer will arrange consultants to perform on-site checking (approx. one day) for the selected projects in order to monitor the project progress and results.

No, you do not need to give up any shares of your business to the Hong Kong Government to receive BUD Funding. The BUD (Branding, Upgrading, and Domestic Sales) Fund is a non-equity grant designed to support SMEs in enhancing their competitiveness and expanding their markets.

The funding operates on a matching basis, meaning the applicant must contribute 50% of the project costs. The government does not take any ownership or equity in the businesses it supports. Instead, the funding is a financial subsidy to foster SME growth and innovation.

No. Our services do not charge any if the application is unsuccessful.

Each eligible company can apply for up to HKD 7 million under the BUD (Branding, Upgrading, and Domestic Sales) Fund.

This maximum funding amount includes support for projects targeting both the Mainland China market and ASEAN and other Free Trade Agreement (FTA) economies. Companies can submit multiple applications, provided the cumulative funding does not exceed this limit.

The application process for the BUD Funding takes around 3-6 months from submission to approval.