SME Support

There are currently over 40 funding schemes administered by different government bureaux and departments that support the growth and operations of SMEs in various sectors. Some of the major schemes under the purview of CEDB are set out below.

Liquidity

• SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS)
  • Implemented by the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited
  • Provide loan guarantee at a preferential fee to help SMEs obtain commercial loans
  • 80% and 90% Guarantee Products help SMEs in need of working capital
  • Special 100% Guarantee Product helps SMEs severely affected by COVID-19 pandemic

• SME Loan Guarantee Scheme (SGS)
  • Implemented by the Trade and Industry Department
  • Provide free-of-charge loan guarantee to help SMEs obtain commercial loans
  • Provide 50% guarantee to help SMEs acquire business installations and equipment or obtain working capital

 
Exploration of new markets

• SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF)
  • Provide financial assistance to encourage SMEs to participate in export promotion activities
• Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund)
  • Provide financial assistance to assist SMEs in exploring and developing the Mainland and other overseas markets that have signed free trade agreements with Hong Kong
  • Support brand development, upgrading and restructuring operations, and promotion of domestic sales

The four SME Service Centres under Trade and Industry Department and government-subvented bodies provide “four-in-one” integrated services, including business and market information and information on government funding schemes and support measures.

Find out more about support provided to SMEs through one of the four SME service centres (see below), or look them up via StartmeupHK.

 

"SME Support and Consultation Centre" under Trade and Industry Department

• Provide information on government licences or permits for running different types of businesses and starting a business
• “Meet-the-Advisors” Business Advisory Services (BAS) 

 

"SME Centre" under Hong Kong Trade Development Council

• Provide multiple electronic business databases
• Provide information on the Mainland market and free business consulting services on the Mainland market
• Organise business matching and exchange activities

 

"SME One" under Hong Kong Productivity Council

• Provide information and advisory services to facilitate the development of SMEs
• Offer support related to information technology, digital transformation, technical solutions, and financing
• Serve as the one-stop hub for information and advisory in funding schemes
• Provide information on 40+ funding schemes offered by the Government and link SMEs up with appropriate resources 

 

TecONE under Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation

• Provide detailed information on various funding schemes and in-depth advisory services
• Offer business matching and business support services to partner companies and startups in Science Park, InnoCentre, and Industrial Estates

Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC)

• ECIC provides Hong Kong exporters with insurance protection against non-payment risks arising from commercial and political events
• Its contingent liability under contracts of insurance is guaranteed by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government

In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, on top of the enhancements made to existing funding schemes, CEDB also introduced a number of new measures to help SMEs cope with challenges.

 
Printing and Publishing Sector Subsidy Scheme

• Meet all the participation fees of eligible exhibitors in the next Hong Kong Book Fair, subject to a cap of $100,000 for local exhibitors and $10,000 for non-local exhibitors. Total number of subsidy capped at $40,000,000.
• Subsidies will be automatically applied to fees and contracts; companies do not need to apply for it.