Government Funding Scheme
| No. | Funds / Schemes | Objectives | Target recipients | Contact |
| Financing and Guarantee | ||||
| 1. | SME Financing Guarantee Scheme | Help SMEs1 and non-listed enterprises obtain financing from participating lenders for meeting business needs | Enterprises Enterprises registered in Hong Kong (except listed companies, lending institutions and affiliates of lending institutions)2 | HKMC Insurance Limited Tel: 2536 0392 Email: sfgs_enquiry@hkmci.hk Website: https://www.hkmc.com.hk/eng/our_business/ sme_financing_guarantee_scheme.html |
| Industries Support | ||||
| 2. | Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund | Provide financial support to non-profit- distributing organisations to implement projects which aim at enhancing the competitiveness of non-listed Hong Kong enterprises in general or in specific sectors | Organisations Non-profit-distributing organisations, such as trade and industrial organisations, professional bodies or research institutes | Trade and Industry Department Tel: 2398 5128 Email: tsf_enquiry@tid.gov.hk Website: https://www.smefund.tid.gov.hk/tsf/eng |
| Market Development/Business Upgrading | ||||
| 3. | SME Export Marketing Fund | Encourage SMEs to expand markets outside Hong Kong by providing financial assistance to SMEs for participation in export promotion activities3 | Enterprises Non-listed Hong Kong enterprises with substantive business operation in Hong Kong3 | Trade and Industry Department Tel: 2398 5127 Email: emf_enquiry@tid.gov.hk Website: https://www.smefund.tid.gov.hk/emf/eng |
| 4. | Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) | Provide funding support to non-listed Hong Kong enterprises to enhance their competitiveness and facilitate business development in the Mainland and all other economies with which Hong Kong has signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)4 and/or Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (IPPAs)5 6 through developing brands, upgrading and restructuring operations and promoting sales | Enterprises Non-listed Hong Kong enterprises with substantive business operations in Hong Kong | Hong Kong Productivity Council Tel: 2788 6088 Email: bud_sec@hkpc.org Website: https://www.bud.hkpc.org/en |
| 5. | Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme | Main Programme Professionals Participation Subsidy Programme | Organisations Professionals Participation Subsidy Programme | Commerce and Economic Development Bureau Tel: 3655 5418 Email: pass@cedb.gov.hk Website: https://www.pass.gov.hk |
| Supporting Research & Development (R&D) | ||||
| 6. | Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP) under Innovation and Technology Fund | ITSP (Platform & Seed) Support applied research and development (R&D) projects undertaken by R&D Centres or designated local public research ITSP (Mid-stream, theme-based) Encourage universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) to collaborate with leading research institutes worldwide to conduct more theme-based inter-disciplinary and | Academic and research institutions / Universities ITSP (Mid-stream, theme- based) | Innovation and Technology Commission Tel: 3655 5678 Email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk Website: https://www.itf.gov.hk/en/funding- programmes/supporting- research/itsp/index.html |
| 7. | Partnership Research Programme (PRP) under Innovation and Technology Fund | Support applied R&D projects undertaken by R&D Centres or designated local public research institutes in collaboration with companies | Academic and research institutions (with Enterprises / Organisations as co- applicants) The lead applicant must be an R&D Centre or a designated local public research institute, which should partner with an industry co-applicant to apply for PRP. The industry co-applicant can be either locally incorporated companies, or industry support organisations/ trade and industry associations/ professional bodies having the legal capacity to enter into contracts. | Innovation and Technology Commission |
| 8. | Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS) under Innovation and Technology Fund | Support local companies to conduct in- house R&D work with a view to ncouraging the private sector to invest in R&D | Enterprises Locally incorporated and registered companies | Innovation and Technology Commission Tel: 3422 3700 Email: ess@itc.gov.hk Website: http://www.itf.gov.hk/l-eng/ESS.asp |
| 9. | Research and Development Cash Rebate Scheme (CRS) under Innovation and Technology Fund | Encourage more R&D investment in the private sector and encourage companies to establish stronger partnership with local public research institutions | Enterprises Locally incorporated companies or entities registered in Hong Kong with R&D projects funded by Innovation and Technology Fund and/ or R&D projects in partnership with designated local public research institutes | Innovation and Technology Commission Tel: 3655 5678 Email: crs-enquiry@itc.gov.hk Website: http://www.itf.gov.hk/l-eng/crs.asp |
| Promoting IT Culture | ||||
| 10. | General Support Programme (GSP) under Innovation and Technology Fund | Support non-R&D projects that contribute to the upgrading and development of industries, the fostering of an innovation and technology culture in Hong Kong as well as promoting popular science | Organisations / Academic and research institutions Hong Kong organisations, e.g. non-profit making trade/industry associations, public bodies, charitable organisations, local universities, local companies, etc. | Innovation and Technology Commission |
| New Industrialisation | ||||
| 11. | New Industrialisation Funding Scheme (NIFS) under Innovation and Technology Fund | Subsidise manufacturers to set up new smart production lines in Hong Kong | Enterprises Locally incorporated companies | Innovation and Technology Commission Tel: 3655 5678 Email: nifs-enquiry@itc.gov.hk Website: https://www.itf.gov.hk/en/funding- programmes/facilitating-technology/nifs/ |
| Nurturing Technology Talent | ||||
| 12. | New Industrialisation and Technology Training Programme (NITTP) under Innovation and Technology Fund | Subsidise local companies to train staff in advanced technologies, especially those related to “New Industralisation” | Enterprises / Organisations Enterprises registered in Hong Kong or non-government and non-subvented organisations. The employee concerned is a Hong Kong permanent resident with the necessary background/ experience relevant to training course. | Vocational Training Council Website: https://nittp.vtc.edu.hk/ |
| Supporting Technology Start-ups | ||||
| 13. | Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities (TSSSU) under Innovation and Technology Fund | Main Programme (TSSSU-O) Provide funding to designated local universities to support their teams in starting technology businesses and commercialising their R&D results Enhancement Measure (TSSSU+) Provide dollar-to-dollar matching funds to start-ups which have demonstrated good growth potential through securing investment from private sector | Enterprises Locally incorporated technology start-ups established for not more than two years (for TSSSU-O) or not more than seven years (for TSSSU+) as of the date of the application deadline, and the teams of the start-ups having any mix of the undergraduates postgraduates or alumni and / or professor(s) or other faculty members serving as consultant(s) providing technical expertise and direction of the R&D of the designated universities. For TSSSU+ applicants only: the amount of private investment it has secured during the recognised matching period is no less than the amount of funding it intends to apply for. | Innovation and Technology Commission Website: https://www.itf.gov.hk/l- eng/TSSSU.asp Website: http://kto.hkbu.edu.hk/eng/tsssu |
| Traffic-related | ||||
| 14. | Smart Traffic Fund | Provide funding support to local organisations or enterprises for conducting research and application of innovation and technology with the objectives of enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety | Enterprises / Organisations / Academic and research institutions Applicants are categorised into public and corporate sectors. The corporate sector accepts applications from enterprises registered in Hong Kong, as well as institutions, professional bodies, trade associations and non-government organisations not covered by public sector. The public sector accepts applications from designated R&D Centres, local universities funded by UGC and Government-established University, institutions in List 1 of the Designated Local Research Institutions (except local universities funded by UGC, Government-established University and R&D Centres), and non-profit or charitable professional bodies, trade associations and non- government organisations. | Hong Kong Productivity Council Website: https://stf.hkpc.org/ |
| Patent Application | ||||
| 15. | Patent Application Grant (PAG) under Innovation and Technology Fund | Encourage local companies and inventors to capitalise their intellectual work through patent registration | Enterprises / Individuals Locally incorporated companies, Hong Kong permanent residents or Hong Kong residents permitted to remain in Hong Kong for not less than 7 years which/who have never owned any patents nor received funding from PAG before | Hong Kong Productivity Council Website: https://www.itf.gov.hk/en/funding-programmes/fostering-culture/pag/index.html |
| Logistics Industry | ||||
| 16. | Pilot Subsidy Scheme for Third-party Logistics Service Providers | Encourage the adoption of technology by the logistics sector for enhancing efficiency and productivity by providing financial assistance to third-party logistics service providers | Enterprises Non-listed enterprises registered in Hong Kong with substantive business operations in providing third-party logistics services related to either inbound or outbound goods | Hong Kong Productivity Council Website: https://www.hkpc.org/en/tplsp |
| Creative Industry | ||||
| 17. | Design Incubation Programme | Help startups from across the design world navigate and overcome challenges in the critical early stages of business development | Enterprises Design start-ups registered for not more than three years | Hong Kong Design Centre |
| 18. | Fashion Incubation Programme | Promote and explore opportunities for the new generation of Hong Kong creative fashion talents and entrepreneurs, and connect them with business partners | Enterprises Fashion design-oriented business or brand either incorporated in Hong Kong or overseas for more than 3 years, and has exhibited or showcased at least two collections | Hong Kong Design Centre Website: https://hkfip.org/en/ |
| Travel Industry | ||||
| 19. | Development Fund for the Travel Industry | Enhance the overall competitiveness of the local travel industry through subsidising the training and promotional activities beneficial to travel agents | Enterprises / Individuals Member travel agents of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong holding a valid travel agent’s licence under the Travel Industry Ordinance (Cap. 634), tour escort pass holders and tourist guide pass holders | The Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2969 8157 Email: Dfund@tichk.org Website: https://www.tichk.org/en/subsidy-schemes/development-fund |
| 20. | Pilot Scheme for Characteristic Local Tourism Events | Provide funding support for event staging, marketing and promotion for visitor-targeted events that are related to arts, culture, festivals, dining and sports, and support events that embody unique local characteristics, create an effective branding impact, attract visitors to Hong Kong and enhance their travel experience, while continuously enriching Hong Kong’s event calendar | Organisations Hong Kong-registered non-profit organisations (i.e. local, bona- fide, non-profit organisations, such as sports or non- governmental organisations, arts associations or chambers of commerce) that will host an arts, culture, dining or sports event or a festival in Hong Kong on one or more days | Hong Kong Tourism Board Website: https://partnernet.hktb.com/en/trade_support/pilot_scheme_ |
| Science Park Programmes | ||||
| 21. | IDEATION | Cultivate the next generation of tech- focused entrepreneurs through startup support programme and seed funding to help them turn their ideas into reality and begin their entrepreneurial journeys | Enterprises / Individuals Limited companies incorporated in Hong Kong for less than 2 years or Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 or above | Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporation Tel: 2629 6872 / 2629 6873 Email: ideation@hkstp.org Website: https://www.hkstp.org/innovate-with-us/passion-matters/incubation-and-acceleration/ideation/ |
| 22. | Incubation Programme | Help technology startups develop their first solutions from early stage technical builds, market exploration and business development | Enterprises Hong Kong registered and incorporated technology start-up companies limited by shares and established for not more than 5 years and in the R&D fields in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), electronics, green technology, or precision engineering | Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporation Tel: 2629 6873 Email: incubation@hkstp.org Website: https://www.hkstp.org/innovate-with-us/passion-matters/incubation-and-acceleration/incubation/hkstp-incubation/ |
| 23. | Incu-Bio Programme | Help biomedical startups launch their R&D and turn their R&D outcomes into life-changing solutions in the competitive healthcare landscape | Enterprises Hong Kong registered and incorporated biomedical technology start-up companies limited by shares and established for not more than 2 years | Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporation Tel: 2629 6869 / 2629 6928 / 2629 0153 Email: incubio@hkstp.org Website: https://www.hkstp.org/innovate-with-us/passion-matters/incubation-and-acceleration/incubation/incu-bio/ |
| 24. | Acceleration Programme | Support high potential startups in all industries and fast track their global expansion | Enterprises Either be a current incubation company or a tenant of HKSTP | Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporation Tel: 2629 6872 / 2629 6873 Email: acceleration@hkstp.org Website: https://www.hkstp.org/what-we-offer/passion-matters/incubation-and-acceleration/acceleration-programme/ |
| 25. | HKSTP Venture Fund | Create a collaborative fabric where the resources of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) with those of private investors to nurture early-stage technology startups | Enterprises Early-to-growth stage technology companies | Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporation Email: capital@hkstp.org Website: https://www.hkstp.org/what-we-offer/funding-and-capital/hkstp-venture-fund/ |
| Cyberport Programmes | ||||
| 26. | Cyberport Creative Micro Fund | Encourage innovation and commitment to grow by supporting the development of innovative ideas and early-stage start-ups | Enterprises / Individuals Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 or above or locally incorporated limited companies | Cyberport Website: https://www.cyberport.hk/en/about_cyberport |
| 27. | Cyberport Incubation Programme | Support entrepreneurs and start-ups with resources that aim to accelerate their growth | Enterprises Locally registered digital tech company limited by shares (or in progress of incorporation) and the date of incorporation must be less than 7 years upon application deadline | Cyberport |
| 28. | Cyberport Accelerator Support Programme | Prepare Cyberport incubatees and alumni for international markets and investors | Enterprises / Individuals Cyberport incubatees or alumni and must be admitted by accelerator programmes endorsed by Cyberport | Cyberport Website: https://www.cyberport.hk/en/about_cyberport |
| 29. | Overseas/Mainland Market Development Support Scheme | Provide a financial subsidy for Cyberport incubatees or grantees or alumni of Cyberport Incubation Programme (CIP) and Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF) to develop the Mainland and overseas market | Enterprises Cyberport incubatees or grantees or alumni of CIP and CCMF, who have not raised equal to or more than US$10M funding | Cyberport Website: |
| 30. | Cyberport Macro Fund | Provide seed to Series A and beyond funding to Cyberport digital entrepreneurs to assist them to accelerate, and promote the development of the venture capital ecosystem for digital entrepreneurs in Hong Kong | Enterprises Scalable digital technology companies with operation based in Hong Kong, which are either (i) incubatees or graduates of Cyberport’s other programmes, (ii) Cyberport Smart-Space companies, or (iii) Cyberport office tenants | Cyberport |
| 31. | Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme (DTSPP) | Provide funding support on a 1:1 matching basis to SMEs in adopting pre-assessed off-the-shelf, readily available digital solutions in targeted solution categories to expedite the pace of digital transformation of SMEs | Enterprises Non-listed enterprises registered in Hong Kong with substantive business operations in Food and Beverage or Retail sectors and having less than 50 full-time employees | Cyberport Website: https://dtspp.cyberport.hk/ |
| Youth Development Fund Programmes | ||||
| 32. | Funding Scheme for Experiential Programmes at Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area | Subsidise Hong Kong Non- governmental Organisations (NGOs) to organise short-term experiential programmes at the innovation and entrepreneurial bases in the Mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area to enrich Hong Kong young people’s understanding of the entrepreneurial bases therein, as well as the relevant policies and supporting measures on innovation and entrepreneurship in the Mainland | Individuals Hong Kong permanent residents aged between 18 and 35 who are interested in starting a business but yet to have a clear plan | Youth Development Commission Website: https://www.weventure.gov.hk/en/plan_details/plan02.html |
| 33. | Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area | Subsidise Hong Kong NGOs to organise youth entrepreneurial programmes and offer entrepreneurial support and incubation services, as well as start-up capital to Hong Kong young people | Enterprises Hong Kong permanent residents aged between 18 and 40 who are genuinely prepared to start a business and have detailed plans, and have start-ups that have not been in operation or have been in operation for not more than 3 years with business registered in Hong Kong | Youth Development Commission Tel: 3509 7035 Email: youth@hyab.gov.hk Website: https://www.weventure.gov.hk/en/plan_detail s/index.html |
| Environmental Protection | ||||
| 34. | Cleaner Production Partnership Programme | Encourage and facilitate Hong Kong- owned factories in Hong Kong/Guangdong Province to adopt cleaner production technologies and practices | Enterprises / Organisations Enterprises registered in Hong Kong and owning and operating a factory in Hong Kong/ Guangdong, and non-profit distributing organisations operating as trade and industrial organisations in Hong Kong | Hong Kong Productivity Council Website: https://www.cleanerproduction.hk/en/ |
| 35. | Recycling Fund | Enterprise Support Programme Provide matching funds for the projects to promote the recovery and recycling of waste by facilitating the upgrading of the operational capabilities and efficiency of the recycling industry for sustainable development Industry Support Programme Subsidise non-profit making projects for enhancing the operational standards and productivity of the industry, including upgrading the skills and safety of incumbent and potential employees of the local recycling industry and/or expanding its potential workforce, as well as certification and accreditation of recycling operations, etc. | Enterprises / Organisations Enterprise Support Programme Enterprises incorporated and registered in Hong Kong and involved in recycling related operation for at least 1 year Industry Support Programme Locally registered non-profit- distributing organisations operating as support organisations, trade and industrial organisations, professional bodies or research institutes | Hong Kong Productivity Council |
| 36. | Green Tech Fund | Provide better and more focused funding support for the R&D and application of decarbonisation and green technologies, so as to expedite low-carbon transformation and enhance environmental protection in Hong Kong | Enterprises / Academic and research institutions Enterprises incorporated and registered in Hong Kong, or designated R&D Centres and designated local public research institutes | Environment and Ecology Bureau Website: https://www.gtf.gov.hk/en/index.html |
| 37. | New Energy Transport Fund | Subsidise and further encourage trial and wider use of green innovative transport technologies | Enterprises Existing transport operators based in Hong Kong (including cross-boundary transport) and operating in the relevant transport service for more than 1 year | Environment and Ecology Bureau (Environment Branch) Tel: 2824 0022 Email: netf@eeb.gov.hk Website: https://www.eeb.gov.hk/en/new-energy-transport-fund.html |
| Agriculture & Fisheries | ||||
| 38. | Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund | Support practical, application-oriented projects, schemes or research work that enhance farmers’ productivity and output, as well as contribute to fostering the sustainable development and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the agricultural industry | Enterprises / Organisations / Academic and research institutions General Application Companies or body corporates incorporated in Hong Kong having demonstrated a close connection with the agricultural industry in Hong Kong, academic and research institutions in Hong Kong | Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department |
| 39. | Farm Improvement Scheme under Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund | Provide direct grants to local farmers for acquisition of farming equipment and materials to improve their farming efficiency and productivity | Enterprises / Individuals / Organisations Individual Application Residents or registered companies/ organisations of Hong Kong operating crop farms engaged in commercial production of not less than 1 dau chung (d.c.) each or licensed livestock farms in Hong Kong Group Application Companies or body corporates incorporated in Hong Kong having demonstrated a close connection with the agricultural industry in Hong Kong | Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department |
| 40. | Vegetable Marketing Organization Loan Fund | Grant loans to local crop farmers for agricultural production and development | Individuals Local crop farmers | Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Website: http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/ag |
| 41. | Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Loan Fund | Grant loans to individual farmers, pond fish operators and mariculturists for development and working capital | Individuals Individual farmers, pond fish operators and mariculturists | Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Website: http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/ag r_loan/agr_loan_kaalf/agr_loan_kaalf.html |
| 42. | J.E. Joseph Trust Fund | Grant loans to farmers’ co-operative societies and individual farmers for use either as development or working capital | Individuals / Organisations Farmers’ co-operative societies and individual farmers | Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Tel: 2476 2424 Email: aoae@afcd.gov.hk Website: http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/ag r_loan/agr_loan_jtf/agr_loan_jtf.html |
| 43. | Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund | Help the local fishing community move towards sustainable or high value- added operations so that the trade can enhance its overall competitiveness and cope with new challenges | Enterprises / Organisations / Academic and research institutions Companies or body corporates incorporated in Hong Kong having demonstrated a close connection with the fisheries industry in Hong Kong; and academic and research institutions in Hong Kong | Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Website: |
| Construction | ||||
| 44. | Construction Innovation and Technology Fund | Encourage wider adoption of innovative construction methods and new technologies in the construction industry with a view to promoting productivity, uplifting built quality, improving site safety and enhancing environmental performance | Enterprises / Organisations / Academic and research institutes Construction-related enterprises in Hong Kong, local Hong Kong higher education institutions, professional institutions, trade associations, unions and quasi- governmental or statutory organisations (for organising local collaborative courses only) | Construction Industry Council Website: https://www.citf.cic.hk/?lang=1 |
| Chinese Medicine | ||||
| 45. | Chinese Medicine Development Fund | Enterprise Support Programme Offer matching fund to practitioners and institutions to facilitate the development of Chinese medicine industry in Hong Kong Industry Support Programme Support training programmes and courses, promotional activities, and applied studies and research on Chinese medicine | Enterprises / Individuals / Organisations / Academic and research institutes Enterprise Support Programme Chinese medicine practitioners, related healthcare professionals and persons engaged in the Chinese medicine industry, Chinese medicine clinics, manufacturers and wholesalers of proprietary Chinese medicine, and retailers and wholesalers of Chinese herbal medicine Industry Support Programme Locally registered non-profit- making organisations, professional bodies, trade and academic associations and research institutions related to Chinese medicine, local universities and registered higher education institutions | Hong Kong Productivity Council Tel: 2788 5632 / 2788 5633 Email: enquiry@cmdevfund.hk Website: https://www.cmdevfund.hk/main-en.php |
