Support for SMEs

To encourage SMEs to expand their markets outside Hong Kong by providing financial assistance to SMEs for participation in export promotion activities.

Funding Scope*
Promotion activities include:

• Trade exhibitions held outside Hong Kong targeting markets outside Hong Kong
• Trade exhibitions held in Hong Kong targeting markets outside Hong Kong
• Trade exhibitions held in Hong Kong targeting the local market
• Online trade exhibitions
• Business missions outside Hong Kong
• Online business missions
• Advertisements on trade publications which mainly target markets outside Hong Kong
• Export promotion activities which are conducted through electronic platforms/media and which mainly target markets outside Hong Kong
• Setting up or enhancement of a corporate website/mobile application owned by the applicant enterprise which mainly targets markets outside Hong Kong

* Effective from 30 April 2021 until 30 June 2026, the funding scope of EMF is expanded to cover large-scale exhibitions staged by organisers with good track record targeting the local market, as well as online exhibitions organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council and reputable exhibition organisers with good track record; and the eligibility criteria is relaxed to cover non-SMEs.

Funding Amount

• HKD100,000 at maximum or 50% of total approved expenditures for each successful application, whichever is the less.
• Each enterprise is subject to a cumulative limit of HKD1,000,000. A maximum of 50% of the cumulative limit may be used for applications relating to setting up/enhancing the corporate website/mobile application owned by the enterprise.

• Non-listed enterprise registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Chapter 310)
• Have substantive business operations in Hong Kong at the time of making the application
• Must not be the organiser/co-organiser/service provider or a related company of the organiser/co-organiser/service provider of the promotion activity and the related services covered by the application

SME Export Marketing Fund is open for application all year round.

Applications shall be submitted through online e-Form, by post, via drop-in box or in person to "SME Export Marketing Fund Branch" of the Trade and Iustry Department according to the application period specified under each type of application. Applicant enterprises should indicate clearly on the Application Form whether they are applying for (i) reimbursement or (ii) initial payment cum final payment of eligible expenditure items.

(i) Reimbursement
Submit the completed application with supporting documents within 60 calendar days after the completion date of the qualified export promotion activity.

(ii) Initial Payment cum Final Payment

• For initial payment, submit the completed application form with supporting documents and a signed funding agreement in duplicate within 45 – 120 calendar days before the commencement date of the qualified export promotion activity.
• For final payment, submit the completed application with supporting documents within 60 calendar days after the completion date of the qualified export promotion activity.

“SME Export Marketing Fund Branch Service Counter” of TID receives application at the following address and hours:

• Address: Room 1301, 13/F, Trade and Industry Tower, 3 Concorde Road, Kowloon City, Hong Kong
• Hours for receiving applications: Monday to Friday - 08:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 01:30 p.m. to 05:45 p.m. (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.)

The drop-in box is located next to Enquiry Counter on G/F of Trade and Industry Tower. Applications deposited outside office hours will be considered as properly received by Trade and Industry Department on the next working day.