SME Export Marketing Fund

Key Takeaways: 

• The SME Export Marketing Fund is is an initiative providing financial backing to SMEs that aim to expand their markets outside Hong Kong by participating in export promotion activities.
• Each applicant is subject to a cumulative limit of HKD1,000,000.
• The application period runs from 30 April 2021 until 30 June 2026.

While many of our customers choose to register a business in Hong Kong for taxation purpose, they often also target overseas markets. If you plan to expand internationally, you can have a look at the SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF). The Hong Kong Government will provide a subsidy for export promotion activities. The cumulative funding ceiling is currently $1,000,000 HKD.

Funding Scope

This initiative provides financial backing to SMEs that aim to expand their markets outside Hong Kong by participating in export promotion activities.

Effective from 30 April 2021 until 30 June 2026, The Export Marketing Fund covers a broad range of promotional activities designed to boost your brand’s international presence.

Export Promotion Activities includes:

• 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

How does it work?

Each application should include one activity only. If there are two different activities, you should separate it into two different applications.

• Funding will be provided on a 1 (government) :3 (applicants) matching basis.
• Funding covers 25% of approved expenses, up to a maximum of HK$100,000 per application
• Each applicant 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.  Sub-ceiling may also apply to certain eligible expenditure items under the same application.
• Each applicant is subject to a HK$1,000,000 cumulative funding limit. 50% of the funding ceiling may be specifically allocated for website or mobile application development. Additional caps may also apply to certain expenditure items within a single application.

Eligibility (must satisfy all)

1. Non-listed company registered in Hong Kong
2. Have substantive business operations in Hong Kong
3. 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

*Applicants should note that ’employees‘ include both full-time and part-time staff. To qualify, the applicant must demonstrate significant business operations in Hong Kong. The Government typically evaluates this based on the nature of the business, the number of local employees, the percentage of operations conducted in Hong Kong, and whether the company’s profits are assessable for local tax.

Is there a specific requirement in choosing the platform for the export promotion activities?

Yes. For example, if your business joins a trade fair organized by an overseas government body, the Hong Kong Government is likely to approve this expense. However, if you join a private trade fair organized by a small corporation, then the Government is unlikely to approve the expense. Since this is a public funding, there are strict guidelines to follow. The Government will consider business nature, business size and experience of the operator.

How can Get Started HK help?

If you are interested in opening a Hong Kong company, we can offer a one stop service from company formation to business bank account opening, trusted by over 46,000 clients worldwide, we provide service with precision and warmth.

Hong Kong is a premier destination for offshore company formation. It serves as an efficient gateway to the Chinese market and offers a territorial tax system where offshore profits can qualify for a 0% offshore tax rate. 

Frequently Asked Questions about SME Export Marketing Fund