To leverage business opportunities under China’s 12th Five-Year Plan, the Hong Kong SAR Government launched the BUD Fund in June 2012. This fund supports Hong Kong enterprises in brand development, business upgrading, and expansion into Mainland China and other designated markets, enhancing their competitiveness and growth potential.
Eligibility for BUD Fund Application
To qualify, companies must:
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Be registered in Hong Kong
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Have no restriction on company establishment date
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Implement projects in designated regions, covering promotional expenses such as:
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Hiring new employees
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Setting up local offices
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Participating in exhibitions
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SEO marketing (e.g., Baidu)
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Online platform promotions (e.g., Weibo)
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Influencer marketing
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TV advertising
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Trademark registration
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Video production
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Eligible Regions:
Mainland China, New Zealand, EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland), Chile, Macau, Georgia, Australia, ASEAN (10 countries), Japan, South Korea, EU countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, UK), Canada, Mexico.
Funding Amount
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50% of project costs covered (e.g., a HKD 2 million project receives a HKD 1 million subsidy)
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75% upfront funding upon approval; remaining 25% released after project completion
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Maximum cumulative funding per company: HKD 7 million
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Maximum per application: HKD 1 million
BUD Fund Application Process
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Define promotional plan (e.g., exhibitions, trademarks, video production) and target markets. Windward provides advisory support to ensure eligibility.
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Submit company documents. We assist in proposal drafting and application submission.
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Await feedback and follow-up with the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC).
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Windward manages all follow-ups and contract signing with HKPC. Upon approval, 75% of funding is disbursed.
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Execute the approved marketing project.
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Windward prepares final reports and arranges for independent audit.
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HKPC reviews project and audit report, releasing the remaining 25% of funding upon approval.
The SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF Fund) provides financial support to Hong Kong-registered SMEs, encouraging them to participate in export promotion activities and expand into overseas markets.
Eligibility for EMF Fund
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Hong Kong-registered, non-listed companies
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Must have substantial business operations in Hong Kong (shell companies or primarily offshore businesses are ineligible)
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Total funding received must not exceed the scheme’s cumulative cap
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Affiliated businesses with similar registration details are treated as one entity for funding purposes
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Promotional activities must not be organized or co-organized by the applicant company, nor linked to the event organizer
Eligible Activities for EMF Fund
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Overseas exhibitions targeting international markets
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Exhibitions in Hong Kong aimed at overseas buyers
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Local exhibitions for the Hong Kong market
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Online trade exhibitions
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Overseas business missions & virtual trade missions
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Advertising in international publications
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Online promotions targeting overseas markets (e.g., digital ads, keyword searches, e-commerce store setup)
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Developing or upgrading company websites & apps for international outreach
Funding Amount
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50% of project costs covered (e.g., a HKD 200,000 project receives HKD 100,000 funding)
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Maximum cumulative funding per company: HKD 1 million
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Maximum per application: HKD 100,000
Application Process
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Obtain project quotations
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Execute the approved promotional activity
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Submit company documents – Windward will assist in preparing reports and supporting documents
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Follow up with the Trade and Industry Department
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Upon approval, funding is disbursed
The Reindustrialization and Technology Training Programme (RTTP) provides 2:1 matching funding to support Hong Kong enterprises in training their employees in advanced technology, particularly Industry 4.0-related skills.
Eligibility for RTTP
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Hong Kong-registered companies
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Funding applies only to Hong Kong permanent resident employees
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Covers RTTP-approved courses listed in the program database
Funding Amount
Covers two-thirds of the course fees
Maximum annual funding per company: HKD 500,000
Application Process
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Register and apply for an account
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Submit proof of course completion
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Upon approval, funding is disbursed
The Technology Voucher Programme (TVP) supports Hong Kong SMEs in adopting technology solutions to enhance productivity and business transformation. Investing in new technologies can improve efficiency and reduce operating costs, making it the perfect time for businesses to upgrade. Windward provides expert guidance to help companies successfully apply for TVP funding and implement technological improvements.
TVP Eligibility
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Hong Kong-registered company
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Must have been established for at least 3 months
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Funding covers technology-related projects, including:
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System upgrades
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Website development
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Mobile app development
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Funding Amount
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Covers 75% of total project costs (e.g., a HKD 800,000 project receives HKD 600,000 funding)
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Funds are disbursed upon project completion
Required Documents
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Company registration documents (NAR1, Form 1(a)/1(c))
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Proof of business operations
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Applicant’s identity document
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Business Registration Certificate
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Quotation(s) for the proposed project
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Signed Declaration of Honesty & Non-Collusion
Application Process
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Define the system upgrade plan (e.g., website, POS system, ERP system). Windward evaluates project eligibility.
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Submit basic company documents. We assist in proposal writing, application submission, and quotation preparation.
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Await response from the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC).
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Windward manages follow-ups and contract signing with ITC. Funding is approved but not yet disbursed.
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Implement the system upgrade.
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Windward prepares final reports and arranges an independent audit.
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ITC reviews the project and audit report, releasing the approved funding.