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2022
11 Mar
Government Funding Schemes

Below is an overview of the support that the Government has offered to the business sector:

 

Funding Schemes for SMEs

The Government offers various funding schemes to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Each of the schemes is designated to meet different business needs, such as guarantee for bank loans, sponsorship for export marketing activities and funding for SME development projects.

 

1. The SME Financing Guarantee Scheme(SFGS)

SFGS is a financing scheme which the Government guarantees loans to help SMEs in Hong Kong secure financing with lower interest rates. There are three loan products provided under SFGS, namely:

 

80% Guarantee Product (launched in 2011)

90% Guarantee Product

(launched in 2019)

Special 100% Loan Guarantee

(launched in 2020)

Maximum loan amount

HK$18 million

HK$8 million

HK$9 million#

Actual annual interest rate

10% (as at 30 September 2021)

As at 30 September 2021

  • 8%, with business operation history more than 3 years in Hong Kong
  • 10%, with business operation history of 3 years or less in Hong Kong

P-2.5%

Maximum guarantee fee

Up to 0.45% of the loan amount / facility limit

  • 0.36%, with business operation history more than 3 years in Hong Kong
  • 0.45%, with business operation history of 3 years or less in Hong Kong

Waived

Maximum guarantee period

7 years

5 years

10 years#

Application Period

From 31/5/2012 to 30/6/ 2022

From 16/12/2012 to 30/6/ 2022

From 20/4/2020 to 30/6/ 2023#

# The proposed measures will be implemented after completion of the relevant legislative process. 

 

2. The SME Export Marketing Fund

The fund aims to encourage MEs to expand their markets outside Hong Kong by providing financial assistance to SMEs for participation in export promotion activities

 

3. The Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund

The fund provides 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.

  

Other Government Funding Schemes

Apart from the funding schemes catered for the SMEs, the Government also offers a range of support services to encourage design, innovation and technology adoption in business sector.

 

Innovation and Technology Fund

This Fund aims to increase the added value, productivity and competitiveness of our economic activities. The Government hopes that, through the ITF, Hong Kong companies could be encouraged and assisted to upgrade their technological level and introduce innovative ideas to their businesses.

Technology Business Incubation Programme (Incu-Tech/Incu-Bio Programme)

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation's Incu-Tech/Incu-Bio Programme aims to provide a comprehensive package of assistance for technology start-ups.

Patent Application Grant

Locally incorporated companies and individuals can seek funding to apply for patents for their own inventions.

CreateSmart Initiative

Established by the Government in June 2009 to promote and speed up the development of local creative industries so as to build Hong Kong into Asia's Creative Capital. It aims at providing financial support to projects conducive to the development of creative industries in Hong Kong.

Innovation and Technology Fund for Better Living

This Fund subsidises innovation and technology projects which will bring more convenient, more comfortable and safer living to the public, or those addressing the needs of specific community groups.

Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund

The Fund supports innovative poverty-alleviating projects of different forms and stages, from idea generation, prototype, start-up to scale-up. 

 

Export Credit Insurance to Support Exporters

The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) provides a wide range of insurance facilities for Hong Kong exporters of goods and services trading on credit terms with overseas buyers. The facilities are to cover non-payment risks for goods exported and services rendered arising from commercial and political events and help them conduct export business with peace of mind.

With effect from 1 March 2016, the ECIC’s “Small Business Policy” (SBP) offers permanent concessions, including annual policy fee waiver and premium discount to help SMEs reduce operating costs and enhance their competitiveness in the industry. The SBP caters for exporting companies with an annual turnover of less than $50 million.

 

If you require any assistance, please contact Ms. Amie Cheung at amie.cheung@lccpa.com.hk