In Hong Kong, this vibrant international metropolis, entrepreneurs chase their dreams every day—but lack of funding often becomes the biggest stumbling block. Have you ever struggled with insufficient startup capital, unable to turn your business ideas into reality? The good news is that the Hong Kong government offers multiple entrepreneurial grant programs, providing financial support ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of HKD, covering fields like tech innovation, cross-border e-commerce, and social enterprises.
Whether you’re a young entrepreneur just starting out or an SME looking to expand your market, these grants can inject strong momentum into your business blueprint. This article will delve into the most popular entrepreneurial grant programs in Hong Kong for 2025, helping you find the most suitable funding source to make your entrepreneurial journey steadier and farther-reaching!
▌ Greater Bay Area Youth Entrepreneurial Funding Scheme: HKD 600K to Boost Cross-Border Growth
This program provides strong support for local youth to start businesses in Hong Kong and mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area through funding partnerships with NGOs.
Highlights
● Up to HKD 600K in funding (HKD 450K from the government + HKD 150K matching funds from NGOs)
● Available for Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18-40
● Supports businesses launching in Hong Kong and mainland Greater Bay Area cities (e.g., Shenzhen, Guangzhou)
Eligibility
● Business plans must demonstrate innovation and feasibility
● Companies must be registered in Hong Kong and establish operations in mainland Greater Bay Area cities
● Startups must be in operation for no more than 3 years
Ideal For
● Entrepreneurs looking to expand into the mainland market
● Teams in emerging industries like tech, e-commerce, and cultural innovation
▌ BUD Special Fund: HKD 7M to Fuel Brand Upgrades & Cross-Border Expansion
For Hong Kong businesses aiming to expand into broader markets, the “BUD Special Fund” is a powerful booster. It helps companies develop brands, upgrade operations, and expand into mainland China, ASEAN markets, and free trade agreement economies.
Highlights
● Cumulative funding up to HKD 7M
● Applicable for expansion into mainland China, ASEAN, and free trade agreement markets
● Covers costs like advertising, website development, and influencer marketing
Eligibility
● Non-listed companies registered in Hong Kong
● Must have substantive business operations
● Requires a detailed market expansion plan
Ideal For
● Cross-border e-commerce businesses
● SMEs seeking international brand growth
▌ Technology Voucher Programme (TVP): HKD 600K to Drive Digital Transformation
In the digital era, technology is reshaping industries. The TVP supports local businesses in adopting tech solutions to enhance productivity or upgrade operations.
Highlights
● Up to HKD 600K for tech upgrades
● Covers ERP systems, AI tools, cloud services, etc.
● Fast approval, funds usable for productivity improvements
Eligibility
● Hong Kong-registered businesses
● Non-listed companies or government-funded institutions
● Must prove tech solutions improve efficiency
Ideal For
● Traditional businesses seeking digital transformation
● Startups needing tech support for growth
▌ SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF): HKD 1M to Expand Overseas Markets
In a globalized world, SMEs must engage in export promotion to grow. The EMF encourages them to venture beyond Hong Kong.
Highlights
● Cumulative funding up to HKD 1M
● Covers overseas exhibitions, website optimization, social media ads, etc.
● Maximum 50% funding ratio
Eligibility
● Non-listed companies registered in Hong Kong
● Must have export promotion needs
● Cannot be event organizers or suppliers
Ideal For
● B2B businesses targeting international markets
● E-commerce brands relying on online promotion
▌ Patent Application Grant: HKD 250K to Protect Your Innovations
In today’s fast-evolving tech landscape, patents are crucial for safeguarding intellectual property. This grant encourages local firms and inventors to file patents.
Highlights
● Up to HKD 250K, covering 90% of patent application costs
● Applicable for tech inventions, industrial designs, etc.
● Encourages commercialization of R&D
Eligibility
● Hong Kong-registered companies or permanent residents
● Inventions must have technological and industrial value
● First-time patent applicants
Ideal For
● Tech startups
● R&D teams needing IP protection
▌ Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund (SIE Fund): HKD 300K to Empower Social Enterprises
Social progress thrives on innovation, and entrepreneurship drives it. The SIE Fund fosters cross-sector collaboration (businesses, NGOs, academia) to tackle poverty and sustainability issues.
Highlights
● Up to HKD 300K for individuals, no cap for organizations
● Supports innovative solutions for poverty, environmental issues, etc.
● Promotes cross-sector partnerships
Eligibility
● Hong Kong permanent residents or registered organizations
● Projects must have social impact
● Cannot overlap with existing government grants
Ideal For
● Social entrepreneurs
● Non-profits advancing sustainability
HONIK Biz offers one-stop solutions for setting up companies in Hong Kong, helping businesses enter the global market seamlessly. If you want to secure government grants to grow your venture, our expert team provides efficient, compliant support so you can focus on expansion.
Plus, HONIK Biz partners with HKWEB (hkweb.com.hk) to offer the “Worry-Free SME Web Design Package,” enabling clients to stand out in the competitive digital market at minimal cost—becoming consumers’ top choice!
