On the entrepreneurial journey, a brilliant idea is crucial, yet the lack of startup capital and professional guidance often poses the greatest challenge for young entrepreneurs. The Cyberport Creative Micro Fund (CCMF), as one of Hong Kong’s most representative early-stage support programmes, not only provides essential seed funding but, more importantly, offers a valuable platform for entrepreneurs to validate ideas, refine products, and build networks.
What is the Cyberport Creative Micro Fund?
The Cyberport Creative Micro Fund is a six-month early-stage entrepreneurship support programme designed to help young innovators unlock their potential and realise their entrepreneurial dreams. It offers up to HK$100,000 in seed funding, combined with Cyberport’s comprehensive incubation ecosystem. This ensures selected projects receive not only financial support but also access to training workshops, mentorship programmes, business advisory services, promotional support, and opportunities to connect with Cyberport’s business network and investor community.
In summary, entrepreneurs completing the CCMF programme can expect numerous long-term benefits:
Priority for Advanced Programmes: Graduates receive priority consideration when applying for the Cyberport Incubation Programme.
Ongoing Business Support: Alumni continue to have access to various business support services provided by Cyberport.
Expanded Industry Network: The professional connections and collaborative networks built during the programme provide long-term leverage for future business development.
Increased Media Exposure: Upon project completion, the organising and co-organising bodies may assist teams with media interviews, effectively enhancing project visibility.
Who is Eligible to Apply for the Cyberport Creative Micro Fund?
To cater to entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and stages, the CCMF comprises four distinct streams, each targeting specific entrepreneurial groups:
Professional Stream: For applicants and team members aged 18 or above, with no restrictions on background or experience.
Hong Kong Youth Stream: Specifically for Hong Kong youth aged 18 to 30, supporting the development of local innovative talent.
Cyberport GBA Youth Stream: Targets young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 who are currently studying or have studied at tertiary institutions in Hong Kong, Macao, or Guangdong province.
Cyberport · University Partnership Stream: For university students, postgraduate students, or recent graduates aged 18 to 30, assisting in commercialising campus innovation projects.
Regarding application identity, the CCMF accepts applications submitted under either an “Individual” or a “Company” name. Individual applicants must hold a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card. For company applications, the entity must be a limited company duly established and registered in Hong Kong.
It is important to note that each stream has specific eligibility requirements, including age, academic, or regional criteria. For example, the “Cyberport GBA Youth Stream” requires applicants to be aged between 18 and 30 and to be current students or graduates within the past three years from tertiary institutions in Hong Kong, Macao, or Guangdong, reflecting its dual focus on regional collaboration and youth development.
How to Apply for the Cyberport Creative Micro Fund?
The application process for the CCMF is clearly defined and efficient, consisting of four main stages:
Step 1: Submit Application
Applicants must submit the application form and relevant supporting documents via the Cyberport Entrepreneurship Management System before the deadline. Applications must be submitted by the principal applicant (individual) or a founder/co-founder/director (company) to ensure the applicant’s identity complies with regulations.
Step 2: Review Process
After submission, Cyberport conducts eligibility checks and initial screening. Shortlisted projects will be invited to a presentation session to elaborate on their project content and implementation plan.
Step 3: Result Announcement
The entire review process typically takes approximately 3 to 4 months from the application deadline. For a batch with an April deadline, reviews and presentations usually occur in May, with results announced in June. Selected projects officially commence in June or July.
Step 4: Programme Execution
During the six-month programme, selected projects utilise the seed funding to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or prototype, while actively participating in training workshops, mentorship, and other support activities provided by Cyberport to progressively realise their entrepreneurial concepts.
The CCMF accepts applications year-round, operating a batch review mechanism four times a year. Entrepreneurs can submit applications at any time, unrestricted by specific application periods.
It is worth noting the two-stage application process for the “Cyberport GBA Youth Stream”: Stage One involves individual applications, with selected participants attending entrepreneurship training. Upon completion of training and other activities, applicants may be invited to Stage Two – submitting a project application as a collaborative team. The application deadline for the 2025 intake of this stream is December 5, 2025.
Finally, the assessment criteria for the Cyberport Creative Micro Fund primarily cover four key areas:
- Quality and Capability of the Project Management Team (30%)
- Business Model and Time-to-Market (30%)
- Creativity and Innovation of the Project (30%)
- Social Responsibility (10%)
The CCMF programme values not only the creativity of the project but also the team’s execution capability and market viability. If you are considering applying for the CCMF but are unsure where to start, HONIK Biz can assist. Approaching from an SME perspective, HONIK Biz understands client needs and plans, aligns budgeted expenses with funding amounts, and provides support from document preparation to application submission, right through to receiving the approval notification. Every step is handled with genuine care, helping your entrepreneurial journey truly set sail from here.
