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Hong Kong Business Grants & Funding Schemes in 2026: A Founder’s Guide

Updated:

20 May 2026

11 mins read

HK Content Specialist

Chester Cheung is the Content Marketing Specialist for the Hong Kong market at Sleek, crafting localized, high-conversion bilingual content that empowers entrepreneurs to make confident business decisions.

Drawing on a background in finance and digital marketing, including roles at HSBC and in the digital agency space, Chester combines commercial rigor and performance-driven storytelling to every piece he ships. His focus is on translating complex business and compliance concepts into clear, actionable insights for busy founders.

Having worked across both structured corporate environments and agile teams, Chester knows what business owners value most: reliable information without the jargon. At Sleek, he leverages this perspective to produce insightful, accessible content that drives customer acquisition and fosters long-term value.

When he’s not writing, Chester is an active runner and an amateur photographer.

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Key takeaways

The most relevant Hong Kong business grants in 2026 are usually the BUD Fund, Enterprise Support Scheme, NITTP, Cyberport and HKSTP programmes.
SFGS is not a grant. It is a government-backed loan guarantee for SMEs applying through participating lenders.
TVP is closed to new applications, so do not build your 2026 funding plan around it unless the official scheme page changes.
Most schemes require a Hong Kong company, valid Business Registration Certificate, substantive local operations and clean accounting records.
Some founders will not qualify yet. If your company is new or pre-incorporation, build the business foundation first and revisit grants later.

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In this article

Quick answer

In 2026, the most relevant Hong Kong funding schemes for small businesses are:

BUD Fund for market expansion
SFGS for bank loan support
ESS for R&D
Cyberport or HKSTP programmes for tech startups.
TVP is closed to new applications, so founders should not treat it as an active grant route unless the Innovation and Technology Commission reopens or replaces it.

Hong Kong business grants can help fund expansion, R&D, technology adoption, training and startup growth, but the hard part is knowing which scheme is worth your time. Many founders start with a scheme name, then realise they first need a Hong Kong company, clean accounts and proof of local operations.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

Which Hong Kong business grants and funding schemes are relevant in 2026.
Which schemes are grants, loan guarantees, training subsidies or startup programmes.
What each scheme pays for and who it is best suited to.
What company records, accounts and eligibility documents to prepare before applying.

Get your records ready before the grant window

What grants and funding schemes can a small business in Hong Kong apply for in 2026?

A small business in Hong Kong can apply for different schemes depending on its goal. Use the table below to shortlist the schemes that fit your business stage.

Scheme	What it pays	Funding amount	Support level	Best for	Key prerequisite
BUD Fund	Matching grant	Up to HK$7 million cumulative funding per enterprise	Up to 75% of approved project cost	SMEs expanding into covered markets	HK company with substantive operations
Technology Voucher Programme	Technology adoption grant	Closed to new applications	Previously matching support	Not an active 2026 route	Do not plan around TVP unless reopened
SME Financing Guarantee Scheme	Loan guarantee	Depends on lender and product	80% and 90% products to verify	SMEs seeking bank loans	Apply through participating lender
Enterprise Support Scheme	R&D matching funding	Up to HK$10 million per approved project	Up to 50% of approved project cost	R&D-led private companies	Credible in-house R&D project
NITTP, formerly RTTP	Training subsidy	Up to HK$250,000 per enterprise per financial year	1:1 matching from 1 August 2025	Technology and new industrialisation training	Eligible company, employee and course
Cyberport Creative Micro Fund	Startup project grant	Commonly HK$100,000	Cohort-based award	Early-stage digital tech founders	Accepted into Cyberport programme
HKSTP Incubation Programmes	Funding and incubation	Varies by Incu-App, Incu-Tech and Incu-Bio	Programme-based support	App, deep tech and biotech startups	Accepted into HKSTP programme
Patent Application Grant	Patent filing subsidy	Historically up to HK$250,000 or 90% of eligible costs	First-time patent applicants only	IP-heavy businesses	Current official status must be verified
CreateSmart Initiative	Creative project funding	Depends on approved project	Project-based	Cultural and creative industries	Locally registered organisation or company
Logistics Pilot Subsidy Scheme	Logistics technology subsidy	Up to HK$2 million cumulative subsidy	Up to two-thirds of approved project cost	Third-party logistics providers	Eligible logistics project
Maritime and Aviation Training Fund	Training and talent support	Varies by sub-scheme	Varies by sub-scheme	Maritime and aviation sectors	Sector-specific eligibility
Innovation and Technology Venture Fund	VC co-investment	Co-investment, not a grant	Around 1 government dollar for every 2 VC dollars	VC-backed I&T startups	Investment through selected VC partners

Tip

The largest scheme is not always the best fit. A smaller startup programme may be more useful if it gives you workspace, mentorship, investor access and technical support.

Who qualifies for Hong Kong government funding?

Most Hong Kong funding schemes look for the same foundation:

A Hong Kong company or registered business.
A valid Business Registration Certificate.
Substantive Hong Kong operations.
Clear directors, shareholders and company records.
Updated company filings.
Accounting records that support the application.
A project plan, budget and supplier documents.

Foreign ownership is not usually the blocker. A foreigner-owned Hong Kong company can often apply if it meets the scheme’s local operation rules.

You should also appoint a Hong Kong company secretary and keep statutory records current. Funding applications become harder when filings, ownership records or accounts are unclear.

BUD Fund – for SMEs expanding into the Mainland and ASEAN

The BUD Fund is administered by the HKSAR Trade and Industry Department. It supports Hong Kong enterprises expanding into Mainland China, ASEAN and other covered markets.

Best for: SMEs with real Hong Kong operations and a market expansion project.
What it funds: Branding, upgrading, e-commerce, trade fairs, promotion, distribution and market entry work.
Amount: Commonly listed as up to HK$7 million cumulative funding per enterprise.
Support level: Up to 75% of approved project costs.
Main blocker: You need to prove substantive Hong Kong operations and project fit.
Sleek role: Sleek helps with incorporation, Business Registration maintenance, company secretary support, bookkeeping and ongoing accounting and audit support.

If the application asks for financial evidence, check what is involved in preparing audited accounts before you start.

Technology Voucher Programme (TVP) – for productivity and digital adoption

TVP used to support SMEs adopting technology, such as CRM tools, ERP systems, cybersecurity, e-commerce platforms and workflow automation.

Best for: Historical reference only, unless the scheme reopens.
Status in 2026: Closed to new applications.
What it used to fund: Technology services and solutions that improved productivity.
Main blocker: New applicants cannot apply while the programme is closed.
Sleek role: If you were considering TVP, Sleek can help you assess whether your company is ready for other schemes such as BUD, ESS, Cyberport or HKSTP.

Do not quote old TVP ceilings or matching ratios as current guidance unless the Innovation and Technology Commission confirms the scheme has reopened.

SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS) – for SMEs needing bank loans

SFGS is operated by HKMC Insurance Limited. It is often grouped with Hong Kong business grants, but it is a loan guarantee scheme, not free funding.

Best for: SMEs seeking working capital, trade finance, asset financing or cash flow support.
What it provides: A government-backed guarantee for approved bank loans.
Current products: Verify the 80% and 90% guarantee products with HKMC Insurance.
Main blocker: You apply through a participating lender, and the bank still reviews repayment ability.
Sleek role: Sleek helps prepare the accounting and corporate records a lender will usually request.

Clean books do not guarantee loan approval, but messy records can delay the process or weaken the application.

Enterprise Support Scheme (ESS) – for R&D-led companies

ESS is part of the Innovation and Technology Fund. It supports private companies conducting in-house R&D projects in Hong Kong.

Best for: Companies building technology, products, systems, processes or intellectual property.
Amount: Up to HK$10 million per approved project.
Support level: Up to 50% of approved project costs on a matching basis.
Main blocker: The project must have a genuine R&D component. Ordinary software purchases or marketing projects will not fit.
Sleek role: Sleek helps keep bookkeeping, company records and audit preparation in order.

ESS applicants need to track project costs separately from ordinary business expenses. If you use outsourced accounting in Hong Kong, check that your provider can support project-level reporting.

New Industrialisation and Technology Training Programme (NITTP) – for upskilling

The Reindustrialisation and Technology Training Programme has been renamed the New Industrialisation and Technology Training Programme. Use NITTP for the current scheme.

Best for: Companies training employees in advanced technology, new industrialisation, manufacturing, innovation or related technical areas.
Amount: Up to HK$250,000 per enterprise per financial year.
Support level: 1:1 government-to-enterprise matching from 1 August 2025.
Main blocker: The company, employee and course must be eligible.
Sleek role: Sleek can set up and maintain the Hong Kong company behind the application, while your HR or training lead checks course eligibility.

Cyberport and HKSTP incubation programmes for tech founders

Cyberport and HKSTP can be more useful than traditional SME grants for tech startups because they combine funding with ecosystem support.

Cyberport best fit: Digital technology companies, including fintech, AI, Web3, smart living and digital entertainment.
HKSTP best fit: App, deep tech and biotech startups through Incu-App, Incu-Tech and Incu-Bio.
Cyberport funding: Cyberport Creative Micro Fund is commonly associated with HK$100,000 in seed funding.
HKSTP support: Amounts and benefits vary by programme stream.
Main blocker: You need a strong team, credible product, clear market and fit with the programme.
Sleek role: Sleek helps founders incorporate, maintain records, handle accounting and prepare the admin base for applications and investor updates.

Innovation and Technology Venture Fund (ITVF) – for VC-backed tech startups

ITVF is not a direct grant. It is a co-investment route for eligible innovation and technology startups raising money through selected venture capital partners.

Best for: VC-ready local I&T startups.
What it provides: Government co-investment alongside selected VC partners.
Common model: Around one government dollar for every two dollars invested by the co-investment partner.
Main blocker: You do not apply like a normal SME grant. The route depends on investment through selected VC partners.
Sleek role: Sleek helps with company structure, records, accounting and governance hygiene for investor due diligence.

Patent Application Grant (PAG) – for IP-heavy businesses

Patent-related funding can matter if your business has inventions, hardware, biotech, engineering or protectable IP. Re-verify PAG before publish because official scheme pages and administration can change.

Best for: First-time patent applicants, including eligible Hong Kong companies and individuals.
Amount: Historically up to HK$250,000 or 90% of eligible patent application costs, whichever is lower.
What it may cover: Patent search, technical assessment, attorney fees and filing costs.
Main blocker: The applicant usually must not have owned a patent before.
Sleek role: Sleek does not provide patent filing or IP attorney services. We help maintain the company and accounting records around the IP-owning entity.

Sector-specific grants – creative industries, logistics, maritime and aviation

Some schemes are useful only if your business clearly fits the sector.

CreateSmart Initiative

For cultural and creative industries, including design, advertising, publishing and digital entertainment. Funding is project-based, and applicants are normally locally registered organisations or companies.

Pilot Subsidy Scheme for Third-party Logistics Service Providers

For logistics providers adopting technology, automation, robotics, AI, IoT, ESG technology or approved logistics equipment. The cumulative subsidy ceiling is HK$2 million per applicant enterprise, with government funding of up to two-thirds of approved project costs.

Maritime and Aviation Training Fund

For maritime and aviation talent development. Funding varies by sub-scheme, including training fee refunds, internships and professional development support.

For these sector schemes, Sleek’s role is the company foundation: incorporation, statutory records, accounting and document readiness. The application rules should be checked with the relevant bureau or scheme operator.

Where this list stops

This guide covers broadly relevant Hong Kong business grants and funding schemes for SMEs, startups and founder-led companies. It excludes:

Mainland China grants.
Greater Bay Area cross-border schemes.
Tax exemptions or tax holidays.
Private accelerator funding.
Schemes without a published government source page.

There are also specialist funds for recycling, environment, fashion and export promotion. If your company sits in a specialist sector, use this guide as a shortlist, then check the relevant bureau or industry body.

What should you do before applying for any Hong Kong grant?

Before applying, make sure your business foundation is ready.

Use this checklist:

Confirm your company structure: If you have not incorporated yet, check Hong Kong company registration costs first.
Keep your BR certificate valid: Most applications need basic company and registration documents.
Maintain statutory records: Keep company secretary records, annual returns and ownership details updated.
Prepare clean accounts: Keep invoices, supplier contracts, bank statements and management accounts organised.
Write a real project plan: Include costs, suppliers, timelines and expected business outcomes.
Check the eligibility threshold: Some schemes expect trading history, substantive Hong Kong operations or audited accounts.

Some founders will not qualify yet. This is common if the business is pre-incorporation, has no Hong Kong activity, has no staff or contractors, or cannot show trading records. Build the foundation first, then revisit grants after your first 12 months of Hong Kong trading.

How Sleek helps you stay grant-eligible in Hong Kong

Sleek helps founders build the operating base that sits underneath many funding applications.

With Sleek, you can:

Incorporate properly: Set up the Hong Kong company before applying for schemes that require a local entity.
Stay compliant: Keep company secretary records, annual returns and statutory filings in order.
Keep clean accounts: Maintain financial records that lenders, grant consultants, auditors and investors can review.
Prepare earlier: Build the company foundation before the funding window opens.

Most government schemes are asking whether you have a real, properly maintained Hong Kong business that can deliver the project. Sleek helps you get that foundation in place.

Grant applications move faster when your records are clean.

From bookkeeping to audit-ready accounts, Sleek helps Hong Kong SMEs keep the financial records lenders, grant consultants and funding bodies expect.

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FAQs about Hong Kong business grants

What is the BUD Fund in Hong Kong?

The BUD Fund is a Hong Kong government funding scheme for eligible enterprises with branding, upgrading and sales development projects in covered markets. It is most useful for Hong Kong SMEs expanding into Mainland China, ASEAN and other markets covered by Hong Kong’s trade and investment agreements.

Is the Technology Voucher Programme still active in 2026?

The Technology Voucher Programme is closed to new applications in 2026 based on the latest available scheme status. Founders should not rely on TVP unless the Innovation and Technology Commission confirms that it has reopened or been replaced.

Can a foreigner-owned Hong Kong company apply for government grants?

Yes, foreign ownership alone is not usually the blocker. The company still needs to meet the specific scheme rules, which may include Hong Kong incorporation, substantive local operations, proper records and a valid Business Registration Certificate.

What is the difference between SFGS and a grant?

SFGS is a loan guarantee scheme, not a cash grant. It helps eligible SMEs access bank loans by giving participating lenders a government-backed guarantee, while grants usually subsidise approved project costs.

Are Hong Kong business grants reimbursement-based or paid upfront?

Most major HK SME grants are reimbursement-based. You fund the project upfront, complete the work, submit documentation and audit evidence, then claim back the government’s share. RFS uses milestone-based disbursement, which sits between reimbursement and upfront funding. SFGS is not a grant at all; it is a government-guaranteed bank loan.

Which Hong Kong grant is best for market expansion?

The BUD Fund is usually the most relevant Hong Kong grant for market expansion. It supports eligible branding, upgrading and sales projects in covered markets, subject to the latest Trade and Industry Department rules.

Which Hong Kong grant is best for R&D?

The Enterprise Support Scheme is the main route for private companies conducting in-house R&D in Hong Kong. It can fund up to HK$10 million per approved project on a matching basis, subject to official approval and current scheme rules.

Which Hong Kong funding scheme is best for startups?

Tech startups should look at Cyberport, HKSTP and ITVF-related routes first. Cyberport and HKSTP provide incubation-style support, while ITVF works through selected venture capital co-investment partners.

Can a new Hong Kong company apply for grants immediately?

Some new Hong Kong companies can apply for startup programmes, but many SME grants expect evidence of real business activity, project readiness or substantive Hong Kong operations. A newly incorporated company may not be ready for expansion grants that require operating history.

Should I apply for a grant before or after incorporating in Hong Kong?

For most Hong Kong business grants, incorporate first. A pre-incorporation idea usually lacks the Business Registration Certificate, company records, bank account, accounting history and operating evidence that funding bodies or banks expect.