SME Export Marketing Fund ("EMF") - Funding Ceiling, Application And Eligibility Details

What Is The SME Export Marketing Fund ("EMF")?   

The SME Export Marketing Fund ("EMF") is one of the funding schemes provided by the Hong Kong government to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises ("SMEs") to expand their business beyond Hong Kong and enter the international market as a "Hong Kong Enterprise"². The 2022 Policy Address has introduced enhancement measures regarding EMF fundings, expanding the coverage of the funding scope to support online and in-person exhibitions in the “local market”⁴.  

Companies applying for EMF funding may receive up to HK$1 million in funding support for eligible trade fair activities and their promotional spending, either as “reimbursement” or as an "initial payment cum final payment" disbursement option². That means, regardless of whether your company has already taken part in a completed event or is planning to participate in one of the upcoming events, you are eligible to apply for the SME Export Marketing Fund ("EMF"). For details, please refer to the SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF) website¹. 

Expenditure Items Eligible For The SME Export Marketing Fund ("EMF")  

The following promotional functions² are eligible for funding from the SME Export Marketing Fund ("EMF"), for example:  

• In-person trade exhibitions² 
• Business missions outside Hong Kong² 
• Online trade exhibitions and online business missions² 
• Other advertising and promotional expenses of activities related to export to overseas markets only²

Updated EMF Funding Ceiling 

As of May 2024, there is no limit on the number of applications an enterprise may make to the SME Export Marketing Fund ("EMF") scheme, and the ceiling of the cumulative EMF funding support has increased from HK$800,000 to HK$1 million². However, the funding support for different activities is subject to the relevant terms and conditions. For details, please refer to the Trade and Industry Department website.  

How To Apply For The SME Export Marketing Fund ("EMF")  

SME Export Marketing Fund ("EMF") can be applied through online e-Form, by post, via a drop-in box or in person².  

Eligibility For EMF Funding Support  

One of the eligibility criteria for the SME Export Marketing Fund ("EMF") is that the  business is required to participate in promotional activities as a “Hong Kong Enterprise”. Therefore, it is crucial to clearly display the company’s full name and Hong Kong contact information on the exhibitors’ lists, delegation lists, advertisements, e-platforms, and promotional materials on the corporate websites and mobile applications².  

What Are The Chances Of Success In Applying For EMF Funding Support? 

The SME Export Marketing Fund ("EMF") received 19,400 applications regarding physical and online exhibitions targeting local markets between May 2021 and the end of April 2023. Out of that, more than 95% of the applications were submitted by SMEs. A total of 13,200 from 19,400 applications were approved, amounting to a total grant of over HK$303 million³.  

Are you expanding your business and raising capital? DBS SME Banking offers a range of financial services and working capital solutions for SMEs. Click here now to learn more about SME Business Instalment Loan.  

The above information is only for your reference. For detailed information, please refer to the sources and seek professional advice if necessary. 

To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay!

Article published on: 3 Oct, 2024

¹Source: Trade and Industry Department - SME Export Marketing Fund - Highlights (https://www.dbs.com.hk/sme/disclaimer.page?url=https://www.smefund.tid.gov.hk/english/emf/emf_update.html)  

²Source: Trade and Industry Department: SME Link - SME Export Marketing Fund (https://www.dbs.com.hk/sme/disclaimer.page?url=https://www.smelink.gov.hk/en/web/sme-portal/w/sme-export-marketing-fund.html) SME Export Marketing Fund Guide to Application (https://www.dbs.com.hk/sme/disclaimer.page?url=https://www.smefund.tid.gov.hk/english/emf/files/EMF_Guide_Eng.pdf)  

³Source: Panel on Commerce, Industry, Innovation and Technology (Papers) (https://www.dbs.com.hk/sme/disclaimer.page?url=https://www.legco.gov.hk/en/legco-business/committees/meeting-papers.html?panels=commerce-industry&2023&20230627) -  CB(1)661/2023(05) Administration's paper on support measures for small and medium enterprises P.5 #17. (https://www.dbs.com.hk/sme/disclaimer.page?url=https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr2023/english/panels/ci/papers/ci20230627cb1-661-5-e.pdf)

⁴Source: Trade and Industry Department - SME Export Marketing Fund - LIst of Trade Exhibitions Targeting the Local Market and Online Trade Exhibitions Preliminary Assessed as Eligible (https://www.dbs.com.hk/sme/disclaimer.page?url=https://www.smefund.tid.gov.hk/english/emf/emf_list_of_exhibitions.html)  

⁵Source: Trade and Industry Department - SME Link - SME Export Marketing Fund (https://www.dbs.com.hk/sme/disclaimer.page?url=https://www.smelink.gov.hk/en/web/sme-portal/w/sme-export-marketing-fund.html)