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【SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF)】Get Up to $1 Million Fund

Have you ever thought about expanding beyond Hong Kong to tap into international markets and boost your sales and orders? With the “SME Export Marketing Fund” (EMF), you can obtain up to HK$1 million in cumulative funding to help you reach more overseas customers, thereby increasing your advertising ROI and revenue!

【SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF)】Get Up to $1 Million Fund

Table of contents

EMF Objective

The SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF) encourages small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to explore overseas markets. Through EMF, companies can apply for funding to carry out various export promotion activities, helping them to open new markets, increase the exposure of their products and services, and ultimately boost business opportunities and revenue.

Benefits of Applying for EMF Export Promotion Funding

 

1. Expanding Overseas Markets

  • Participate in exhibitions and online advertising campaigns to penetrate international markets.

 

2. Low-Cost Promotion

  • Use popular overseas advertising platforms to precisely target potential customers, including Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, Instagram, Google, and keyword advertising.

 

3. Significant Sales Growth

  • Promotional activities attract new customers, significantly boosting sales.

 

4. Brand Building

  • Enhance brand image and user experience by creating or optimizing existing websites and mobile apps.

 

5. Easy Application Process

  • The application process is simpler and faster compared to other SME government subsidies, with no need to write an export plan. Approval can be completed within 30 working days.

EMF Funding Amount

  • Each application can receive up to 50% of the approved expenditure or HK$100,000 (whichever is lower).
  • Unlimited applications per enterprise.
  • The cumulative funding cap is HK$1 million.
  • Funding ratio is 1:1 (government subsidizes 50%, the enterprise bears 50%).
  • Initial disbursement can be up to 75% of the preliminarily approved funding amount (advance application required).

EMF Funding Scope

The funding covers various activities that help businesses promote themselves in overseas markets, specifically including:

 

1. Exhibitions/Study Missions (Physical/Online)

  • Includes booth rental, design, and production costs, for exhibitions targeting overseas markets or organized by reputable organizations.

2. Online Advertising/Other Advertising

  • Online advertising through various electronic platforms or media targeting overseas markets, including international e-commerce platforms, social media, and search engines.
  • Other advertising in publications targeting markets outside Hong Kong.

3. Website/Mobile App Development or Optimization

  • Creating or enhancing company websites, online stores, or mobile app applications targeting overseas markets.

Successful Examples and Popular Export Businesses

  • Electronics: Including electronic components and eco-friendly phone cases.
  • Manufacturing: Watches, toys, industrial sewing machines, fashion apparel.
  • Home Goods: Kitchenware, bedding, storage solutions.

EMF Eligibility

1. Registered Non-listed Enterprises in Hong Kong

  • Must be a non-listed enterprise registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310), including limited companies, sole proprietorships, and partnerships.

2. Substantial Business Operations

  • Shell companies or businesses primarily operating outside Hong Kong are not eligible.

3. Funding Cap

  • The cumulative funding amount for an enterprise must not exceed HK$1 million.

4. Related Enterprises

  • Enterprises with similar business registration information will be considered related companies, and their cumulative funding will be combined, adhering to the HK$1 million cap.

EMF Application Process

1. Online Application (2-3 days)

  • Fill in application details and promotion specifics.

2. Submit Proof Documents

  • Copy of valid Business Registration Certificate.
  • Copy of the identity document of the signatory.
  • Copies of invoices, quotations, or contract documents related to the funding application.

3. Approval and Progress Inquiry (30 days)

  • Submit and wait for approval, check progress online. Typically completed within 30 working days after receiving all documents.

4. Submit Supplementary Information (within half a month)

  • If additional proof is requested by the Trade and Industry Department, respond promptly to avoid forfeiting the application.

5. Receive Funding (1-2 months)

  • Upon approval, receive email notification and the funding amount within 1-2 months.

Conclusion

Seize the Opportunity – EMF Helps You Expand Globally

Expanding your business to overseas markets can significantly accelerate your growth! If your products or services have international market potential, entering overseas markets can bring immense opportunities, especially in rapidly developing countries like India, Russia, and Turkey. 

Some businesses have successfully used EMF funds to promote second-hand industrial sewing machines and electronic components on these markets through keyword optimization and Alibaba platform advertising, achieving over HK$1 million in annual growth.

Such online promotional activities not only greatly enhance your brand’s visibility but also increase the exposure of your products/services in overseas markets, reaching more potential target customers, expanding your business footprint, and boosting profits.

Moreover, the government has increased the cumulative funding cap to HK$1 million and expanded the funding scope until the end of June 2026. This means you have more promotional funds and flexibility to market your products and services.

Additionally, the EMF application process is simpler and faster compared to other government funding schemes. Applicants do not need to write a promotion plan, and the approval process can be completed within 30 working days, significantly lowering the application threshold.

Do you have more questions about the “SME Export Marketing Fund”? Or do you want to learn more about how to leverage EMF funding to grow your business? Contact us at Rovertech IT Consulting now! We are well-versed in the EMF application process and government regulations, and we can craft digital transformation and overseas promotion strategies tailored for you to help increase your ROI and revenue.

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