BUD Special Fund
Launched by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to help Hong Kong enterprises build brands, upgrade and transform, and expand into Mainland China and overseas markets, boosting competitiveness and business growth.
BUD Special Fund Key Figures
The government and the enterprise on a 1 : 3 matching basis: the government funds up to 25% of approved expenditure and the enterprise bears at least 75% in cash. Applications are accepted year-round.
Up to 70 approved projects
Combined across General, Easy BUD and EComEasy applications. At any one time, total funding for approved / ongoing projects must not exceed HK$800,000.
Cap per application
Covers branding, upgrade and transformation, and market expansion measures; approval service pledge of 60 working days; upfront payment is 20% of the approved funding.
Cap per application (from 15 June 2026)
Raised from HK$100,000 to HK$150,000; 30 working days for approval; projects must be completed within 12 months, suitable for small and medium projects.
How to Choose Among the Three Application Types?
| General Application | Easy BUD | EComEasy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cap per application | HK$800,000 | HK$150,000 | HK$800,000 (cumulative HK$1 million per enterprise, counted within the HK$7 million) |
| Government funding ratio | Up to 25% (enterprise bears at least 75% in cash) | ||
| Target markets | Mainland China and 47 other economies | Mainland China and 47 other economies | Mainland China and the ten ASEAN countries only |
| Approval time | 60 working days | 30 working days | — |
| Upfront payment | 20% | No upfront payment; paid after completion | 20% |
| Application frequency | At most one every 3 months | One every 3 months | At most one every 3 months |
Measures Easy BUD Can Fund
All measures must be directly related to business development in the target market, and more than one can be combined.
Target market advertising
Place ads in target markets, with operating costs funded for up to 6 months.
Attend exhibitions
Booth, design and construction, exhibit transport, exhibition promotion and travel and accommodation of Hong Kong salaried staff.
Intellectual property registration
Patent, trademark, design, utility model and copyright registration (cumulative cap of HK$600,000 per enterprise).
Product testing and certification
External service providers' fees only.
Promotional mobile app
Develop or optimise a mobile app for promotional purposes.
Create or optimise a company website
Optimising an existing website must not exceed HK$100,000 per application.
Promotional material design and production
Leaflets, posters, catalogues, photos and videos (external service providers only).
Online sales platform
Set up an online sales platform, with operating costs funded for up to 6 months.
Eligibility
- Hong Kong enterprises registered under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310)
- Non-listed enterprises (no cap on staff numbers)
- Substantive business operations in Hong Kong (latest audited accounts and MPF contribution records or sales invoices required)
- The project targets Mainland China or one of the other 47 funded economies and is directly related to branding, upgrade and transformation or marketing
- Already meets and will continue to comply with the licensing / certification requirements of the target market
- The project is carried out by the applicant itself and has not received other government funding
Latest Changes in 2026
February 2026 Budget
HK$200 million injected into BUD; Easy BUD cap raised to HK$150,000; more targeted funding for AI projects.
15 June 2026 Enhancements Take Effect
Funding coverage extended to 48 economies (adding Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Hungary, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Brazil).
1 July 2026 EMF Merged In
The SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF) was merged into BUD, and exhibition-related applications are now submitted through BUD.
Targeted Funding for AI Projects
The government has announced more targeted funding for projects with AI elements; the specific ratio and cap are subject to HKPC announcements.
Application Process
Assess Eligibility & Measures
Confirm the target market and that the project is a fundable measure, and choose the suitable application type.
Prepare Proposal & Quotations
Write the project plan and budget, and prepare quotations and proof of substantive business.
Submit Online & Approval
Submit through the BUD electronic system; HKPC reviews (30 working days for Easy BUD / 60 for General).
Implement Project & Claim Funds
After signing the agreement, implement the project, submit the final report and audited accounts, and receive payment once accepted.
FAQ
Information verified: October 2026; terms are subject to the latest official announcements.
How Much Does the BUD Special Fund Fund Now?
The government funds up to 25% of approved expenditure (1:3 matching), and the enterprise must bear at least 75% in cash. Much older information online says "50% funding", which is out of date. The cumulative cap per enterprise is HK$7 million.
Can I apply for BUD if I only do business in Hong Kong?
No. The project must target Mainland China or the other 47 funded economies, for example placing ads in Japan or running a Mainland online shop. Pick a region in "48 economies covered by BUD" above to see more.
Can I use BUD funding for a website or online shop?
Yes, but the website or online shop must target the target market. Easy BUD covers creating or optimising a website (optimisation capped at HK$100,000 per application) and online sales platforms. You can use the Website × BUD Funding Match to estimate the funding amount.
What is the difference between Easy BUD and a general application?
The main differences are the cap and approval time: Easy BUD has a government funding cap of HK$150,000 per application, 30 working days approval and no upfront payment; a general application has a cap of HK$800,000, 60 working days and a 20% upfront payment. For small projects and simple measures, choose Easy BUD.
When will I receive the BUD money?
For general applications and EComEasy, you can first receive 20% of the approved funding as an upfront payment after signing the agreement. Easy BUD has no upfront payment; funds are released in one lump sum after the project, final report and audited accounts are accepted.
Can I still apply for the EMF SME Export Marketing Fund?
No, it can't be applied for separately. EMF was merged into BUD on 1 July 2026, and promotional activities such as exhibitions must now be applied for through BUD.
Can listed companies apply for BUD?
No. BUD only accepts non-listed enterprises with substantive business operations in Hong Kong. If you're unsure whether you qualify, start with the Funding Eligibility Self-Check.
48 Economies Covered by BUD
Click a region to see which markets the BUD Special Fund covers (from 15 June 2026).
Asia (18)
Mainland China, Macao, Japan, South Korea, the ten ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam), plus new in 2026: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia.
WhatsApp EnquiryOther Government Funding Schemes
Want to Apply for the BUD Special Fund?
101 Business Consultant helps you assess eligibility, write the proposal, prepare documents and follow up approval in one stop.