EMF Funding
Eligibility and details
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EMF SME Marketing Fund provides funding to Hong Kong SMEs to encourage them to participate in export promotion activities, thereby helping them expand into overseas markets in Hong Kong.
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EMF is one of the most popular funding schemes among many government funds. Moreover, from January 20, 2020, the cumulative funding limit for each enterprise has been increased from 400,000 to 800,000. As of early January 2019, the fund has approved more than $3 billion, reflecting the huge demand for marketing in the export industry.
9 major funding areas
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Exhibitions held outside Hong Kong targeting markets outside Hong Kong
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Exhibitions held in Hong Kong targeting markets outside Hong Kong
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Exhibitions held in Hong Kong targeting the local market
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Online trade fairs
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Trade delegations outside Hong Kong
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Online trade delegations
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Advertisements in trade publications targeting markets outside Hong Kong
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Export promotion activities targeting markets outside Hong Kong through electronic platforms/media, such as placing advertisements, keyword searches, uploading product information, establishing or optimizing online stores, etc.
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Establish or optimize the company website/mobile application owned by the applicant enterprise targeting markets outside Hong Kong for export promotion
Common funding projects
Fundable projects and details
Application Type
Actual expense
1. Submit application within 60 days after project completion
2. Receive funding after application is approved
First and final grants
1. Submit application 45-120 days before the project starts
2. Receive 20% of the first installment after the application is approved
3. Submit a report within 60 days after the project is completed to receive the remaining 80% of the funding
Q&A
—— Can a newly established company apply for EMF?
In principle, EMF does not limit the time of company establishment. "New companies" can also apply as long as the company has substantial business operations. The company does not have to have "profits", but must have "income". Of course, companies that have been established too recently (such as less than half a year) will have more considerations during the approval process.
—— Limited Company vs. Unlimited Company
Both limited companies and unlimited companies can apply for EMF. In addition to listed companies, all companies registered in Hong Kong are eligible, even unlisted subsidiaries of parent companies can apply.
The company documents required to be submitted by the two are slightly different. Limited companies mainly submit BR, CI, NAR1, MPF records and audit reports; while unlimited companies mainly submit Form 1a, BR and tax return records
—— Can I apply for EMF at the same time if I own several companies?
Applicants with similar business registration information (such as address, contact number, shareholders/directors) will be considered as related companies. For the calculation of the cumulative subsidy amount cap, these related companies will be regarded as a single company, that is, the cumulative subsidy amount received by these related companies will be combined and cannot exceed the cumulative subsidy cap.
—— I mainly want to develop my business in Hong Kong, can I apply for EMF?
EMF only supports promotional activities targeting overseas markets. If participating in an exhibition in Hong Kong, the exhibition should also be mainly aimed at foreign buyers.
——— What should I pay attention to when applying for website production fees?
A printout of the company's website or a screenshot of the company's mobile application (with the date of printing and website address) showing the applicant's full company name, products or services, and contact information in Hong Kong. If the application involves the optimization of the company's website / mobile application, a printout of the relevant website before optimization / a screenshot of the mobile application before optimization must also be submitted.
——— Are there any restrictions when participating in exhibitions and making promotional advertisements?
Enterprises must participate in promotional activities as "Hong Kong companies" and must display their "full company name" and "contact information in Hong Kong" (such as address, telephone number, fax number) in the list of exhibitors, list of delegations, advertisements, electronic platforms/media and company websites/mobile applications.
Eligibility
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Non-listed companies registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Chapter 310)
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Having actual business operations in Hong Kong, not a shell company
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Must meet the government's definition of "small and medium-sized enterprises", i.e. employing less than 50 employees in the service industry or less than 100 employees in the manufacturing industry
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The proposed project has not received any other government funding
