A complete guide to applying for venture capital funds (Hong Kong)
Date of publication: 16/02/2025
6 most popular funding programs to help you start a successful business!
Do you have a dream to start a business but are held back by a lack of funds? don’t worry! In recent years, Hong Kong has launched a number of entrepreneurship funds to provide diversified support for young entrepreneurs. Whether you are a startup company or a company planning to expand your business, there is always a grant suitable for you!
This article will break down the "Complete Guide to Applying for Venture Funds (Hong Kong Edition)" step by step for you to gain a deeper understanding of:
- Eligibility criteria for various venture capital funds
- Application process and notes
- Amount of funding from each fund
Whether you already have a complete business plan or not, this article can help you get twice the result with half the effort! Are you ready to explore the first step to success? Let’s get started!
Related articles: 💡【Guidelines for opening a cram school】The cram school craze is on the rise again! Franchise vs. start your own business: How to build a high-income education business? 🚀📚
Essential for starting a business: 3 steps to accurately estimate capital needs
Starting a business doesn’t just rely on a good idea to succeed. Accurate planning of funds is the cornerstone of success. Here are 3 simple steps to help you fully estimate the amount of money you need to start a business:
1. Make a business list
Depending on the type of business, list all the things that need to be done, such as product design, website building, marketing activities, etc. If you plan to run an online store, you may need to consider basic expenses such as platform rental and website construction fees.
2. Analyze cost structure
Divide expenses into fixed costs (such as business registration fees, rent) and floating costs (such as logistics costs, advertising costs). If you are unsure about the estimate, you can refer to the HKTDC's market report or consult professionals.
3. Make good use of tool support
The "Start-up Budget Analysis Sheet" jointly developed by the Trade and Industry Department and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants is a good helper for you. It can accurately predict the payback period and capital flow, helping you reduce financial pressure.
How to quickly find suitable venture capital?
To speed up the fund application process, we recommend making use of the following tools:
- Government Youth Website Funding Program Search Engine: quickly screen suitable start-up funds.
- Invest Hong Kong: Learn more about entrepreneurship policies and financial support information.
List of 6 most popular venture capital funds
Raising venture capital is not limited to private fundraising or bank loans. The Hong Kong government has launched a number of venture capital funds to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups. Here are the top six government funding schemes
：
1. Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Youth Entrepreneurship Funding Program
** Funding amount: ** Up to HK$600,000 (including matching funds from non-governmental organizations) ** Application requirements: ** Aged 18 to 40, Hong Kong permanent residents, startup companies operating for no more than 3 years
This program aims to help young people establish businesses in the Greater Bay Area and is suitable for entrepreneurs who plan to expand their businesses to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao market.
2. Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund
**Amount of funding: **Up to 300,000 for individuals, no upper limit for organizations**Scope of application: **Solving social problems in innovative ways
If your entrepreneurial project can combine commercial value and social impact, this fund can provide you with strong support.
3. Patent Application Funding Program
** Funding amount: ** Up to HK$250,000, or 90% of the patent application fee (whichever is lower) ** Application conditions: ** Must be a functional patented product with technological elements
Entrepreneurs who want to protect their intellectual property rights can apply for this program to reduce the cost of patent applications.
4. Technology Voucher Programme
**Subsidy amount: **Cumulative maximum amount: HK$600,000 **Applicable scope: **Improving productivity or business transformation
If your company needs to introduce innovative technology, this program will provide you with strong support.
5. "BUD Special Fund"
** Funding amount: ** Up to HK$7 million ** Applicable scope: ** Brand development and overseas market expansion
This fund is particularly suitable for companies planning to enter the Mainland and ASEAN markets, helping you to quickly open up new markets.
6. SME Marketing Fund
** Funding amount: ** Up to HK$100,000 per activity, with a maximum cumulative amount of HK$1 million per enterprise ** Scope of application: ** Participation in export promotion activities
If small and medium-sized enterprises plan to increase their overseas visibility, they can use this fund to share publicity costs and quickly expand into the international market.
Conclusion: Funding is not the only obstacle to successful entrepreneurship
The road to entrepreneurship is fraught with difficulties, but Hong Kong’s diverse venture capital funds give us more options. By fully understanding the conditions and uses of different funds, you will be able to find the most suitable financial support for your entrepreneurial dream. Don't hesitate any longer, take action now!
Start a business early! Explore your dream startup fund now and pave the way for your future! 🎯
Other articles:
1. [What is Olympiad Mathematics] Analyzing 4 reasons why Olympiad Mathematics makes children more "excellent"
2. [Mathematical Olympiad Questions] Free download of Mathematical Olympiad exercises detailed explanations in videos (Part 1)
3. Children's math is not good? 5 tricks to help him improve number sense, strengthen the foundation
4. International School Math｜Hong Kong's only English Mathematical Olympiad｜International School Math
5. [Mathematical Olympiad Questions] Free download of Mathematical Olympiad exercises detailed explanations in videos (Part 2)
6. STEM education: the key to helping children win at the starting line
7. What is STEM education STEM interest class recommendation
8. Children's math is not good? 5 tricks to help him improve number sense, strengthen the foundation
9. [Interest classes for three-year-olds] 3 must-attend interest classes recommended to prepare for future college entrance examinations
0. [Children's interest classes] Five recommended children's interest classes, the key to children's success at the starting line
