SME Export Marketing Fund Application for Grant Guide

Expanding into overseas markets is a strategic priority for many Hong Kong SMEs, yet international marketing often requires substantial upfront investment. To ease this burden, the Hong Kong Government established the SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF), a long-standing scheme that subsidizes eligible export promotion activities and lowers the financial barrier to market entry.

For businesses planning to participate in overseas trade fairs, run international digital campaigns, or develop export-focused online channels, understanding how to approach the SME Export Marketing Fund application for grant is essential. Although the scheme is well-established, applications are assessed strictly against defined eligibility criteria, funding scope, and documentation standards.

This guide provides a practical overview of how EMF operates in 2026, outlining who can apply, what costs are covered, how the application process works, and how to avoid common pitfalls, so decision-makers can submit applications with clarity and confidence.

Overview of the SME Export Marketing Fund

The SME Export Marketing Fund is administered by the Trade and Industry Department (TID) to support Hong Kong enterprises in promoting their products and services in markets outside Hong Kong. The scheme operates on a reimbursement basis, providing financial support after eligible export marketing activities have been completed and expenses have been incurred.

Under the current arrangement effective until 30 June 2026, the Government reimburses 25% of approved eligible expenditures, subject to a maximum of HK$100,000 per application. Each enterprise may receive a cumulative total of up to HK$1,000,000 across multiple approved applications.

One of the key developments in recent years is the expansion of eligible activities. In addition to traditional overseas trade fairs and business missions, EMF now supports online exhibitions, digital marketing initiatives, and export-oriented website or mobile application development. Certain large-scale exhibitions held in Hong Kong but targeting overseas buyers are also covered.

Despite its flexibility, EMF is not an automatic entitlement. Applications are assessed on their alignment with export promotion objectives, cost reasonableness, and documentary completeness—making preparation a decisive factor in success.

Who Can Apply for the SME Export Marketing Fund

Eligibility Criteria for Applicant Enterprises

To qualify for EMF funding, an applicant must be a non-listed enterprise registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance, with substantive business operations in Hong Kong. Substantive operations go beyond having a registered address and typically require evidence such as commercial contracts, invoices, MPF contribution records, or audited or management accounts.

Enterprises must also ensure that their cumulative approved funding does not exceed the overall cap of HK$1,000,000. The Trade and Industry Department treats connected enterprises—for example, companies sharing common ownership, directors, or operational control—as a single entity for funding-cap purposes.

Certain entities are explicitly excluded, including organisers or co-organisers of the promotional activities, service providers involved in delivering the activities, and non-profit organisations. Applicants are expected to be direct beneficiaries of the export promotion, not intermediaries.

Eligible Export Promotion Activities

The SME Export Marketing Fund supports a wide range of activities, provided they clearly target markets outside Hong Kong. Eligible activities include participation in overseas trade fairs and exhibitions, business missions and trade delegations, and virtual or online exhibitions.

In addition, EMF covers advertising in trade publications, export-focused digital marketing campaigns, and the development or enhancement of company websites or mobile applications designed for overseas audiences. These digital elements must be clearly linked to export promotion rather than general branding or domestic sales.

Activities that lack a demonstrable export focus, or that primarily serve the local Hong Kong market, are unlikely to be approved—even if they are commercially valuable to the business.

What Expenses Are Covered and Funding Limits

The EMF reimburses actual eligible expenses directly related to a single approved export promotion activity. Funding is provided on a 1:3 matching basis, meaning the Government covers 25% of the approved costs, while the applicant bears the remaining 75%.

Common reimbursable expense categories include booth rental, booth construction and design, participation fees for exhibitions, travel and accommodation costs for staff attending overseas promotional events, and advertising fees paid to trade media or export-focused platforms.

For digital initiatives, eligible expenses may include website localisation, content development for overseas markets, and export-oriented online advertising services. However, item-specific caps and cost-reasonableness principles apply, and not all expenses within a category are automatically reimbursable.

Each application is capped at HK$100,000, and enterprises should carefully track their remaining funding balance to avoid exceeding the cumulative HK$1,000,000 ceiling. Over-budgeting or cost structures that appear inflated often raise red flags during assessment.

SME Export Marketing Fund Application Process Explained

Preparing Your Application

Effective EMF applications are built on clear documentation and alignment with scheme objectives. Applicants must complete the official application form and submit supporting documents that demonstrate both eligibility and the legitimacy of claimed expenses.

Key documents typically include a valid Business Registration Certificate, proof of substantive business operations, detailed quotations from service providers, and written descriptions of the promotional activity. For reimbursement claims, payment records, invoices, and contracts are mandatory.

First-time applicants using the Initial Payment cum Final Payment arrangement must also execute a Funding Agreement. All documents must be submitted in acceptable digital formats and be legible, consistent, and internally coherent. Minor discrepancies—such as mismatched amounts or unclear supplier details—can delay processing or lead to partial rejection.

Submission Timeline and Approval Workflow

Applications can be submitted via the online e-Form system, by post, through designated drop-in boxes, or in person at the SME Export Marketing Fund Branch of the Trade and Industry Department.

Timing is critical. Reimbursement applications must be submitted within 60 calendar days after completion of the activity. For Initial Payment applications, submission must occur 45 to 120 days before the activity starts, with the final claim lodged within 60 days after completion.

Once submitted, complete applications are generally processed within approximately 30 working days, although additional information requests may extend this timeline. Approved funding is disbursed strictly based on assessed eligible costs, not the originally proposed budget.

Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected

Many EMF applications fail not because the business is ineligible, but because the application lacks clarity or compliance. Common rejection reasons include insufficient proof of substantive operations, weak explanation of export relevance, or promotional activities that appear domestic in nature.

Documentation issues are another frequent cause. Missing receipts, unclear invoices, or unsupported cost allocations often result in disallowed expenses or outright rejection. Non-compliance with quotation requirements—such as failing to justify supplier selection—also undermines credibility.

Late submissions, especially for reimbursement claims, are typically invalidated regardless of merit. A disciplined internal review before submission can significantly reduce these avoidable risks.

Practical Tips to Improve Approval Success

To improve approval outcomes, applicants should frame their activities around clear export objectives, explicitly stating target markets, overseas audiences, and expected outcomes. Budgets should be realistic, well-structured, and supported by market-based quotations.

Maintaining organised records throughout the activity lifecycle—not just at the claim stage—simplifies compliance and reduces errors. Applicants should also monitor policy updates and funding cap usage, particularly if they plan multiple EMF applications over time.

For enterprises unfamiliar with government funding schemes, professional advisory support can help interpret eligibility rules, structure compliant budgets, and ensure documentation meets assessment standards.

If you require guidance on structuring your SME Export Marketing Fund application for grant, or wish to ensure your submission aligns fully with current TID requirements, you may consider seeking professional support. For advisory assistance, feel free to contact service@bbcincorp.com for an initial discussion.

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