“BUD Fund - Enterprise Support Programme” 96% of the First Batch of “ESP Easy” Applications Approved

The Enterprise Support Programme (“ESP”) of the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (the BUD Fund) launched the “ESP Easy – Simplified Application Track” (“ESP Easy”) in August 2015 aims to help eligible enterprises apply for funding through simplified application procedures for implementing specified measures to assist them in enhancing their competitiveness in the Mainland and developing the domestic market. The first batch of “ESP Easy” has a high rate of funding approval reaching 96%.

“ESP Easy” accepts applications from non-listed enterprises which have had substantive business operations in Hong Kong for at least three years at the time of application. Funding would be provided on a matching basis after completion of projects, and the funding ceiling for each project is $170,000. All “ESP Easy” projects must be completed within 12 months.

To promote awareness of “ESP Easy” among enterprises, the ESP Programme Secretariat, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), will organize various programmes in December. These include two seminars at the upcoming “World SME Expo 2015”, staging from 3 to 5 December at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Enterprises can also visit HKPC’s SME One Pavilion (Booth: 1E-C07) at the “World SME Expo 2015” to obtain on-site advisory and support in lodging applications, as well as learn more about the successful cases of the Programme. Enterprises can also join a networking session to be held at the HKPC Building on 17 December to get the latest update on the Programme and application requirements.

To help Hong Kong enterprises develop the Mainland market, the HKSAR Government introduced in June 2012 the $1 billion BUD Fund. It aims to assist enterprises in enhancing their competitiveness and furthering business development in the Mainland through developing brands, upgrading and restructuring operations and promoting domestic sales.

The BUD Fund comprises two programmes, “Enterprise Support Programme” and “Organisation Support Programme”, providing funding support to eligible enterprises and non-profit distributing organisations respectively. HKPC is the Secretariat of the Enterprise Support Programme.

Applications for the Programme are accepted all year round with vetting being held every three months. The next cut-off time for applications will be December 31, 2015.

For more information, please visit the programme website: www.bud.hkpc.org; or contact the Secretariat at tel.: (852) 2788 6088 or email: bud_sec@hkpc.org. For other media enquiries, please contact Chloe Chau of HKPC’s Corporate Communication and Marketing Division at tel.: (852) 2788 6158 or email: chloechau@hkpc.org.

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Mr Jonathan Ho
General Manager
Corporate Communication and Marketing
Tel: (852) 2788 6390
Fax: (852) 2788 5056
Email: jonathanho@hkpc.org
Website: www.hkpc.org

1 December 2015