“SME ReachOut - 2021 Fund Fair PLUS” Concludes Overwhelming Response with 14K Attendances Offers First-hand Assistance for SMEs with Various Funding Alternatives

(Hong Kong, 13 August 2021) Organised by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and co-organised by the Trade and Industry Department of the HKSAR Government, the “SME ReachOut – 2021 Fund Fair PLUS” (2021 Fund Fair) concluded today. As of 6pm today, the three-day event at HKPC Building has attracted an overwhelming response with around 14,000 visitors online and offline, over 400 half-an-hour one-on-one free consultation services and around 6,000 enquiries on funding schemes. HKPC hopes the event could provide prompt support to SMEs and industries addressing their funding needs.  

With the pandemic expediting digital transformation, the thematic seminar on Day 2 titled “Keep Upgrading with Continuous Innovation” had invited Mr Alfred Sit, Secretary for Innovation and Technology; Dr Daniel Yip, Honorary President of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries; and Dr Allen Shi, President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, who joined with Mr Mohamed Butt, Executive Director of HKPC, to explore how enterprises could keep abreast of market trends and grasp the emerging technologies and digital skills to enhance competitiveness and tap business opportunities.

Mr Alfred Sit, Secretary for Innovation and Technology, said that Hong Kong industry has a very strong foundation and can reach new height amidst the new opportunities brought about by innovation and technology (I&T). The Government has been actively promoting re-industrialisation in five areas to assist enterprises to upgrade and transform, namely infrastructure, financial support, talent, technology and scientific research. This can help provide new impetus for local economic growth, create quality job opportunities and enhance the overall competitiveness of Hong Kong.  The National 14th Five-Year Plan and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (the GBA) provide Hong Kong with ample opportunities. Mr Sit encouraged industry players to make good use of various support services provided by the Government and HKPC to better equip themselves with the aid of technology and to stay resilient to cope with the challenges and opportunities of business environment under the new normal, developing Hong Kong into an international I&T hub.
 
Mr Mohamed Butt, Executive Director of HKPC, said, “HKPC fully understands the pain points of SMEs and is committed to assisting their digital transformation journey through funding, technology and talent support. As the pandemic persists, enterprises are facing operating difficulties with funding constraint. The Fund Fair with an aim to help SMEs identify suitable government resources for operation improvement and business expansion continues this year. To cope with the digital era, technical support is crucial. HKPC’s professional consultants tailor-make technical solutions to address the specific needs of each SME, aiming to help them achieve excellence. HKPC is also devoted to developing future talents. Its HKPC Academy offers a variety of FutureSkills training programmes for enterprises and their staff to grasp the latest technologies and STEM skills, which is vital to stay competitive in the local and international markets and to promote the development of Hong Hong as an international I&T hub.”

2021 Fund Fair was organised by SME ReachOut, whom the government has commissioned HKPC to operate. It provided information on over 50 government funding schemes and supporting programmes for SMEs and startups covering different industries. The three-day event conducted 20+ on-site seminars and more than 400 half-an-hour one-on-one free consultation services on fund matching and relevant support, and received around 6,000 enquires on funding schemes. SMEs unabled to book the consultations or had missed out the 2021 Fund Fair can still enjoy the one-on-one consultation service by calling SME ReachOut hotline at 2788 6868, and recap the seminars later on the website for relevant information. Meanwhile, SME ReachOut will continue to make visits across industrial districts to introduce various government funding schemes to SMEs in addressing their pressing needs on funding scheme applications while sharing tips on application. 

This year’s event was joined by over 20 government departments, public organisations and SME service platforms from Hong Kong and the GBA; sponsored by strategic banking partner HSBC, diamond sponsors Dun & Bradstreet (HK) Ltd, Hong Kong Broadband Enterprise Solutions Ltd and SAP Hong Kong Co., Ltd; and supported by over 50 industry chambers and associations and public organisations. 

For more information about government funding schemes, please contact SME ReachOut via telephone: (852) 2788 6868; or email: sme_reachout@hkpc.org.

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Organised by HKPC, “SME ReachOut – 2021 Fund Fair PLUS” attracted overwhelming response as it provided SMEs and industries with timely and appropriate support.

Mr Alfred Sit, Secretary for Innovation and Technology (centre); Dr Daniel Yip, Honorary President of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (first from right); and Dr Allen Shi, President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (second from right), joined Mr Willy Lin, Chairman (second from left), and Mr Mohamed Butt, Executive Director of HKPC (first from left), for a group photo at the event.

Mr Mohamed Butt, Executive Director of HKPC, said HKPC is committed to assisting their digital transformation journey through funding, technology and talent support.