Looking to Expand Your Business into Mainland China? The BUD Mainland Programme provides government funding to help Hong Kong enterprises build their brand, upgrade operations, and enter the Mainland market with greater confidence and efficiency.
This is the latest scheme information, effective14 March 2025.
The following BUD-related information is sourced fromHong Kong GovernmentandOfficial Documents.
The approved funding ratio between the Government and enterprises has been revised from1:1to1:3. This revised ratio also applies to audit fees.
The first payment of the approved funding has been reduced from75%to20%.
The project under BUD and E-commerce Easy schemeshave been adjusted from由HK$1,000,000toHK$800,000.The total government-approved funding that an enterprise may hold at any time must not exceedHK$800,000.
This is the latest scheme information, effectivefrom 14 March 2025.
The information above regarding BUD is based on Hong Kong Government press releases and official publications.
The approved funding ratio between the Government and enterprises has been revised from1:1to1:3. This revised ratio also applies to audit fees.
The first payment of the approved funding has been reduced from75%to20%.
The project under BUD and E-commerce Easy schemeshave been adjusted from由HK$1,000,000toHK$800,000.The total government-approved funding that an enterprise may hold at any time must not exceedHK$800,000.
BUD Fund – Mainland Programme ApplicationThe BUD Mainland Programme is open to companies from all industries. Any non-listed Hong Kong enterprise that is registered under the Business Registration Ordinance and has substantive business operations in Hong Kong is eligible to apply. Companies that already have business operations in Mainland China are also eligible to submit an application.
Funding under the BUD Mainland Programme is provided on a matching basis. The Government will subsidise up to 25% of the total approved project expenditure, while the enterprise must contribute at least 75% in cash. Each enterprise may receive funding support for up to 70 approved projects, with a cumulative funding ceiling of HK $7,000,000.
Under the BUD Mainland Programme, funding is available for a wide range of eligible expenses. In addition to hiring new staff, enterprises may also apply for support for the purchase of new machinery and equipment. Trademark registration is another important eligible item and can also be covered under BUD funding.
After submission of a BUD Mainland Programme application, the Secretariat will conduct an initial assessment, followed by review by the Programme Management Committee comprising relevant government departments. Upon approval, a funding agreement will be signed and the approved project may commence. During project implementation, applicants are required to submit progress reports and annual audited accounts. Upon project completion, a final report must be submitted to receive final funding.
Project duration requirements: (1) Projects lasting 18 months or less do not require progress reports, (2) Projects lasting more than 18 months up to 24 months must submit a progress report within one year of project commencement. The final report must be submitted within 2 months after project completion.
BUD Fund – Mainland Programme ApplicationThe BUD Mainland Programme is open to companies from all industries. Any non-listed Hong Kong enterprise that is registered under the Business Registration Ordinance and has substantive business operations in Hong Kong is eligible to apply. Companies that already have business operations in Mainland China are also eligible to submit an application.
Funding under the BUD Mainland Programme is provided on a matching basis. The Government will subsidise up to 25% of the total approved project expenditure, while the enterprise must contribute at least 75% in cash. Each enterprise may receive funding support for up to 70 approved projects, with a cumulative funding ceiling of HK $7,000,000.
Under the BUD Mainland Programme, funding is available for a wide range of eligible expenses. In addition to hiring new staff, enterprises may also apply for support for the purchase of new machinery and equipment. Trademark registration is another important eligible item and can also be covered under BUD funding.
After submission of a BUD Mainland Programme application, the Secretariat will conduct an initial assessment, followed by review by the Programme Management Committee comprising relevant government departments. Upon approval, a funding agreement will be signed and the approved project may commence. During project implementation, applicants are required to submit progress reports and annual audited accounts. Upon project completion, a final report must be submitted to receive final funding.
Project duration requirements: (1) Projects lasting 18 months or less do not require progress reports, (2) Projects lasting more than 18 months up to 24 months must submit a progress report within one year of project commencement. The final report must be submitted within 2 months after project completion.
Applicant companies must meet the following criteria:
A Hong Kong subsidiary can apply for the BUD Fund as long as it is not listed, has a valid Business Registration in Hong Kong, and operates a substantive business in Hong Kong. The parent company being listed does not affect eligibility.
The BUD Fund is not a startup fund. While the BUD Fund Application Guidelines do not explicitly restrict newly established companies from applying, applicants are required to demonstrate ongoing business operations — such as revenue figures and project scale. For newly formed companies, the likelihood of a successful application depends on the reasonableness of the proposed project and whether it aligns with the company's existing business foundation. Therefore, OneSec recommends that businesses establish a solid operational track record before applying for BUD Funding.
A company may apply for funding for a new project. However, it must clearly declare in the application form the progress of any existing funded projects and any other applications currently under review. Please note that the performance and implementation status of existing projects may affect the approval of the new application.
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