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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s unwavering support for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has been a foundational element of its economic strategy. A prime example of this commitment is the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, which was launched in late March 2024 and has already assisted over 600 applicants in adopting basic digital solutions that are ready for immediate use.
This pilot programme, managed by Cyberport and backed by an HK$500 million allocation from the Government, is specifically designed to accelerate digital transformation within the retail and food & beverage sectors. The initiative enables SMEs to enhance their operations through the application of three primary categories of digital solutions: digital payment systems and shopfront sales, online promotion, and customer management systems.
The programme is structured on a one-to-one matching basis, providing eligible enterprises with up to HK$50,000 in funding support to acquire one digital solution package from a pre-assessed list. This approach ensures that SMEs can access tailored solutions that meet their specific business needs.
For instance, a Hong Kong-style Western restaurant used the programme to install an electronic ordering and payment system, streamlining operations and enhancing customer experience with mobile payments. Similarly, a retail store specialising in dried seafood utilised the programme to adopt an online point-of-sale system, which facilitated the store’s expansion into the digital marketplace. This move enabled the business to attract customers from beyond its immediate district, while also transforming its operations through the use of proactive promotional messaging to engage customers.
Cyberport has played an active role in promoting the programme across relevant industries. This includes conducting online publicity campaigns and organising regular briefings for SMEs, helping them identify suitable digital solutions that align with their operational requirements and budget constraints.
In parallel, the HKSAR Government has also intensified its efforts to support local SMEs in capitalising on the burgeoning e-commerce market in Mainland China, recognising the sector’s rapid growth and vast domestic sales potential. On 15 July 2024, the Government launched the “E-commerce Easy” initiative under the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading & Domestic Sales (BUD Fund). This scheme offers enterprises the flexibility to utilise up to HK$1 million in funding, within a cumulative ceiling of HK$7 million, to execute e-commerce projects. Eligible measures include establishing online stores, placing advertisements on third-party online sales platforms, and incorporating online payment options on company websites.
Additionally, the Government’s Technology Voucher Programme (TVP), initiated in 2016 under the Innovation & Technology Fund, provides subsidies to local entities for the adoption of technological services and solutions aimed at improving productivity or upgrading business processes. The TVP offers matching funds on a 3:1 basis, with a cumulative funding ceiling of HK$600,000, allowing applicants to receive support for up to six projects.
A beauty salon upgraded its online sales and booking system with TVP funding, improving bookings and inventory management, while a toy shop enhanced its point-of-sale and ERP systems. These upgraded systems now integrate data from both physical stores and online shops, providing employees with a comprehensive view of the company’s product inventory. The systems also streamline the recording of order details, payment status, and logistics tracking, thereby simplifying delivery arrangements and improving customer service responsiveness.
The TVP has been met with enthusiastic participation from the industries involved. As of the end of July, over 39,000 applications had been received, with SMEs accounting for more than 95% of successful applicants. To further encourage SME participation in digital transformation initiatives, the Innovation & Technology Commission and the Productivity Council host “TVP Tactic Days” and organise regular briefing sessions for prospective applicants.
