e-Commerce Easy – Start Your Journey to Success

Unlock Millions in Funding to Expand into the Mainland Market

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) held the “BUD Special Fund – E-commerce Easy Launching Ceremony” on July 15, 2024, officially announcing the introduction of the “Special Fund for Brand Development, Upgrading and Transformation, and Expanding the Domestic Market.” The new “E-commerce Easy” project has been added under the framework of the “BUD Special Fund.” Enterprises can flexibly use up to HK$1 million from the fund’s total allocation of HK$7 million to expand into the mainland e-commerce market.

With the government’s increased support for the “BUD Special Fund,” particularly the establishment of “E-commerce Easy,” many small and medium-sized enterprises are seizing the opportunity to enter the thriving Greater Bay Area market. However, competition in the mainland e-commerce landscape is intense. How can companies distinguish themselves, secure their place, and achieve meaningful business growth?

WECHATBIZ offers professional “E-commerce Easy” application and consulting services to assist companies in successfully launching their e-commerce operations in the mainland, enabling you to thrive in the vast Greater Bay Area market. Let us be your capable partner as we work together to achieve greatness!

About eCommerce Easy

BUD Special Fund – E-commerce is newly launched on July 15, 2024, aiming to support Hong Kong enterprises to expand their business in the mainland market through e-commerce. The “E-commerce Easy” program features the following characteristics:

  • Funding Scope: Includes setting up online stores on third-party platforms, placing advertisements, creating or optimizing mobile applications, and adding electronic payment functions to corporate websites, etc.
  • Grant Amount: Each company can receive a cumulative grant of up to HK$1 million.
  • Flexible Funding: There is no individual funding limit for each item, providing greater flexibility.

Eligibility

  • Have a business registration certificate in Hong Kong and be an unlisted company
  • Have substantial business operations in Hong Kong

Funding scope

Online sales platform

  • Establish a third-party online sales platform
  • Platform store design and production
  • Online store operation service fee

 

Advertise

  • (About applying for corporate e-commerce business promotion)
  • Advertise in business media
  • Search Engine Optimization/Search Engine Marketing (SEO/SEM)
  • Hire spokesperson/influencer

Mobile Application

  • Create a new mobile application
  • Optimize existing mobile applications
  • Create/install mini programs in third-party mobile applications

Company Website

  • Create a new company website
  • Optimize the existing company website (such as adding electronic payment functions)

Other e-commerce related measures

For example, cross-platform promotional videos/photos produced to promote relevant e-commerce businesses

"E-Commerce Easy" vs "Easy BUD" vs General "BUD"

Quickly understand: the difference between “eCommerce Easy” vs “Easy BUD” vs General “BUD”

ProjectE-commerce easyEasy BUDGeneral BUD Fund
Application qualificationsUnlisted companies registered in Hong Kong and with substantial business operationsUnlisted companies registered in Hong Kong and with substantial business operationsUnlisted companies registered in Hong Kong and with substantial business operations
Funding ratio50%50%50%
Single project funding limit1 million Hong Kong dollarsHK$100,0001 million Hong Kong dollars
Cumulative funding limitIncluding a total of HK$7 millionIncluding a total of HK$7 million7 million Hong Kong dollars
Application approval timeWithin 24 monthsWithin 12 monthsWithin 24 months
Audit fee subsidy upper limitFull subsidy, up to HK$10,000 each timeFull funding, up to HK$5,000 each timeFull subsidy, up to HK$10,000 each time
Application processing timeAbout 60 working days30 working daysAbout 60 working days
Subsidy scopeUse e-commerce related facilities, and only in the mainlandSimpler funding projects, such as trademark registration, patent application, designing company website, participating in exhibitions, etc.Covers various business development areas, including expansion of domestic sales, brand promotion, rental and other operating expenses
Is it possible to provide initial fundingCan apply for 75% down paymentDoes not support initial fundingCan apply for 75% down payment

How To Apply

We offer a comprehensive range of professional e-commerce application services to ensure that your application process is smooth and worry-free.

Application Process

1. Submit application:


Submit the application and related supporting documents through the online system

 

2. Waiting for preliminary review:


The execution agency will confirm whether the information is complete within 60 working days

 

3. Supplementary information or documents:


If the information is insufficient, the applicant needs to reply within 14 days

 

4. Approved:


Once the application is approved, follow the guidelines to complete the signing process

 

5. Project implementation:


Start implementing the funded project and the project must be completed within no more than 24 months

 

6. Progress report/final report:

Submit project progress and audit reports regularly as required
-If the project implementation exceeds 18 months, an interim report needs to be submitted in the 12th-13th month
-The final report must be submitted within 2 months after completing the project</span >

 

7. Disburse funds


If there are no problems with the completion report and audit report, the subsidy will generally be released within 60-90 days.

Application Documents

1. Basic files:

Completed online electronic application form

Copy of business registration certificate

Copy of company registration certificate

 

2. Company information certificate:

Proof of shareholder information holding 30% or more ownership

Documents proving that it has substantial business in Hong Kong

Proof of total sales in the previous year (including audited accounts)

 

3. Business-related documents:

Proof of direct investment relationship with mainland business units (if applicable)

Promotional materials for corporate business/products/services

 

4. Other important documents (if applicable):

Proof of specific license/qualification/certification

Copy of brand authorization/agency contract

Proof of Mainland Trademark Registration Procedure

Hong Kong Brand Registration Certificate

 

Note:

All documents must be submitted through the electronic system of the BUD Special Fund website (www.bud.hkpc.org)

Applications submitted by post, email or in person will not be accepted

Our Process

We offer a range of professional e-commerce application services designed to make your application process smooth and hassle-free.

Application Consultation

Application consultation allows our professional team to answer your questions, prepare necessary materials, enhance your chances of success, and make the process smoother!

Document preparation

Preparing the correct documents can significantly enhance application efficiency and ensure a smooth process. Let us help you organize the necessary materials for an effortless application!

Application submitted awaiting approval

After submitting your application, we will continuously follow up on the review process and await the results to proceed with the next steps.

Project Execution

After waiting for the application approval, we will swiftly initiate project execution, ensuring that all plans progress smoothly and the project is completed successfully.

Project Successfully Funded

The project has successfully secured funding. It’s our honor to serve you, and we wish your business continued growth!

Contact Our Expert Consultants for Professional Assistance

Complete the questionnaire and allow our expert consultants to assist you in smoothly applying for “E-commerce Easy”!

Get Started Now

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FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions and their answers, designed to help you quickly grasp the essential information about “E-commerce Easy.”

BUD電商易FAQ
What is E-Commerce Easy ?

The BUD Special Fund – E-commerce was launched on July 15, 2024, with the goal of supporting Hong Kong enterprises in expanding their business in the mainland market through e-commerce.

What are the application eligibility requirements for E-Commerce?
  • Must have a business registration certificate in Hong Kong and be an unlisted company.
  • Should have substantial business operations in Hong Kong.
What does E-commerce Yi’s funding scope include?

The funding scope of E-Commerce includes establishing online stores on third-party platforms, placing advertisements, creating or optimizing mobile applications, and integrating electronic payment functions into corporate websites.

Can e-commerce companies apply for down payment?

Yes, you can apply for up to 75% of the down payment.

How many quotations does E-Commerce need?

≤ HKD$5,000: 1 quotation

>HKD$5,000 – $50,000: 2 quotations

>HKD$50,000 – $300,000: 3 quotations

>HKD$300,000 – $1,599,999: 4 quotes

>HKD$1,600,000: Open Tender

What are the advantages of "E-commerce Easy" compared to other funding options?

Traditional BUD imposes limits on the amount for each subsidy category. For instance, the maximum amount for setting up an online store is HK$100,000, and advertising costs cannot exceed half of the total project amount. However, the BUD E-commerce program eliminates these individual funding caps, providing greater flexibility for merchants to promote e-commerce in the mainland.

About Us

Cross-Border Business Series | China Marketing Intensive Reading Class (1): How Traditional Companies Enter the Mainland E-Commerce Market

The mainland market is vast, with a social media ecosystem that differs significantly from Hong Kong’s. How can Hong Kong SMEs seize opportunities in the online market, attract traffic, and convert leads? For B2B companies, what strategies can they employ to effectively leverage mainland social media to enhance visibility, receive orders, and facilitate shipping?

[Tech Talk: Kicking and Mopping Technology] Expanding the Market and Competing for Business Opportunities: Tips for E-Commerce Success in the Greater Bay Area

“Tech Talk: Kicking and Mopping Technology” features guests from BOC Hong Kong and WECHATBIZ Experts, who will share valuable tips for successfully entering the Greater Bay Area. Experts will decode the marketing strategies specific to this region, offering in-depth analyses of customer success stories. They will demonstrate how multi-channel marketing approaches can enhance brand awareness and effectively capture and retain customers in the Greater Bay Area. Additionally, this seminar will explore cross-border financial solutions, helping small and medium-sized enterprises manage funds seamlessly between China and Hong Kong, thus creating greater financial flexibility.

Apply now

Interested in e-Commerce Easy or ready to start your application? Reach out to our expert consultants today!