【2023 Government Subsidy】Digital Transformation Support Pilot Program | A Comprehensive Guide to Subsidy Details

Table of Contents
・Details
・Overview
・Categories
・Application Process
・Frequently Asked Questions

The “Digital Transformation Support Pilot Program” is a subsidy scheme launched by the Hong Kong SAR Government in the 2023-2024 Budget. The objective is to assist Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in their digital transformation, thereby enhancing their business efficiency and competitiveness. An allotment of HKD 500 million has been approved by the Legislative Council, expected to aid at least 8,000 eligible companies with a funding cap of HKD 50,000 per company. The initial phase of the program will target the retail and catering industries.

• Targets SMEs with little or no exposure to technology
• Assists qualified SMEs in acquiring one existing basic digital solution package
• One-to-one matching subsidy model
• Each eligible company can receive a subsidy of up to HKD 50,000 (i.e., the maximum project amount can be HKD 100,000)
• The program will be launched in the fiscal year 2023-24 for a period of two years

• The scheme must include at least one electronic payment system with transaction costs below market level
• Assists companies in setting up electronic payment systems and automating in-store sales
• Includes self-service in-store sales solutions, such as self-ordering systems and vending machines
• The system can automatically generate reports through sales data, allowing companies to analyze their business conditions and provide a basis for business decisions
• Does not include transaction fees or equivalent fees for each payment

• Assists companies in building websites, social media pages
• Enhances online search engine reach and visibility on social media to help companies promote their business

• Assists companies in sales promotion, such as setting up online membership systems, virtual coupons, etc.
• Increases communication and interaction between companies and customers and potential customers. The system provides customer support, case management, and knowledge base functions, centrally stores customer data and contact records, and can provide reports to allow companies to effectively view, analyze, and manage sales activities, targets, potential customers discovered, and related follow-up work

e.g., Electronic Payment Systems and In-store Sales + Online Promotion, Electronic Payment Systems and In-store Sales + Customer Management and Benefit System

In this program, the government will subsidize the participating SMEs at a 1:1 ratio. In other words, participating companies must first pay HKD 50,000, and the government will also provide a subsidy of HKD 50,000, jointly supporting the company’s digital transformation project. The total project amount cap for the entire program is HKD 100,000.

1. Assume a total project amount of HKD 100,000
2. Applicant is notified by Cyberport that the application is approved (Cyberport approves the project amount of HKD 100,000, i.e., the subsidy amount is HKD 50,000)
3. Applicant pays half of the approved program cost to the program supplier (i.e., HKD 50,000)
4. Applicant proves that they have paid at least half of the cost (provides a receipt from the program supplier), and provides proof that the project has been successfully implemented
5. The government will issue 50% of the approved grant subsidy to the program supplier (i.e., HKD 25,000)
6. 12 months after approval, the subsidy applicant must submit a summary report and submit relevant supporting documents to Cyberport. Once Cyberport receives this report and confirms there are no problems, it will directly issue the remaining final subsidy payment to the program supplier (i.e., HKD 25,000)

Expected Application Dates:
Scheme Suppliers: Apply within November
SMEs in Catering and Retail Industry: Expected in December

The “Digital Transformation Support Pilot Program” provides an excellent opportunity for SMEs to receive up to HKD 50,000 in subsidies for digital transformation, thereby enhancing business efficiency and competitiveness. However, please note that the total grant for this program is only HKD 500 million, and once it is used up, no further applications can be made. Therefore, we strongly recommend all eligible SMEs to seize this precious opportunity and apply as soon as possible.

Mshop provides a complete online retail solution, currently supporting many listed companies and well-known brands, including AIRLAND Bedding, PorterHK, Hung Fook Tong, etc.

Mshop provides the following categories for the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Program:

1. Electronic Payment Systems and In-store Sales
   • Online Store (with electronic payment system)
   • Retail POS (with electronic payment system)
2. Online Promotion
   • Google Keyword Advertising (SEM)
   • Google Shopping Ads
   • Google Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
3. Customer Management and Reward Systems
   • Brand App (with shopping function and coupons)
   • CRM Customer Management and Reward System

If you are an SME interested in applying for the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Program, Mshop is the choice of many listed companies and well-known brands. Feel free to contact our professional team for free consultation and services for the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Program, and start your digital transformation journey.

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