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Government launches "ESP Easy - Simplified Application Track" under Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestics Sales
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     The Government launches an additional "ESP Easy ¡V Simplified Application Track" ("ESP Easy") under the Enterprise Support Programme ("the ESP") of the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (the "BUD Fund") today (August 25). "ESP Easy" starts accepting applications today and the deadline for the first batch of applications is  September 30, 2015.  

     Enterprises can make use of the "ESP Easy" to apply for funding to implement specified measures which could effectively assist them in enhancing their competitiveness in the Mainland and developing the Mainland market. These measures include participation in Mainland exhibitions, establishment or enhancement of online shops or websites, undertaking testing and certification for products for domestic sales, design and production of physical publicity materials for distribution in the Mainland, and application for registration of patent, trademark, design and utility model in the Mainland.

     Applicant enterprises will only need to fill in a simplified application form. Enterprises which are non-listed but have been registered in Hong Kong and have had substantive business operations in Hong Kong for at least three years at the time of application are eligible to apply for "ESP Easy".

     "With the launch of 'ESP Easy' under the ESP, we aim to simplify the application procedures and provide more timely and adequate support for enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises," the Government spokesman said.

     Funding under "ESP Easy" would be provided on a matching basis after completion of projects, and the funding ceiling for each project is $170,000. All "ESP Easy" projects must be completed within 12 months. Funding approved for projects under "ESP Easy" would be counted towards the cumulative funding ceiling per enterprise under the ESP ($500,000); and each enterprise can obtain funding for a maximum of three projects under the ESP (including "ESP Easy"). Interested enterprises can apply direct with the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Secretariat of the ESP.

     Apart from "ESP Easy", enterprises may continue to apply for funding through the normal application track of the ESP. The deadline for the next batch of applications is also September 30, 2015.

     In addition, in order to further assist enterprises in developing the Mainland market, we have liaised with the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, which would provide the following offers to enterprises which obtain funding from the BUD Fund, including:

(i) a 20 per cent discount on the fee for participation in HKTDC's self-operated Design Gallery shops in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Dalian for the first six months, and grantees successfully enrolled in the above shops will also be entitled to three free business matching services of HKTDC. A special concessionary rate of commission (10 per cent) will be charged for participation in online Design Gallery shops on various Mainland e-commerce platforms (including T-Mall, Taobao.com and JD.com) for the first six months;
(ii) 10 free credit assessments of Mainland buyers by ECIC; and
(iii) special discounts equivalent to those enjoyed by partner companies anchoring in the Hong Kong Science Park on the use of technical support centre and laboratory services of the Science Park.

     Interested enterprises can lodge applications with the relevant organisations before June 30, 2017.

     "We encourage enterprises to continue to make good use of the BUD Fund to enhance their competitiveness and develop business in the Mainland," the Government spokesman said.

     To help Hong Kong enterprises capitalise on the opportunities arising from the National 12th Five-Year Plan, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government introduced in June 2012 the $1 billion BUD Fund to assist enterprises in enhancing their competitiveness and furthering business development in the Mainland through developing brands, upgrading and restructuring operations and promoting domestic sales. The BUD Fund comprises two programmes, namely the ESP and the "Organisation Support Programme" ("the OSP"), providing funding support to eligible enterprises and non-profit distributing organisations respectively. Up to the end of July 2015, 314 and 45 applications were approved under the ESP and the OSP respectively. The total amount of funding approved was over $289 million.

     For more information, please visit the ESP website: www.bud.hkpc.org ; or contact the Secretariat by telephone: (852) 2788 6088 or email: bud_sec@hkpc.org.

Ends/Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Issued at HKT 10:47

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