Gov’t enhances two funding schemes for SMEs

The changes will apply to funding requests received from 14 March.

The government will enhance the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading & Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) and the SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF).

Under the new measures, each applicant enterprise will be allowed to submit one “Easy BUD” application every three months, reducing the current six-month application interval.

The funding scope will also be expanded to cover the establishment of an online sales platform as well as professional fees associated with the establishment of new business entities in eligible markets.

The new measures are applicable to funding requests received from 14 March.

These measures aim to provide focused and sustainable support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Government will merge the EMF into the BUD Fund after 30 June 2026, to better support enterprise upgrading and transformation. 

In addition, the government will also revise the funding ceiling, matching ratio, and other parameters for more efficient resource allocation and ensure long-term financial sustainability.