Applications are invited for the second round of the Small & Medium Enterprise Development Fund, the Trade & Industry Department announces.

Non-profit-distributing support organisations, trade and industrial firms, professional bodies and research institutes are welcome to come up with funding proposals to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs in general or in specific sectors.

Maximum funding for an approved project is $2 million, or 90% of the total expenditure, whichever is less. The applicant will have to contribute the remaining amount, which may be in cash, in kind or in the form of third party sponsorship.

Applications received will be considered by a vetting committee chaired by the Director-General of Trade & Industry. Application forms and the guide for applicants are available at the SDF Secretariat, 4/F, Trade & Industry Department Tower, 700 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong. They can also be downloaded from the SME Funding Schemes website. A list of the previously approved SDF projects can also be accessed.

For enquiries contact the SDF Secretariat by phone at 2398 5128 or via email at sdf_enquiry@tid.gov.hk.