Tips for Successful Application to BUD Fund
The BUD Fund has the lowest success rate among common funding programs. According to documents from the Legislative Council, the approval rate for the BUD Fund is only about 35%. Furthermore, the application process for BUD is lengthy, usually taking around 6 months. If an application is unfortunately rejected, it can also consume a lot of time and human resources. Therefore, companies must prepare adequately when applying for the fund to increase their chances of success.
8 Key Application Points
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Before applying, ensure that the company complies with regulations, such as holding relevant licenses such as business licenses, restaurant licenses, and entertainment licenses.
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Submit the required operational and financial documents as prescribed by BUD, such as the contribution records for the previous six months' Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) payments and the latest annual audit report.
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Ensure that the application form aligns with the project requirements, for example, demonstrating the necessity of hiring new employees for the project.
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Ensure that the budget reflects actual needs and market prices, such as providing relevant quotations for producing waterproof outdoor posters.
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Respond promptly and clearly to inquiries from the Hong Kong Productivity Council. Delayed responses may be reported truthfully to the committee, which can affect the assessment of the company's project execution capabilities.
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Understand the regulatory requirements of the target market. Failure to submit documents complying with local regulations after project approval may result in adjustments to the subsidy, potentially impacting the final funding or even requiring the return of the initial disbursement.
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Execute the project on time. The proposed implementation period, typically 12 to 24 months, should be adhered to. While delays in project completion are possible, it is important to provide detailed explanations for any delays, as they can be seen as wastage of resources and may impact future applications.
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Submit the final report and supporting documents within two months after project completion. This includes an audited financial statement reviewed by a qualified auditor and substantial evidence of project implementation, such as lease agreements for new business premises and proof of rental payment receipts.
If you can achieve the above eight key points, it will greatly increase the chances of successful approval.