We are excited to announce our participation in the 數碼轉型支援先導計劃, a groundbreaking initiative by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to empower businesses in their digital transformation journey.
1. What is the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Program (DTSPP)
The Digital Transformation Support Pilot Program (DTSPP) is a government-launched funding initiative aimed at assisting local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their digital transformation to enhance their competitiveness and operational efficiency. This program provides ready-to-use basic digital technology solutions support, through one-to-one matching grants, to help SMEs adopt digital tools such as electronic payment systems, online promotion, customer management, and reward systems.
Key Features:
- Funding Amount: Total funding of HKD 5 billion by the government.
- Funding Mode: One-to-one matching grants.
- Target: Local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Application Scope: Includes electronic payment systems, online promotion, customer management, and reward systems.
2. Documents Required for Applying to the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Program
Eligibility:
-Registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Chapter 310).
-Not a listed company in Hong Kong, a statutory body, or a non-government organization receiving public funds.
-Has substantial business operations in the local catering or retail industry.
-Fewer than 50 full-time employees.
Required Documents:
1. A copy of a valid business registration certificate issued under the Business Registration Ordinance.
2. One of the following documents proving substantial business operations at the address specified in the application:
-A copy of the electricity bill for the past three months; or
-A copy of the water bill for the past two quarters; or
-A copy of the lease agreement.
3. Proof of belonging to the specified industry:
-Catering Industry: A copy of one of the eligible Food and Environmental Hygiene Department licenses listed on the program website.
-Retail Industry: Photos showing substantial retail operations at the specified address.
4. A declaration signed by the owner or director of the applicant organization and stamped with the organization’s seal, indicating agreement with the terms and conditions of the application.
Application Steps:
1. Fill out the application form.
2. Submit the required documents listed above.
3. Await approval and notification.
3. Comprehensive Solution for the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Program
· 1 x POS Terminal (iPad / Android tablet)
· 1 x Receipt Printer (connected to the POS terminal)
· 1 x Digital Payment Terminal (QFPay or others)
· 1 x 24-month subscription for Cloud POS + eShop + Membership/Customer Relationship Management + Inventory Management + Digital Payment
Next Steps:
We encourage all eligible SMEs to seize this valuable opportunity and begin the application process promptly. The allocated funds are limited, and once exhausted, further applications may not be possible.
For more information or assistance in navigating the application process, feel free to contact our dedicated team. Let's embark on this digital transformation journey together!
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about the "Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme":
1. Does the "Digital Transformation Support Pilot Scheme" require obtaining multiple vendor quotations?
- No, only the selected solution that has been pre-approved by the independent review committee needs to be chosen in advance.
2. Will there be a shortage of approvals for the "Digital Transformation Support Pilot Scheme"?
- No, as all vendor proposals have been pre-approved by Cyberport, the funding amount is predetermined at the time of application.
3. How is the "Digital Transformation Support Pilot Scheme" different from other subsidies?
- The "Digital Transformation Support Pilot Scheme" emphasizes simplicity and convenience, eliminating the need for complex documentation and intermediary applications.
4. How long does it take to receive the results of the application for the "Digital Transformation Support Pilot Scheme"?
- It depends on the number of applications, but currently, the expected timeframe is 2 months.
5. Can the "Digital Transformation Support Pilot Scheme" subsidize the purchase of hardware?
- Yes, as long as the solution provider can demonstrate that the equipment or hardware is a crucial component of the proposed solution.
6. Can the "Digital Transformation Support Pilot Scheme" be used to pay for existing services?
- No, because the purpose of the "Digital Transformation Support Pilot Scheme" is to assist small and medium enterprises in digital transformation.
7. Can the "Digital Transformation Support Pilot Scheme" cover subscription services?
- Yes, and subscription services are expected to be a key focus of the "Digital Transformation Support Pilot Scheme."
8. How many years of subscription/annual fee services can the "Digital Transformation Support Pilot Scheme" subsidize?
- Two years.
9. What are the consequences if the project is not completed?
- If the applicant fails to meet the requirements of the final report, the government and HKCMCL reserve the right to request the return of any approved funds.
10. Can the quotation be adjusted after approval of the funding?
- If the cost of the adopted solution decreases at any time or for any reason to an extent that the approved funding amount exceeds half of the total cost of the adopted solution, the approved funding amount can be adjusted downward at any time. If the cost of the adopted solution increases after approval, the approved funding amount will remain unchanged.