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Distance Business Programme Hong Kong

 

Remote Working is the New Trend and Hong Kong is Stepping Up Its Measures

Distance Business ProgrammeThe Distance Business Programme (or D-Biz Programme for short) was recently launched by the Hong Kong Government.

With the COVID-19 situation, many businesses have been forced to turn to remote working. As such, the Hong Kong Government launched the D-Biz under its Anti-Epidemic Fund. It was launched by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ICT).

 

Why Launch the Distance Business Programme?

Businesses needed the support to continue surviving during the COVID-19 pandemic. The D-Biz was a way to do that. The programme provides fast-tracked funding support processing to allow businesses to quickly adopt IT solutions for remote work.

For every IT solution that gets implemented (and relevant training expenses incurred), the funding ceiling is HK$100,000. Each enterprise could potentially get HK$300,000 if they undertake a project to be completed in 6 months or less.

Enterprises will receive 30% of the funding once their application is approved. Solutions can only be implemented once your application is approved.

 

What is Covered Under the Distance Business Programme?

The categories of IT solutions that are covered under the programme are:

  • Online businesses
  • Online taking and delivery
  • Online self-service smart systems
  • Online customer services
  • Online or cloud-based financial management systems
  • Online or cloud-based human resource management systems
  • Enhancing digital customer experience
  • Digital payments or mobile point of sales
  • Conference and virtual meeting tools
  • Cloud storage and remote document management
  • Team management and communication virtually
  • Cybersecurity solutions
  • Other custom-built, cloud-based or online business support systems

 

Who is Eligible?

All private enterprises will be eligible for the D-Biz programme. However, publicly listed companies, non-government organisations and statutory bodies are excluded if you are funded by the Government. You must have a valid Business Registration Certificate. Your business must have commenced before 1 January 2020 to qualify too. You may only submit one application.

Applications start from 18 May 2020 and end 31 October 2020. Your eligibility will be assessed based on:

  • Feasibility of your budget
  • Relevance of the proposed project to your business
  • Feasibility of implementation
  • Capacity of the service provider

 

Enrolling on the Reference List as an IT Service Provider

To enrol as an IT service provider on the reference list, you need a valid Business Registration Certificate. Applications start 4 May 2020 and end 6 June 2020.

For a list of IT service providers, click here.

Distance Business Programme