Government Support, Incentives, and Funding for Irish Companies Expanding to Hong Kong
- Kristina Coluccia
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
One of the biggest questions for Irish businesses considering Asia is: “Will we have the support we need?” The answer—especially when it comes to Hong Kong—is a resounding yes.
Hong Kong offers a robust ecosystem of government-backed incentives, funding schemes, and partner platforms designed to attract international businesses. When paired with Enterprise Ireland’s global network and growing regional integration via the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the support landscape for Irish companies in 2025 is stronger than ever.
InvestHK: Your First Point of Contact
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) is the HKSAR Government’s flagship agency helping foreign businesses establish and expand in the city.
For Irish entrepreneurs, InvestHK provides:
Free advisory services tailored to your sector and goals
Introductions to service providers, investors, and local partners
Sector-specific teams (e.g., fintech, food & beverage, healthcare, sustainability)
Ongoing aftercare and business support
Whether you're entering the market or scaling regionally, InvestHK acts as a central hub to help you navigate regulatory, financial, and operational matters.
SME Support Schemes and Government Funding
Hong Kong offers several funding initiatives and business development schemes designed for SMEs—including foreign-owned startups:
Key programs include:
SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF): Reimburses up to 50% of marketing and export promotion costs (e.g., trade shows, advertising, digital campaigns)
BUD Fund (Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading, and Domestic Sales): Offers funding for projects aimed at expanding into Mainland China and ASEAN
Technology Voucher Programme (TVP): Helps SMEs adopt technology solutions (up to HKD 600,000 in funding)
HKSTP & Cyberport Incubators: Provide funding, co-working space, mentorship, and investor access for startups in tech, medtech, and fintech sectors
Tip: Many of these schemes are accessible to companies with at least one local director or office presence—something Woodburn can help facilitate.
Irish Government Support: Enterprise Ireland and Beyond
Enterprise Ireland (EI) maintains a strong presence in Hong Kong, supporting Irish SMEs looking to enter or grow in the region.
Services for Irish companies include:
Market entry strategy development
Local partner searches and introductions
Trade missions and showcase events
Access to EI funding, including:
Market Discovery Fund
Business Financial Planning Grant
GradStart for hiring international talent
In addition, Bord Bia supports Irish food and beverage exporters with market insights, buyer introductions, and promotional campaigns in Hong Kong and the GBA.
Tapping Into the Greater Bay Area (GBA): Regional Expansion Made Easy
Hong Kong’s strategic location gives Irish businesses access to the Greater Bay Area, a regional powerhouse that includes Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and nine other cities across Southern China.
With over 86 million consumers and a GDP comparable to Canada, the GBA offers:
R&D collaboration with Mainland tech hubs
Manufacturing and logistics integration
Consumer access with rising demand for quality imports
The Hong Kong government actively supports foreign companies leveraging the GBA through initiatives like:
GBA Youth Entrepreneurship Funds and startup incubators
Cross-border Fintech and Healthtech sandbox programmes
Support from InvestHK’s GBA Business Support Unit
Trade Shows, Networks, and Platforms That Open Doors
Trade shows and business forums remain powerful platforms for Irish businesses to gain visibility and connect with buyers, investors, and distributors.
Key opportunities:
HKTDC events (e.g., Food Expo, Medtech Fair, Fintech Week)
Belt and Road Summit
Asian Financial Forum
EU-Hong Kong Business Collaboration Platform
Many of these events offer booth subsidies, matchmaking meetings, and free entry for Irish companies—especially those working with Enterprise Ireland or InvestHK.
Why This Matters
Even with a great product or service, international expansion requires support. Hong Kong offers that support in abundance—with a unique blend of government incentives, regional access, and Irish-backed infrastructure to help companies grow confidently.
For Irish businesses on the fence, this support can tip the balance—from cautious consideration to bold expansion.
Need help navigating your funding and incentive options? Book a free consultation and explore the right programmes for your company. We help U.S. businesses with entity setup, tax planning, local hiring, and strategic localization. Let’s make your China journey a success — from day one.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is one of China’s most trusted business setup advisory firms.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is specialized in inbound investment to China and Hong Kong. We focus on eliminating the complexities of corporate services and compliance administration. We help clients with services ranging from trademark registration and company incorporation to the full outsourcing solution for accounting, tax, and human resource services. Our advisory services can be tailor-made based on the companies’ objectives, goals and needs which vary depending on the stage they are at on their journey.