D-Biz Funding – How We Can Help

Overview and Objectives

With the Coronavirus outbreak, remote working has become the need of the hour. As one of the steps to help businesses continue with their services under the current circumstances, the ITC (Innovation and Technology Commission) has come up with a D-Biz (Distance Business Programme), offering funding for integrating IT solutions in their systems. As part of the Anti-Epidemic Fund, this programme is backed up by The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) as the programme Secretariat.

Funding Amount

Each business might receive funding up to HK$300,000, and will require completing its project within a period of 6 months. The funding ceiling for each IT solution and employee training costs is HK$100,000.

Once the application is approved, 30% of the funding amount will be disbursed to the business. The remaining disbursement will happen after the project is completed and the documents are approved.

Funding Scope

The D-Biz programme has incorporated twelve IT solution categories to help promote distance business during the current pandemic situation :

1. Online Business

• To help the business launch a web portal, mobile application or any other online platform to endorse its products and services via a personalized or subscription-based ecommerce channel.
• Facilitate customers to place orders online.
• Come up with digital advertising solutions such as SEO, SEM, social media marketing, e-coupons etc to promote the company’s web portal.
• Does not include creation of advertisement content or materials such as text, image, video etc.

 

2. Online order taking and delivery, and smart self-service systems

• For the enterprise to commence a web portal, mobile application or any other online platform to endorse its products and services via a personalized or subscription-based ecommerce channel.
• Integration of technologies that will help the enterprise with online order placements and deliveries via different smart self-servicing systems e-logistics channels.
• Perfectly suited, but not restricted to businesses catering to self-service industry, like fast food take aways.
• Use digital advertising strategies such as SEO, SEM, social media marketing, loyalty programmes etc to promote the enterprise’s web portal
• Does not include creation of advertisement content or materials such as text, image, video etc.

 

3. Online customer services and engagement

• Enable the company to get started with online order placements of services, like; booking of appointments, reservations etc.
• Integration of technologies that may also help with distance learning.
• Endorse the company’s web portal using digital marketing strategies such as SEO, SEM, Social media marketing, e coupons, membership programmes etc.
• Does not include creation of advertisement content or materials such as text, image, video etc.

 

4. Digital customer experience enhancement

Adapt technologies that help the business enhance consumer satisfaction levels and increase engagement. Some these technologies include the following:

• Chatbots for 24/7 customer support.
• Integration of Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality or Digital Twin technologies to enhance overall customer experience.
• Use of analytics for enhanced client experience.

 

5. Digital payment/mobile point of sale

• Assist ecommerce stores and physical outlets with using online payment platforms such payment gateway.
• Includes required hardware as well as one time setup.
• Does not include managing fee.

 

6. Online/cloud-based financial management systems

Integrate a digitized system to help the company handle money-related processes, such as:

• Creating invoices, collecting bills, accounts, budget planning, asset management, etc.
• It could be both, a cloud-based system or a system that can be accessed from a remote location by a company member, following all Cybersecurity guidelines.

 

7. Online/cloud-based human resources management systems

Integrate digitized system to handle the company’s HR-oriented processes, such as:

• Payroll handling, attendance/leave records, training processes reimbursements etc.
• It could be both, a cloud-based system or a system that can be accessed from a remote location by a company member, following all Cybersecurity guidelines.

 

8. Remote document management, cloud storage and remote access services

• Make a digital version of a hard copy document and use a cloud based solution for storage purpose.
• Make company information, data and system accessible to employees from a remote location with the help of VPN (Virtual Private Network), VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure), and remote desktop control etc.

 

9. Virtual meeting and conference tools

Help the company integrate innovative tools that make it possible for individuals and groups to connect online through virtual meetings.

• These tools support, but are not restricted to enabling audio-video calls, content exchange, virtual polling, Q&A, recording of meetings, handling of appointments and much more.

 

10. Virtual team management and communications

Assist the company integrate useful tools that make it possible for individuals and groups to connect and communicate online, for activities such as:

• Audio/Video calling, instant messages, exchange of documents, co-authoring/editing files, assigning of tasks, assessment of project progress, as well as joint product or service development.

 

11. Cybersecurity solutions

• Help the company work on its privacy and safety as per the Cybersecurity standards by integrating hardware/software solutions that keep it protected against any risk of cyber crime.
• Help the company with encrypting data and offer other Cybersecurity solutions such as firewall and anti-virus solutions along with other required security strategies.

 

12. Other online / custom-built/cloud-based business support systems

• Assist the enterprise with many other innovative strategies and personalized solutions that aid the overall goals of the programme, and help businesses continue working from remote locations, but cannot be identified with the categories mentioned above.
• Offer customized solutions for businesses including; e application forms, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), RPA (Robotic Process Automation) etc.

IT solution or solutions will be eligible to be implemented, only once the enterprise is granted approval.

Funding Application

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to apply for the programme, you need to be a private enterprise, owning a valid business registration certificate. Your business needs to have started before 1st January 2020, with substantial history of operations in the industry specific to your chosen project in the application form.

Application Period

18th May 2020 till 30^th of October 2020.

 If you want to have the full set of info about the application process, please visit to the HKPC website.

How We Can Help Your Business Growth

As one of the leading  full-stack digital marketing agency in Hong Kong, under this funding project scope, Digital Nomads can help you to revamp or build your institutional/e-commerce website and advertise it through Google Ads or Facebook Ads (solution 1). During the 6 months time of the project we will also be able to help you with your initial SEO process. All our marketing campaigns will be focused on strengthening your lead generation in order to support and grow your online revenue. When it comes to lead generation you know you can trust our history and expertise.

Last but not least we have been accredited as one of the certified suppliers to provide professional services connected with the Solution 1 (Online Business) of the D-Biz Funding scheme.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us to receive a customised quote for your D-Biz funding application.