SME Credit Guarantee Scheme

“SME Credit Guarantee Scheme” provides each beneficiary with credit guarantee equals to 70% of the loan approved by the participating banks, and the maximum amount of guarantee offered is MOP 3.5 million. The amount of credit guarantee provided excludes the interest and any other expenses related to repayment of the loan.

“SME Credit Guarantee Scheme” supports the development of SME in Macao and aims to assist them to be financed by banks through offering of credit guarantee. The loan obtained could not be used to repay current debt. Other than that there is no limitation on the form of loan.

SME Credit Guarantee Scheme Designated for Special Projects

“SME Credit Guarantee Scheme Designated for Special Projects” provides credit guarantee of up to 100% of the amount needed for SME to finance special projects, so as to support them to develop projects to reform and alter their type of business; to promote and advertise their own brands; or to improve quality of their products.

On the other hand, this scheme aims to assist SME to acquire from banks the capital needed to resolve short-term financial difficulties arising from payment of employees salary, rental expenses of venue of operation, etc., if these SME are directly affected by extraordinary, unpredictable matters or matters which are beyond human control, especially natural disasters or epidemic diseases.

The maximum amount of guarantee offered per each beneficiary under this scheme is MOP 1 million. Moreover, the amount of credit guarantee provided excludes the interest and any other expenses related to repayment of the loan.

“SME Credit Guarantee Scheme” supports the development of SME in Macao and aims to assist them to be financed by banks through offering of credit guarantee. The loan obtained could not be used to repay current debt. Other than that there is no limitation on the form of loan.

Under this scheme, the repayment period of the loan is limited to a maximum of 5 years, counting from the date of signing the loan contract.

SME Aid Scheme

Small and medium sized enterprises (hereinafter called SMEs) are in an important role of the economy of Macao, as they contribute much to the economic development and employment. Supporting the development of SMEs is always a long-term policy of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (hereinafter called Macao SAR). In May 2003, Macao SAR introduced SME Aid Scheme in response to the economic situation of the society at that moment. This scheme provides interest-free financial assistance to ease the difficulties of the SMEs affected by SARS, as well as to support SMEs to improve condition and enhance capability of their operation.

In recent years, the economy of Macao grows rapidly, and some of the SMEs are given the opportunity to develop as well, however, there are still some SMEs which cannot be benefited from the rapid development of the overall economy. In contrast, due to factors such as lack of resources and production skills, lag of management, low competitiveness, etc, some SMEs even find it more difficult to operate, with their existence and development being struck. Macao SAR understands the situation faced by the SMEs, and in order to continue to effectively and appropriately support their development, Macao SAR revised the legal regime of SME Aid Scheme in 2006 and 2009 respectively. In this way as the economy of Macao rapidly develops, SMEs are also provided with considerable support and opportunities to develop.

Through the revised legal regime, the fund appropriated for “SME Aid Scheme” can be used to finance: purchase of equipment (includes machinery for production, investment items such as computer or automation hardware and software that enhance productivity and production capacity) needed for operation; renovation, decoration and expansion projects; the capital for signing commercial concession contract or franchising contract; acquisition of exclusive right for use of technology and intellectual property; advertising and promotional activities; enhancement of capability for operation and competitiveness; the working capital; or for SMEs directly affected by extraordinary, unpredictable matters or matters which are beyond human control, especially natural disasters or epidemic diseases, or dramatic changes in the business environment that rise the operating expenses or affecting the operating conditions of an enterprise. The maximum amount of aid per enterprise is MOP 500,000. The maximum period for repayment of the loan is 8 years.