Sands China launched its “Community Revitalisation Programme 2.0 for Rua das Estalagens” yesterday during a press conference at The Londoner Macao, opening recruitment for a new batch of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to operate in the district, along with its inaugural “Shop Rebranding Programme” for the currently operating businesses.
The measure follows the company’s Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme launched in 2024, which drew 128 applications, from which seven enterprises were chosen to operate in the district. The second edition is again co-organised with the Macao Chamber of Commerce.
The Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme 2.0 is open for application until June 30 for permanent residents aged at least 21 to apply as an individual, team or local SME. According to details from yesterday’s press conference, applicants must commit to a self-invested initial operating capital of no less than 300,000 patacas, with selected applications to receive subsidies equivalent to one or two times the amount of the self-invested capital, being capped at 1 million patacas per applicant.
The inaugural Shop Rebranding Programme, meanwhile, is geared towards enhancing competitiveness of the businesses currently operating in the area and encompasses brand image innovation, product packaging and shopfront beautification. Applicants need to commit to a minimum self-invested capital of 50,000 patacas, with those selected to receive one to three times the amount of the self-invested capital, capped at 500,000 per applicant, as noted in yesterday’s press conference. Applicants must be permanent Macau residents aged 21 and over.
Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) Director Yau Yun Wah highlighted in his speech yesterday that the 2024 Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens drew the attention of local young entrepreneurs and supported as well as incubated a number of creative business plans, while also noting encouraging results.
Moreover, Sands China Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying-wai noted in his speech the growing popularity of the businesses, noting: “As one of the driving forces behind the project, we are delighted to see the growing popularity of the distinctive businesses selected for Rua das Estalagens, with some even successfully transforming into popular stores online, bringing a refreshing new look to the entire street”.
Wong added that he hoped that the project can “achieve a sustainable, innovative, and forward-looking business ecosystem”.
Macao Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Board of Directors João Ma Chi Tat meanwhile highlighted in his speech the initial programme’s positive reception, noting that it garnered over a hundred entrepreneurial proposals within a short period, with results that “not only demonstrated positive market response, but also brought tangible changes to Rua das Estalagens”.
A discussion session featuring representatives from the first edition was also held at the press conference, while free events ranging from training courses to the Rua das Estalagens Open Day are set to be held between May and June.
Macao Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Board of Directors João Ma Chi Tat (2nd from right), Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) Director Yau Yun Wah (5th from right) and Sands China Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying-wai (6th from right) pose with officiating guests, representatives and entrepreneurs from the inaugural entrepreneurship recruitment programme at yesterday’s press conference at The Londoner Macao. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
