Sands China has selected 24 enterprises to participate in its 2026 Community Revitalisation Programme for Rua das Estalagens (草堆街), with the initiative combining support for new businesses with rebranding assistance for existing merchants.
The selected firms were announced at an award presentation ceremony at The Londoner Macao in Cotai yesterday. The programme comprises the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme 2.0 for the neighbourhood and a newly introduced Shop Rebranding Programme.
The 24 selected projects comprise 11 entrepreneurship proposals and 13 rebranding plans, covering dine-in and takeaway businesses, retail, cultural and creative industries, fashion, travel photography, and pet grooming.
According to a statement by Sands China yesterday, the latest edition received 69 applications, bringing the total number of applications received across the two editions since 2024 to nearly 200. Following a three-round assessment by a cross-sector judging panel, the selected projects were chosen based on factors including innovation, market potential, business models, operational capabilities, and rebranding plans, the statement said.
The Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme 2.0 requires selected applicants to invest at least 300,000 patacas in initial operating capital, the statement noted, adding that they can receive subsidies equivalent to one to two times their self-invested capital, capped at 1.0 million patacas.
For the Shop Rebranding Programme, selected merchants must invest at least 50,000 patacas and can receive subsidies equivalent to one to three times their investment, capped at 500,000 patacas, the statement underlined.
Sands China has also introduced phased funding, with 60 percent of the total funding provided as start-up capital before new businesses open or rebranding plans are implemented, the statement noted.
The company launched the first Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens (“Street of Inns”) in 2024, which resulted in seven new businesses being introduced to the area, the statement said, adding that together with this year’s selected enterprises, the initiative will have supported 30 businesses.
Chan Chou Weng, representative of the Secretary for Economy and Finance and acting director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT), said in his opening speech that the initiative provided concrete support for SMEs (small and medium enterprises) while helping revitalise the historic district and create business opportunities.
Wilfred Wong Ying-wai, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said the revitalisation of historic districts required sustained commitment and a balance between cultural heritage and modern vitality, noting that the company would continue working with community stakeholders to support the Rua das Estalagens area and Macau’s economic diversification.
Speaking to the Post after the ceremony, representatives of the three awarded businesses said that the programme would provide financial and practical support while allowing them to develop their businesses and contribute to the preservation of Rua das Estalagens’s cultural heritage.
Lam Po Ki, representative of Fong’s Faction, said she was “very excited” to be selected, noting that her family has roots in Macau and wanted to contribute to the city. The business plans to revive the area’s history as a place for tailor shops while combining traditional tailoring with AI and 3D technology.
Lam said that financial support was particularly important because the project would require investment in renovating her family’s traditional tailor shop, creating a space for visitors and developing its AI and 3D elements. Lam also revealed a personal connection to tailoring, saying her elder sister had previously worked as a tailor but stopped after injuring her hand while using a sewing machine.
“Now that I have this opportunity, I can’t say no to my mother. I will definitely learn it this time,” she said, adding that she hoped to introduce the culture of tailoring to visitors, residents and the next generation.
Meanwhile, Li Yulan, representative of Gengfu Chenpi Queen Wellness Centre, said she was “very excited” to be selected and hoped to work with Sands China to introduce the culture and health-related uses of dried tangerine peel to a wider audience.
Li said there was a common impression that dried tangerine peel mainly appeals to middle-aged and older people, but her observations of the historic district showed that younger visitors are also interested in traditional culture and old streets. The business plans to offer dried tangerine peel in different forms, including tea, food, related products and gift boxes. Li said the programme could help encourage visitors to spend more time in the district rather than simply passing through.
Li added that the programme’s benefits extend beyond financial support, as participating businesses could establish connections with other enterprises and exchange experiences.
“Together, they are like a community where they can help each other when they face any difficulties,” she said.
Moreover, Lu Kwong Kee, owner of local stamp and stationery shop “Carimbos Gravações [“Stamps and Engravings”] Wan Chai” rebranding project, said he was grateful to Sands China and the local government for the opportunity, describing the programme as a chance for the long-established business to move forward.
Markko Chan, director of project operations at YC Culture Media Limited, which is handling Lu’s project operations, said the rebranding would focus on preserving the shop’s traditional techniques and cultural history while introducing new elements.
Chan said many long-established shops and historic businesses face challenges as Macau’s economic and commercial environment changes, and that rebranding could provide a way for traditional businesses to adapt while retaining their identity. “We hope to deepen the cultural history of their brand,” Chan said, underlining that the shop’s history could be incorporated into products, services and its spatial design.
Lu said the shop’s long history meant some of its products and presentation had become outdated, making renovation necessary. Chan added that preserving traditional techniques while combining them with new ideas was important for the business to continue operating.
Sands China is one of Macau’s six integrated resort operators.
Wilfred Wong Ying-wai, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., addresses yesterday’s “2026 Community Revitalisation Programme for Rua das Estalagens” awards ceremony at The Londoner Macao in Cotai. – Photos: Khalel Vallo
Lu Kwong Kee, owner of the Carimbos Gravações [Stamps and Engravings] Wan Chai, expresses his gratitude for the programme during the ceremony.
