Sands China Announces Winners of ‘Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme’

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The programme’s goal is to fund innovative entrepreneurial proposals from Macao residents interested in starting businesses on Rua das Estalagens – thereby reviving the economy in the neighbourhood and assisting in revitalising the historic street and unleashing its past vibrancy.

The project received 128 applications, with 120 meeting the eligibility requirements, covering categories such as dining, takeout, retail, cultural and creative industries, and performing arts. The programme involves communication with the government, business community, and NGOs.

Three rounds of rigorous evaluations were conducted by a group of judges over four days. The selection process considered factors such as innovation, feasibility, uniqueness, attractiveness, and sustainability of the business models. Seven business plans were then selected to receive subsidies from Sands China, in support of the Macao SAR government’s revitalisation strategy.

Sands China Ltd. Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Wilfred Wong, said: “We received an overwhelming response and support from all walks of life after the announcement of the project. Judges from various professions carefully selected seven exceptional projects to establish their businesses at Rua das Estalagens. We hope that this group of aspiring and creative local residents will use the energy and enthusiasm of youth to bring a new atmosphere to the neighbourhood. This project belongs to the people of Macao, and it brings together the power of government, business, and the community, and holds hope for the future. Every step that we take shoulders the important mission of revitalising the old district. With common beliefs and goals, combined with practical actions, we are working together to reactivate the vitality of Rua das Estalagens and mobilise the economic energy in the neighbourhood in pursuit of sustainable development.”

Cheang Kai Meng, Acting President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR (IC), said: “With the launch of the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens, Sands China has made great efforts in showcasing the uniqueness of the historic street while attracting Macao residents to start their businesses in a bid to rejuvenate the neighbourhood. The programme is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to revitalising Macao’s old district and boosting the city’s economic diversification – in line with the Macao SAR government development strategy. The programme also truly reflects Sands China’s dedication in addressing the actual situation of the street by fostering cooperation between all sectors of society, in which we can also see the boundless potential of Macao itself and its own industries. The Cultural Affairs Bureau will continue our effort in enhancing the environmental conditions by optimising the supporting facilities in the districts that need to be revitalised – with an aim of creating a diversified and sustainable future.”

Fred Ma Chi Ngai, President of the Board of Directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens aims to encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Macao to establish themselves in Rua das Estalagens. In addition to providing a platform for innovative entrepreneurs, the initiative helps revitalise Macao’s historic district. The programme not only enhances the entrepreneurial skills of participants but also boosts their visibility. Throughout this process, Sands China actively collaborates with governmental bodies, businesses, and other stakeholders to pool resources while rendering comprehensive, professional support to the entrepreneurial teams that opt to settle here. The company is committed to combining investments with community revitalisation efforts, effectively contributing to community revitalisation, economic growth, and support for SMEs.”

The awardees of the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens are:

1. Café Fantart: A local creative cafe specialising in puff pastries and various baked goods alongside main courses. The founding team hopes to make an innovative breakthrough on the culture of egg tarts rooted in Hong Kong and Macao.
2. Little Port: A Portuguese specialties and souvenirs retail shop with the ambition to establish an impactful Portuguese specialties brand and transform the structure of the traditional souvenir market.
3. OLÁLÁ: A Macanese snacks takeaway shop seeking to establish an innovative and iconic Macanese light-meal brand. Combining Chinese and Western ingredients to make Pastéis de Bacalhau (fried salted cod fritters) and successfully producing various signature products, tourists are able to learn about the Macanese culture.
4. Catfee Macau: A pet souvenir store with the theme of cats and Macao that combines the charity concept of rescuing stray cats with artistic display, offering a special café experience and promoting the “adopt, don’t shop” mentality. Customers can also enjoy the view of Rua das Estalagens from the rooftop, bringing a unique culinary experience.
5. Travessa Gelato: Introducing a new Italian ice cream shop to the street, their team members studied gelato making in Italy and obtained certifications, and bring fresh combinations of flavours to surprise and satisfy customers.
6. PanPan: The name comes from the Portuguese word “pão,” which means bread. A bakery that presents a fusion of Japanese and French classic baking techniques through a series of high-quality sourdough bakery products, the founder is Le Cordon Bleu accredited.
7. Voyage Thai Kitchen: Founded in 2013, Voyage Thai Kitchen has become one of Macau’s signature brands. The Thai restaurant will develop specialty catering based on more affordable pricing and adopt some nostalgic elements, offering a catering space that integrates leisure, music, local culture, and sharing sessions, all under one roof.

Sands China introduced its pioneering F.I.T. programme in 2017, which offers Financial Support, Invitational Matching, and Training and Development to local SME suppliers, targeted at three types of local businesses: local small and micro suppliers; “Made in Macao” companies; and Macao young entrepreneurs.

In 2023, Sands China established the Sands Resorts Incubation Centre under the umbrella of the F.I.T. programme, dedicated to discovering and supporting local innovative enterprises with development potential. The Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens is an extension of those two successful programmes.

The Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens is part of Sands China’s revitalisation efforts in cooperation with the Macao SAR government, which include the revitalisation and optimisation plan of the areas around the Iec Long Firecracker Factory, the Taipa Houses, Pátio da Eterna Felicidade, Rua das Estalagens, and Macao Cultural Centre Square.