- Sands China announced the seven successful business plans under its “Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens”.
- The program is part of the company’s ongoing Community Revitalization Series.
In late July, Sands China held an awards ceremony at The Londoner Macao to announce the results of its “Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens”, part of the company’s ongoing Community Revitalization Series.
Since the official announcement of the competition on 8 April, Sands China has organized seven related events over 72 days leading up to the final proposal evaluation. These events included seminars, an open day and entrepreneurship training courses on marketing skills such as writing and pitching, attracting over 600 participants.

The program received 128 applications of which 120 met the eligibility requirements, covering categories such as dining, takeout, retail, cultural and creative industries, and performance. The proposals were evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, uniqueness, attractiveness and the sustainability of their business models. After three rounds of rigorous evaluation over four days, seven business proposals were selected, namely Café Fantart, Little Port, OLÁLÁ, Catfee Macau, Travessa Gelato, PanPan and Voyage Thai Kitchen.
Sands China will provide funding to the selected enterprises in four stages, with the awarded subsidies representing up to two times the enterprises’ initial capital investment, capped at MOP1 million. To ensure entrepreneurs can rely on their own capabilities and ideas, applicants must prepare at least MOP300,000 in start-up capital to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
Sands China explained that the purpose of the initiative is to fund innovative entrepreneurial proposals from Macau residents interested in starting businesses on Rua das Estalagens – thereby reviving the economy in the neighborhood and assisting in revitalizing the historic street and unleashing its past vibrancy.
The company also revealed that, after the successful settlement of the selected projects, Sands China plans to launch the second phase of the project based on the prevailing situation of the neighborhood and store operations.
Dr Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China, 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 neighborhood.
“This project belongs to the people of Macau, 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 revitalizing 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 mobilize economic energy in the neighborhood in pursuit of sustainable development.”
Since 2017, Sands China has run its “F.I.T. Programme” offering Financial Support, Invitational Matching, and Training and Development to support local SMEs. The program is targeted at three types of local businesses: local small and micro suppliers, “Made in Macau” companies, and Macau 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 programs.