Sands China's Community Revitalization Programme – Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua Das Estalagens
Rooted in Macao for over 20 years, Sands China has been developing hand-in-hand with the local community. In addition to promoting more cooperation between local SMEs and Sands China, we have extended our F.I.T. programme and the Sands Resorts Incubation Centre under Sands China's Local SME Suppliers Support Programme to the Macao community, effectively combining it with the community revitalization project jointly promoted by the Macao SAR government. The five areas Sands China is responsible for are the Iec Long Firecracker Factory, Taipa Houses area, Rua Das Estalagens, Pátio da Eterna Felicidade and Macao Cultural Center Square.
Sands China has launched an "Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua Das Estalagens" at an April 8 press conference, with the objective to fund innovative entrepreneurial proposals from Macao residents interested in starting businesses on the street – thereby reviving the economy in the neighbourhood and assisting in revitalising the historic street and unleashing its past vibrancy.
Since the programme launch, Sands China held seven related activities, including seminars, an open day, and entrepreneurship training courses on marketing writing and pitching. The activities attracted more than 600 participants over the 72-day period leading up to the final review date.
The programme received 128 applications, with 120 meeting the eligibility requirements, covering categories such as dining, takeout, retail, cultural and creative industries, and performance. Three rounds of rigorous evaluations were conducted by a group of judges over four days in June. The selection process considered factors such as innovation, feasibility, uniqueness, attractiveness, and sustainable business models. Seven distinctive business plans were then selected to receive subsidies from Sands China, in support of the Macao SAR government's revitalisation strategy. A results announcement ceremony was held on 25 July.
The awardees of the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens are:
Distinctive Project |
Business Concept |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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.