Sands China Launches Public Extended Activities for
‘Community Revitalization Programme 2.0 for Rua das Estalagens’

Free and open for public participation
Various supporting initiatives help SMEs seize opportunities
Jointly fostering sustainable development of Rua das Estalagens

(Macao, May 6, 2026) – Sands China has long been committed to supporting the Macao SAR government’s direction of advancing the city’s community economy, and recently rolled out the Community Revitalization Programme 2.0 for Rua das Estalagens (Programme). The initiative has received extensive support from various sectors of Macao society, demonstrating strong recognition of the Programme’s revitalization efforts.

Anchored in Sands China’s business philosophy – which emphasizes the guiding role of large enterprises in supporting SME development – the company will introduce a series of free public extended activities during the application period, including a Briefing Session on May 8, SME Training Courses on May 14, and Rua das Estalagens Open Days on May 15-17 and June 12-14. Covering areas from concept introduction and capacity building to on-site exploration, these activities are designed to provide practical support for aspiring entrepreneurs in Macao to seize business opportunities in the district, while also encouraging existing shop owners to upgrade and rejuvenate their operations, with a view to jointly injecting fresh impetus into this historic and culturally rich area.

Centred on the principle of “integrating the old with the new, bridging the past into the future,” the Programme continues the model of its first edition and introduces two key initiatives this year: the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme 2.0 for Rua das Estalagens – which supports a new round of local entrepreneurs to set up in the area; and the inaugural Shop Rebranding Programme, which helps existing businesses on Rua das Estalagens elevate their shop image and operational capabilities. Together, these initiatives aim to foster the integration of new and existing businesses, bringing a more diverse and sustainable vitality into the district.

To support interested participants in applying for the Programme, Sands China has joined hands with government units, industry professional and scholar to jointly organize three extended preparatory activities in May and June. All events are free of charge, designed to provide the public with practical information on starting and operating businesses on Rua das Estalagens. The Briefing Session and SME Training Courses require prior registration, while the Open Days are open for public walk-in visits.

• Briefing Session | May 8 (Friday) | 3:00 p.m.
The session will be hosted by a Sands China representative who will introduce the key features and application details of the Programme. To help applicants better understand the on-the-ground operational requirements, representatives from the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, the Municipal Affairs Bureau, Companhia de Electricidade de Macau - CEM, S.A. (CEM), and The Macao Water Supply Company Limited have also been invited to shed light on some of the basics of setting up new businesses, such as water and electricity arrangements, as well as business licensing procedures.


• SME Training Courses | May 14 (Thursday) | 2:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Built upon the positive response to last edition’s training courses, Sands China will once again present two free public SME Training Courses. The first course features Matthew Liu Ting Chi, director of the Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Macau (UM) and professor of UM’s Faculty of Business Administration, speaking on the topic of “Macao SMEs: From Transformation of Traditions to Startup Innovation.” The session will delve into market trends and industry developments, and explore pathways for SME transformation and innovation, equipping would-be entrepreneurs with a more holistic business perspective.

The second session, “Effective Business Plan and Marketing Strategy,” will focus on skills for drafting business proposals and market promotion. Together, the two courses combine theory and practice, helping applicants grasp the market and prepare for business entry.


• Rua das Estalagens Open Days | May 15-17 (Friday to Sunday) and June 12-14 (Friday to Sunday) | 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
To give participants better insights into the district, Sands China will open shop units available for lease on Rua das Estalagens across two weekends in May and June. The public is welcomed to visit the area, gaining first-hand experience on the environment of the district and shop spaces, enabling more informed and tailored business planning.

Sands China has been firmly supporting the Macao SAR government’s district revitalization efforts. In April 2024, the company launched the first-of-its-kind Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens – which has successfully helped local entrepreneurs establish a business foothold in the district, with some developing into viral hotspots – bringing renewed vibrancy to the area.

Building on this foundation, the second edition continues the previous model, launching the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme 2.0 for Rua das Estalagens. Guided by the principle of “integrating the old with the new,” this latest round of the initiative encourages a new group of entrepreneurs to join the district. Applicants must commit to a self-invested initial operating capital of no less than MOP 300,000. Selected applications can receive subsidies equivalent to one to two times the amount of the self-invested capital, with a capped amount of MOP 1 million per applicant. A judging panel will assess the subsidy amount based on a comprehensive evaluation of factors, such as the creativity and market potential of the submitted proposal, and the experience of the operating team.

Meanwhile, the inaugural Shop Rebranding Programme empowers shops currently operating on Rua das Estalagens to enhance their brand appeal and elevate their operational capability, under the principle of “bridging the past into the future.” Applicants need to commit to a minimum self-invested capital of MOP 50,000. Selected applications can receive subsidies equivalent to one to three times the amount of the self-invested capital, capped at MOP 500,000 per applicant. The programme encompasses brand image innovation, product packaging, and storefront beautification.

The Community Revitalization Programme 2.0 for Rua das Estalagens is organised by Sands China Ltd. and co-organised by the Macao Chamber of Commerce. The Secretariat for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Government is the advisory body, with the following serving as supporting units: Economic and Technological Development Bureau, Macao Government Tourism Office, Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Municipal Affairs Bureau, General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macao, Macau Artist Society, CEM, The Macao Water Supply Company Limited, Bank of China Macau Branch, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau), and Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU). The Programme operates under Sands China’s F.I.T. local SME support programme and the Sands Resorts Incubation Center.

Interested individuals can visit https://tinyurl.com/RuadasEstalagens2026 or scan the QR code below to view details and register for the Community Revitalization Programme 2.0 for Rua das Estalagens and its related events. The application period is open now and will close at 5 p.m. on June 30.

Photo caption: With the “Community Revitalization Programme 2.0 for Rua das Estalagens” now open for applications, a series of public extended activities will be rolled out, including a Briefing Session, SME Training Courses, and Rua das Estalagens Open Days. These activities cover areas from concept introduction and capacity building to on-site exploration, designed to provide practical support for aspiring entrepreneurs in Macao to seize business opportunities in the district, while also encouraging existing shop owners to upgrade and rejuvenate their operations – with a view to jointly injecting fresh impetus into this historic and culturally rich area. All events are free of charge and open for public registration.