Revitalizing Macau’s historic streets: Sands China’s commitment to local entrepreneurship

Macau’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit are at the heart of Sands China’s mission to foster local economic growth. Through initiatives like the F.I.T. Programme and the “Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens”, Sands China is empowering small businesses and young innovators to thrive. One such success story is Café Fantart, a local creative cafe specialising in puff pastries and various baked goods alongside main courses—a nostalgic yet innovative eatery that has become a beloved fixture in the revitalized Rua das Estalagens.

A Collaborative Vision

The transformation of Rua das Estalagens began with a shared vision between Sands China and the Macau SAR government to breathe new life into the city’s historic districts. In 2023, Sands China established the Sands Resorts Incubation Centre, a dedicated hub for nurturing local talent and innovative business ideas. The center’s flagship initiative, The Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens, launched in April 2024, was designed to attract creative entrepreneurs to the area by offering comprehensive support, including seed funding, mentorship, and marketing resources.

The response was overwhelming, with 128 applications submitted by aspiring entrepreneurs. Among them was Café Fantart, a concept that perfectly blended tradition with innovation. “We were looking for businesses that could bring something fresh to Rua das Estalagens while respecting its heritage,” explained William Chan from Sands China’s Procurement and Supply Chain Management team. “Café Fantart stood out because their plan was not only creative but also executable. Their signature crispy pastry dishes, like the Egg and Beef Crispy Tart, offered a modern twist on classic flavors—exactly what we wanted to showcase.”

The scheme’s holistic approach went beyond financial aid. Participants received trainings like business planning and proposal pitching, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in a competitive market. “The workshops helped me refine my vision and understand how to position my café,” said Chan Iat Seng, owner of Café Fantart. “Sands China didn’t just give us funding; they gave us the tools to build a sustainable business.”

From Concept to Reality

For Chan Iat Seng, the journey from idea to opening day was both challenging and rewarding. “When I heard about the scheme, I saw an opportunity to turn my passion for food into a business that could contribute to the community,” he recalled. His concept—a “new-meets-nostalgia” café—combined the cosy ambience of a traditional Macau “bing sutt” (literally “ice room,” a type of mini-café) with innovative dishes that appealed to both locals and tourists.

After months of preparation, Café Fantart opened its doors in December 2024. The initial months were tough, as the café worked to establish its presence in a neighbourhood that was still gaining traction. However, Sands China’s marketing support played a pivotal role in driving awareness. Collaborations with travel and food bloggers, media features, and participation in events like food festival helped attract a steady stream of customers.

“By May 2025, we started seeing a real turnaround,” Chan Iat Seng shared.  Weekends became especially busy, with both locals and tourists coming to try our pastries. The Sands China Macau International 10K race was another boost—they included discount vouchers for our café in the runners’ goodie bags, which brought in new customers.”

The café’s success is a testament to the power of innovation and community support. “We’re constantly experimenting with new recipes,” Chan Iat Seng added. “Next, we’re looking to expand into souvenir products, like packaged cookies, so that visitors can take a taste of Macau home with them.”

Challenges, Triumphs, and the Road Ahead

Revitalizing a historic district like Rua das Estalagens is not without its challenges. Older buildings with outdated infrastructure and fragmented property ownership posed logistical hurdles for some businesses. “We kept in close communication with the business owners to support smooth openings,” noted Sands China’s team.  “Seeing the street come alive makes it all worthwhile.”The impact of the revitalization efforts is undeniable. “Rua das Estalagens looks different now—more vibrant, more alive,” Chan Iat Seng observed. “On weekends, you can see families, tourists, and even photography enthusiasts exploring the area. It’s exactly what we hoped for when we started this journey.”

By combining financial support, training, and promotional expertise, Sands China is not only revitalizing historic neighbourhoods but also creating a sustainable ecosystem that enables local enterprises to flourish.

Looking ahead, Sands China remains committed to its philosophy of ‘the big supporting the small.’  “Our goal is to empower local businesses so they can stand on their own,” said William Chan. “Whether it’s through training, networking opportunities, or collaborations within our resorts, we are happy to see these enterprises grow and thrive.”

For Café Fantart, the future holds even greater possibilities. “We’d love to expand into one of Sands China’s properties or become a supplier for their resorts,” Chan Iat Seng revealed. “This partnership has already opened so many doors for us, and we’re excited to see where it takes us next.”