Enterprise Singapore grants explained for small businesses

Enterprise Singapore grants help local small businesses pay part of the cost of growing. They do not hand out free money. They reimburse a share of approved project costs after you do the work. This guide covers the three best known schemes, who can apply, and how to read the rules before you spend anything.

The three grants most small firms ask about

The Enterprise Development Grant, or EDG, backs projects that build a stronger business. The Productivity Solutions Grant, or PSG, helps with pre-approved IT tools and equipment. The Market Readiness Assistance grant, or MRA, helps with the cost of entering a new overseas market.

All three are run by Enterprise Singapore, the government agency that supports local companies. Each one pays back only part of your eligible costs. You carry the rest. Plan your cash before you apply, because the money comes after the work is done and the claim is approved.

Sources: Enterprise Singapore, Enterprise Development Grant, https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-assistance/grants/for-local-companies/enterprise-development-grant/overview; Enterprise Singapore, Productivity Solutions Grant, https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/psg; Enterprise Singapore, Market Readiness Assistance grant, https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/mra

What the Enterprise Development Grant covers

The EDG groups projects into three pillars. Core Capabilities covers business strategy, financial management, human capital, service excellence and brand and marketing work. Innovation and Productivity covers automation, process redesign and product development. Market Access covers pilot projects, test bedding and standards adoption.

Support for local SMEs is up to 50 percent of eligible costs. Eligible costs can include fees for a third-party consultant, software and equipment, and some internal staff costs. Management consultancy work generally has to come from consultants with the right accreditation.

The project must be new. It must not have started when you apply, and you must not have signed a contract with the vendor or consultant yet. For pilot and test bedding projects, the product must also be new and not yet earning revenue. Starting early is the most common way firms lose their chance.

Sources: Enterprise Singapore, Enterprise Development Grant, https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-assistance/grants/for-local-companies/enterprise-development-grant/overview

What the Productivity Solutions Grant covers

The PSG is narrower. It supports IT solutions and equipment that raise productivity or automate steps you already do by hand. Think accounting software, inventory tools or point of sale systems. Only solutions on the pre-approved list qualify, and the list sits on the GoBusiness portal.

Support for local SMEs is up to 50 percent of eligible costs. Only the solution itself is supported. Extras such as delivery and installation fees are not.

Timing matters here too. You must not pay the supplier or put down a deposit before you submit the application. The grant does not cover purchases already made. After approval, the solution has to be set up and used before you can claim.

Sources: Enterprise Singapore, Productivity Solutions Grant, https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/psg

What the Market Readiness Assistance grant covers

The MRA is for firms taking a first step into a new overseas market. It covers three kinds of cost: overseas market promotion, business development, and market set-up. Examples include overseas marketing campaigns, trade fairs abroad, finding local partners, and licences or incorporation in the new market.

Each pillar has its own cap, and there is an overall cap per company for each new market. Each application covers one activity in one market. Your sales in the target market must also be small. They must not have passed S$100,000 in any of the previous three years.

The rate of support has changed over the years. Check the rate on the official page on the day you apply, not the figure in an old article.

Sources: Enterprise Singapore, Market Readiness Assistance grant, https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/mra

Who qualifies: the rules that repeat across all three

The same core tests show up on every page. Read them first, because failing one ends the application.

The business must be registered and operating in Singapore.
At least 30 percent of the equity must be held by Singaporeans or Singapore permanent residents. Ownership is traced to the people at the top of the chain, not just the first company in it.
For the PSG and MRA, group annual sales must be no more than S$100 million, or group staff no more than 200.
No retrospective claims. Work or spending that began before you applied is not covered.
Group applications are not allowed. Each company registration number is linked to one application.

The EDG also looks at financial readiness. Enterprise Singapore checks that you can fund your share and finish the project. Gather your recent financial statements before you start.

How to apply and what to prepare

All three grants are applied for on the Business Grants Portal. You log in with Corppass, the government business login. The company must apply for itself. A consultant or vendor cannot submit on your behalf.

Have these ready before you log in:

A recent company profile search from ACRA, the business registry.
Financial statements. The PSG and MRA ask for three years.
A written quote from the vendor, addressed to your exact registered company name.
A short project proposal that explains what you will do and why.

Processing takes weeks, not days. The official pages give about 6 weeks for the PSG and about 8 to 12 weeks for the EDG and MRA. Do not sign contracts or pay deposits while you wait. After approval you receive a Letter of Offer. Accept it on time, finish the project, and then file your claim with invoices and proof of payment. For the EDG and MRA, claims are audited, so plan to hire an auditor from the agency's pre-qualified panel.

A simple order of work helps. Check the equity test. Pick the grant that fits the project. Get the quote. Apply. Wait for approval. Only then start. This order protects you from the biggest mistake, which is spending first and asking later.

This article is general information about public schemes and is not financial or legal advice. Rules and rates can change, so confirm them on the Enterprise Singapore website before you apply.