Singapore has generous support for SMEs — but the information is spread across EnterpriseSG, GoBusiness, and the Business Grants Portal, so most owners never discover half of what they qualify for. Here are the main grants, what they actually give you, and the eligibility rule that trips people up.
The rule that catches most businesses out
Before any specific grant, almost all of them share a core eligibility test. To qualify as an SME for these schemes, your company must be:
- Registered and operating in Singapore,
- at least 30% locally owned (30% local shareholding), and
- either have group annual turnover of ≤ S$100 million or ≤ 200 employees.
That 30% local shareholding requirement is the big one. If your local equity falls below 30%, support for grants like EDG and PSG drops to a lower, non-SME tier — so foreign-owned companies should check this carefully before counting on the headline support rates.
The main grants
Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
Funds pre-approved digital tools and equipment to run your business more efficiently — accounting software, POS systems, inventory tools, and more. Support: up to 50% of eligible costs. Best for: SMEs adopting off-the-shelf productivity solutions.
Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
Supports deeper business upgrading, capability building, and overseas expansion — think consultancy projects, new processes, or entering new markets. Support: up to 50% (up to 70% for sustainability projects). Best for: SMEs investing in transformation or growth projects.
Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant
Helps you expand into new overseas markets — market entry, business matching, and setting up abroad. Support: up to 50%, capped at S$100,000. Best for: SMEs taking their first steps into international markets.
SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC)
A one-off S$10,000 credit for qualifying employers, used to offset the out-of-pocket cost of enterprise- and workforce-transformation initiatives, including training. Best for: SMEs investing in their people and capabilities.
Beyond these four
There's more depending on your stage and sector — Startup SG Founder and Startup SG Tech for early-stage founders, and various industry-specific schemes. New businesses in particular often qualify for startup-focused support they never hear about.
How to actually apply
Most grants are applied for through the Business Grants Portal (businessgrants.gov.sg), using your Singpass/Corppass. Each grant has its own criteria, documentation, and approval process — and you generally apply before you commit to the spend, not after.
The honest caveat
Grant support levels, caps, and eligibility change regularly — the figures above are current as of the verified date below, but always confirm on the Business Grants Portal and EnterpriseSG before you apply or budget around a grant. This is a plain-English overview, not official advice.