Singapore is one of the most generous SME ecosystems in Asia when it comes to grants. The schemes below cover technology adoption, market expansion, workforce skills, energy efficiency and innovation — and most are non-dilutive, meaning you keep 100% of your equity.
Why grants matter for SMEs
Government grants reduce the financial burden of investing in productivity, innovation and growth — without requiring equity or repayment. For most Singapore SMEs, leveraging the right combination of schemes is one of the highest-ROI moves a founder can make. The schemes below are the most widely-used as of 2026.
Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
Supports the adoption of pre-approved IT solutions and equipment to improve productivity. Common areas covered include HR, payroll, customer relationship management (CRM), cybersecurity and e-commerce.
- Funding: up to 50% of qualifying costs, capped at SGD 30,000 per company.
- Eligibility: registered in Singapore; up to 200 employees or annual turnover up to SGD 100 million; at least 30% local shareholding.
Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
Supports projects for business upgrading, innovation and overseas expansion. The grant is structured around three pillars: core capabilities, innovation and productivity, and market access.
- Funding: up to 80% of qualifying project costs.
- Eligibility: registered in Singapore; SMEs with local shareholding (typically at least 30%).
Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant
Supports SMEs expanding into new overseas markets. Eligible costs include business setup, in-market promotion, and market development activities.
- Funding: up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at SGD 100,000 per company per new market.
- Eligibility: SMEs planning overseas expansion; same SME criteria as PSG.
SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC)
Provides credit for training and workforce upgrading initiatives. Eligible expenses include training programmes, job redesign and consultancy related to workforce transformation.
- Funding: credit of up to SGD 10,000 against qualifying expenses.
- Eligibility: SMEs with a SkillsFuture Credit account.
Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG)
Supports energy-saving projects and initiatives for SMEs — for example, upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment or implementing energy-management systems. Funding quantum and eligibility vary depending on the project and the industry.
Startup SG grants
The Startup SG umbrella covers several schemes for early-stage and innovation-focused founders, including:
- Startup SG Founder — mentorship and funding of up to SGD 50,000 with capital matching, for first-time entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas.
- Startup SG Tech — supports technology commercialisation, with grants up to SGD 800,000 for proof-of-concept and proof-of-value projects.
Eligibility varies by scheme but is generally focused on Singapore startups demonstrating innovation and scalability.
Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS) grant
Supports the adoption of more advanced digital solutions to improve business operations. Administered under the broader PSG framework, it is typically aimed at SMEs ready to move beyond entry-level digital tools.
Other resources and eligibility
- The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) offers various incentives including tax exemptions, training support and visa schemes targeting tech-focused startups and innovative enterprises.
- Most grants generally require at least 30% local ownership, compliance with size criteria (employees/turnover), and specific business activity alignment.
- Application processes are typically handled via the GoBusiness portal and Enterprise Singapore's Business Grants Portal.
Grants at a glance
| Grant | What it funds | Funding level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSG | Pre-approved IT solutions & equipment (HR, payroll, CRM, cybersecurity, e-commerce). | Up to 50%, capped at SGD 30,000. | Day-to-day productivity tools. |
| EDG | Core capabilities, innovation & productivity, market access. | Up to 80% of project costs. | Bigger transformation projects and overseas expansion. |
| MRA Grant | Overseas business setup, in-market promotion, market development. | Up to 50%, capped at SGD 100,000 per new market. | SMEs entering new overseas markets. |
| SFEC | Training, job redesign and workforce transformation consultancy. | Credit of up to SGD 10,000. | Companies investing in their people. |
| EEG | Energy-efficiency upgrades and projects. | Varies by project / industry. | SMEs with energy-intensive operations. |
| Startup SG Founder | Mentorship and start-up capital with matching investment. | Up to SGD 50,000 with capital matching. | First-time entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. |
| Startup SG Tech | Technology commercialisation (proof-of-concept & proof-of-value). | Up to SGD 800,000. | Deep-tech startups with IP. |
| ADS | More advanced digital solutions building on PSG. | Administered under PSG framework. | Digitally maturing SMEs. |
How to choose the right grant
A useful way to narrow it down:
- If you are buying off-the-shelf software or hardware — start with PSG (or ADS for more advanced solutions).
- If you have a meaningful transformation, R&D or internationalisation project — consider EDG.
- If you are entering a new overseas market — MRA Grant.
- If you are investing in your team's skills — SFEC.
- If you are an early-stage innovator — Startup SG Founder, then Startup SG Tech as you commercialise.
- If you are running an energy-intensive operation — consider EEG.
A common pattern is to stack grants across the business: PSG for the day-to-day tools, EDG for a bigger strategic project, MRA for a new market entry, and SFEC for the team. Working with an advisor familiar with the grant landscape often pays for itself in higher approval rates and faster turnarounds.
The bottom line
Singapore's grant ecosystem collectively covers technology adoption, market expansion, workforce skills, energy efficiency and innovation — designed to enhance small-business competitiveness and growth. Most SMEs qualify for at least one or two schemes; the practical question is usually which projects to prioritise, not whether to apply.
Further details on application processes and eligibility can be explored on government portals such as GoBusiness and Enterprise Singapore. To learn more about how we support clients on grant strategy and applications, see our Advisory services.