The Singapore government has always been supportive of SMEs by providing numerous avenues for financial support from tax incentives to grants. As such, this is one of the many reasons why Singapore has become such a popular spot for global businesses to site.
It is key to know what types of grants and schemes are available out there that businesses can leverage on.
To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of the top 4 SME grants in Singapore geared towards small businesses and entrepreneurs based on their different needs.
The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) is a relatively new grant launched by Enterprise Singapore (ESG) on 25th October 2018. Essentially, this SME grant is a combination of the former Capability Development Grant (CDG) and Global Company Partnership (GCP) Grant.
The EDG aims to help SMEs in Singapore by building internal capabilities within 3 main areas: Core Capabilities, Innovation and Productivity, and Market Access.
This grant is suitable for local companies who are looking to upgrade the business, innovate or expand overseas. It funds up to 80% of qualified project costs including consultancy fees, purchase of software and equipment and internal labour costs.
For enterprises that have been severely impacted by COVID-19, the maximum support level may even be raised to 90% on a case-by-case basis.
Application of the EDG grant will be assessed based on the project scope, project outcomes and competency of the service provider.
The focus of the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) grant is to help Singapore SMEs to expand and gain access to overseas opportunities; from market set-up, identification of overseas partners to promotions.
SMEs must submit applications no earlier than 6 months before the project start date. Applications filed after 10 March will be treated as an application for the new fiscal year.
*A new market refers to a target overseas country where the applicant company has yet to exceed S$100,000 in overseas sales in each of the last three preceding years.
The StartupSG Founder scheme provides first-time entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding support and comprehensive access to business networks. This scheme is relatively unique as it matches mentors to start-ups by co-matching S$5 to every S$1 raised by the entrepreneur, which can go up to S$50,000 in funding capital.
Since the grant is only available for first-time entrepreneurs, there must not be more than one business entity registered under the applicant's name. The business should also not have been registered or incorporated for more than 6 months at the point of application for the grant.
The main purpose of the P-Max program is to support SMEs in recruiting, training, managing and retaining newly-hired PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians).
This scheme is suitable for local SMEs looking to hire PMETs and/or looking to improve their HR practices within the company.
Participating SMEs can also reimburse up to 90% course fee subsidy for PMET, SME training workshops and Age Management workshop (applicable for P-Max for Older Worker only).
On top of that, eligible SMEs will receive a one-time $5,000 Assistance Grant or $10,000 Assistance Grant (P-Max for Older Workers only) upon completion of the Programme and six-month retention of the newly hired PMETs.
Before deciding which SME grant schemes to apply for, it is best to understand the needs of your business to maximize the use of the facilities and supports. Below are the key takeaways from each scheme:
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On top of these 4 grants, the Aspire Business Account has recently been deemed eligible to accept grants by Enterprise Singapore. Since most of the eligible firms only come from prominent traditional banks, this is a massive step for a non-bank like us. With this, businesses will be able to accept grant payments and receive them directly into their Aspire Business Account. Easier access to grants, more funds to grow your business.
If you are a small business owner and could use the additional funds to take your business to greater heights, there are plenty of grants, subsidies, and financial assistance schemes available for you to take advantage of. With a plethora of options to choose from, don’t miss the chance to benefit from the resources that are right in front of you.
To have a look at the extensive life of grants available, you may visit the SkillsFuture Singapore Website for more information. Are you looking to find a COVID Recovery Grant instead? We have compiled them here.
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