Singapore's government has built one of the most comprehensive startup support ecosystems in Asia-Pacific, offering direct grants, co-funding programs, and matching investments that can significantly reduce the financial burden of starting and growing a business. Through Enterprise Singapore, the Economic Development Board, and various statutory agencies, the government channels billions of dollars annually into business development programs designed to help startups overcome the capital constraints of their early stages.
This guide covers the major grant programs available to startups and SMEs in Singapore as of 2026, including Startup SG Founder, Startup SG Tech, the ACE Startups program, the Enterprise Development Grant, the Productivity Solutions Grant, and other key funding schemes. Our research team has compiled this information from Enterprise Singapore publications, the Business Grants Portal, and current program guidelines.
Overview of Major Grant Programs
| Grant Program | Maximum Funding | Co-Funding Ratio | Target | Administering Agency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Startup SG Founder | SGD 50,000 | 5:1 (founder invests SGD 10K) | First-time entrepreneurs | Enterprise Singapore |
| Startup SG Tech | SGD 500,000 | Varies | Tech proof-of-concept | Enterprise Singapore |
| Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) | No fixed cap | Up to 50-70% | SME upgrading, innovation, market access | Enterprise Singapore |
| Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) | Up to SGD 30,000 per solution | Up to 50-70% | Technology adoption | Enterprise Singapore |
| Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) | SGD 100,000 per new market | Up to 50-70% | Overseas expansion | Enterprise Singapore |
| Startup SG Equity | Matching investment | 7:1 match ratio | Venture-backed startups | Enterprise Singapore |
Startup SG Founder
The Startup SG Founder grant is the flagship program for first-time entrepreneurs in Singapore, providing SGD 50,000 in startup capital to help new founders get their businesses off the ground.
How It Works
The government provides SGD 50,000 in capital, matched against the founder's own investment of SGD 10,000, for a total of SGD 60,000. The grant is disbursed in two tranches through an approved Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP), which is an organization (such as an incubator, accelerator, or venture builder) appointed by Enterprise Singapore to mentor and guide startups through their early stages.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Startup SG Founder, the applicant must be a first-time entrepreneur, the business must be a new, innovative venture (not a franchise, a spin-off from an existing business, or an acquired business), the company must be incorporated as a Singapore Pte Ltd for no more than 6 months at the time of application, the company must be at least 51% owned by Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, and the founding team must hold at least 51% of the equity in the company.
Application Process
Applications are submitted through an approved AMP, not directly to Enterprise Singapore. The process involves selecting an AMP from Enterprise Singapore's list of approved partners, submitting a business plan and application form to the AMP, undergoing an evaluation by the AMP (which assesses the business concept, team capability, and market potential), receiving the AMP's recommendation to Enterprise Singapore, and receiving Enterprise Singapore's approval and disbursement of funds through the AMP.
Startup SG Founder is not just a cash grant. The mentorship provided by the Accredited Mentor Partner is a core component of the program. AMPs are selected for their expertise in specific sectors and their track record of supporting startups. The mentoring relationship typically lasts 12 to 18 months and covers business model refinement, market validation, financial planning, and team building. The SGD 50,000 grant combined with structured mentorship gives first-time founders a stronger foundation than capital alone.
What the Grant Can Be Used For
The SGD 50,000 can be used for business expenses directly related to the startup's operations, including product development, market research, marketing and customer acquisition, hiring (salaries and CPF), office space and equipment, and professional services (legal, accounting). The grant cannot be used for personal expenses, director's fees, or unrelated activities.
Startup SG Tech
Startup SG Tech supports startups in proving the technical feasibility of their technology concepts through two levels of funding.
Proof of Concept (POC)
The POC track provides up to SGD 250,000 for startups to develop and validate a prototype or minimum viable product. The project must address a clear technical challenge and have potential commercial application.
Proof of Value (POV)
The POV track provides up to SGD 500,000 for startups that have completed the POC stage and need to demonstrate the commercial viability of their technology through pilot implementations with customers.
| Feature | Proof of Concept | Proof of Value |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Funding | SGD 250,000 | SGD 500,000 |
| Duration | Up to 12 months | Up to 18 months |
| Focus | Technical feasibility | Commercial viability |
| Required Output | Working prototype/MVP | Pilot deployment with customers |
| Eligibility | Early-stage deep tech | Post-POC stage |
Eligibility
The startup must be a Singapore-registered Pte Ltd, the technology must be novel and not readily available in the market, the project must have clear technical and commercial objectives, and the startup must have a capable technical team.
ACE Startups and the Broader Startup Ecosystem
The ACE Startups program, administered by the ACE (Action Community for Entrepreneurship) network, previously provided co-funding for early-stage startups. While the specific ACE grant has been subsumed into the broader Startup SG umbrella, the ACE network continues to play an important role in Singapore's startup ecosystem by organizing networking events, providing mentorship connections, and facilitating access to resources and expertise.
Singapore's startup ecosystem extends well beyond government grants. The country hosts over 200 venture capital funds, dozens of accelerators and incubators (including BLOCK71, Antler, Entrepreneur First, and Plug and Play), and numerous corporate venture arms actively investing in startups. Government grants often serve as a signal of credibility that helps startups attract additional private investment. A Startup SG Founder grant, for example, demonstrates that the startup has passed a structured evaluation process, which can make subsequent fundraising easier.
Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
The EDG is one of the most versatile and widely used grants in Singapore, supporting a broad range of business upgrading activities across three pillars.
Core Capabilities
Projects that strengthen the company's foundational capabilities, including business strategy development, human capital development, financial management enhancement, and organizational restructuring.
Innovation and Productivity
Projects that drive innovation and productivity improvements, including product development, process improvement, technology adoption, and automation. This is the most commonly used pillar for startups developing new products or services.
Market Access
Projects that help the company expand into overseas markets, including market research, business development trips, overseas marketing campaigns, and participation in international trade fairs.
Funding Level
The government co-funds up to 50% of qualifying project costs for most companies. SMEs with annual group turnover below SGD 100 million may qualify for up to 70% co-funding. There is no fixed cap on the grant amount, though typical project sizes range from SGD 30,000 to SGD 1 million.
Eligibility
The company must be registered and operating in Singapore, have at least 30% local (Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents) shareholding, be in a viable financial position to co-fund the project, and demonstrate that the project will lead to measurable improvements in productivity, innovation, or market access.
Application Process
Applications are submitted through the Business Grants Portal (BGP). The typical process involves preparing a detailed project proposal with objectives, methodology, budget, and expected outcomes, submitting through BGP, undergoing evaluation by Enterprise Singapore (typically 4 to 8 weeks), receiving approval with any conditions, implementing the project, and submitting claims with supporting documentation upon completion.
Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
The PSG is designed to make technology adoption easy and affordable for SMEs by providing co-funding for pre-approved technology solutions.
How It Works
Instead of requiring companies to submit custom project proposals, the PSG maintains a curated list of pre-approved solutions from pre-approved vendors. Companies select a solution from the list, apply through BGP, and receive co-funding of up to 50% (or up to 70% during enhanced support periods) of the solution cost, capped at SGD 30,000 per solution.
Categories of Pre-Approved Solutions
The PSG covers a wide range of technology categories, including accounting and finance software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB), human resource management systems, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, digital marketing platforms, point-of-sale systems, inventory management, cybersecurity solutions, and e-commerce platforms.
Eligibility
The company must be registered and operating in Singapore, have at least 30% local shareholding, have annual group turnover not exceeding SGD 100 million or group employment not exceeding 200 employees, and purchase or lease the pre-approved solution from a pre-approved vendor.
The PSG is one of the easiest grants to apply for because the solutions are pre-approved, eliminating the need for detailed project proposals. A small business can apply for a co-funded accounting system on Monday, receive approval within 4 weeks, and implement the solution within months. For startups with limited administrative resources, the PSG is often the first grant they access due to its simplicity and practicality.
Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant
The MRA supports SMEs in expanding overseas by co-funding up to 50% of eligible costs for market entry activities. The maximum support is SGD 100,000 per new market per company (with an overall cap). Eligible activities include overseas market setup (registration, legal, compliance), overseas business development (travel, trade fairs), and overseas marketing (advertising, promotion in the target market).
Startup SG Equity
Startup SG Equity is an equity co-investment scheme where the government invests alongside approved third-party investors (venture capital funds, angel groups, and corporate venture arms). For every SGD 1 the government invests, the approved investor invests SGD 7, providing a 7:1 matching ratio. This scheme is particularly relevant for startups that have already secured venture capital interest, as the government co-investment enhances the funding round.
Combining Multiple Grants
Singapore allows businesses to apply for multiple grants, provided that the same costs are not claimed under more than one grant. A startup could, for example, use Startup SG Founder for initial capital, PSG for a pre-approved accounting system, EDG for a product development project, MRA for overseas market entry, and Startup SG Equity for a follow-on venture capital round.
The key restriction is that no single expense item can be co-funded by more than one grant. Different expense items within the same business can each be supported by the most appropriate grant program.
For information on tax incentives that complement these grants, see our guide on Singapore tax incentives for startups.
Common Grant Pitfalls
Despite the generous support available, many grant applications fail or encounter problems during implementation. Understanding common pitfalls helps applicants avoid wasted effort and resources.
Retroactive Claims Are Not Allowed
Most Singapore grants require pre-approval before the project commences. Expenses incurred before the grant approval date are typically not eligible for co-funding. This is one of the most common mistakes, particularly for eager entrepreneurs who begin spending before the approval comes through.
Cash Flow Mismatch
Grants are disbursed on a reimbursement basis after the company has incurred and paid the expenses. For a project co-funded at 50%, the company must have the full project cost available upfront and will receive the government's share only after submitting a claim with proof of expenditure. Claims processing can take 4 to 8 weeks after submission, creating a cash flow gap that companies must plan for.
Scope Changes During Implementation
Changes to the approved project scope, budget, or timeline must be submitted to the granting agency for approval before implementation. Unauthorized changes can result in partial or full clawback of the grant. If your project evolves during implementation, communicate proactively with the agency to ensure continued compliance.
Documentation Failures
Grants require detailed supporting documentation for every claimed expense, including tax invoices, payment receipts, delivery orders, and in some cases, timesheet records for staff time. Companies that fail to maintain proper documentation may be unable to claim the full grant amount.
Tips for Successful Grant Applications
Experienced grant applicants consistently emphasize several best practices. First, be specific about outcomes: every application should clearly state the expected measurable outcomes (revenue increase, cost reduction, productivity improvement) and how they will be achieved. Second, ensure financial readiness: the company must be able to fund its co-share of the project costs, and applications from companies in financial distress are typically rejected. Third, start early: application processing takes 4 to 8 weeks, and some grants require pre-approval before commencing the project. Fourth, maintain proper documentation: all grant-funded expenditure must be supported by invoices, receipts, contracts, and proof of delivery. Fifth, engage a grant consultant if needed: specialized grant consulting firms (charging SGD 1,000 to SGD 5,000 per application) can significantly improve approval rates for complex applications.
Sector-Specific Grants
Beyond the general grants covered above, several sector-specific programs provide targeted support.
Healthcare and Biomedical Sciences
The National Health Innovation Centre (NHIC) provides co-funding for health technology innovation projects, including clinical validation, regulatory submissions, and commercialization of medical devices and digital health solutions. Grants range from SGD 50,000 to SGD 500,000 per project.
Food and Agritech
The Singapore Food Story R&D Programme, administered by the Singapore Food Agency, provides grants for food technology innovation, including alternative proteins, urban farming, and food safety technology. Funding of up to SGD 3 million per project is available for qualifying research and commercialization activities.
Maritime and Logistics
The Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund supports technology adoption and innovation in the maritime sector, including autonomous shipping, port technology, and green shipping solutions. The fund provides co-funding for R&D projects, technology trials, and workforce development in maritime technology.
Conclusion
Singapore's startup grant ecosystem provides meaningful financial support at every stage of business growth, from the initial SGD 50,000 Startup SG Founder grant for first-time entrepreneurs to the uncapped Enterprise Development Grant for companies upgrading their capabilities and expanding overseas. The combination of direct grants, co-funding programs, and equity co-investment schemes creates a safety net that reduces the financial risk of starting and growing a business in Singapore. For entrepreneurs willing to invest the time in understanding the grant landscape and preparing strong applications, the available support can cover a significant portion of early-stage costs and accelerate the path to profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Startup SG Founder grant?
Startup SG Founder provides first-time entrepreneurs with a SGD 50,000 startup capital grant, with the founder contributing SGD 10,000 as co-investment. The grant is administered by Enterprise Singapore and disbursed through approved Accredited Mentor Partners (AMPs) who provide mentorship during the initial development phase. To qualify, the business must be a new venture (not a franchise, spin-off, or acquired business), incorporated as a Singapore Pte Ltd for fewer than 6 months, and held at least 51% by Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents.
How does the Enterprise Development Grant work?
The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) supports Singapore-registered companies in upgrading business capabilities, innovating, and expanding overseas. The government co-funds up to 50% of qualifying project costs for most companies, and up to 70% for companies with annual sales turnover below SGD 100 million. Qualifying activities include business strategy development, financial management, technology adoption, product development, and market access. The company must be registered and operating in Singapore, have at least 30% local shareholding, and demonstrate project feasibility and expected outcomes.
Can foreign-owned companies access Singapore startup grants?
Most Singapore startup grants require at least 30% local shareholding by Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents. The Startup SG Founder grant has a stricter requirement of 51% local shareholding. However, the Enterprise Development Grant and Productivity Solutions Grant are available to foreign-owned companies provided they are registered in Singapore, operate in Singapore, and have at least 30% local equity. Foreign entrepreneurs may consider bringing on a local co-founder or partner to meet shareholding requirements for grants with higher local ownership thresholds.