Singapore Government Grants for SMEs & Startups 2026: Complete Guide to EDG, PSG, MRA & More

Singapore is one of the most grant-friendly ecosystems in the world for SMEs and startups. Enterprise Singapore, IMDA, EDB, and STB collectively administer over a dozen active schemes covering everything from digital tool subsidies to overseas market expansion, deep tech R&D, and energy efficiency upgrades. This 2026 guide walks through the current amounts, eligibility criteria, and application flow — with a focus on the enhancements announced in Budget 2026 and the April 2026 Supplement.

Important: Grant amounts and eligibility change frequently. Verify current terms with the Business Grants Portal or Enterprise Singapore before applying.

The Common SME Eligibility Definition

Most Enterprise Singapore-administered grants (PSG, EDG, MRA, and the incoming EDGE framework) share a common SME definition. To qualify, your company generally must:

Be registered and operating in Singapore
Have at least 30% local shareholding (Singapore citizens or PRs)
Meet the specific size and turnover thresholds set by each grant

This is a common threshold — but not all grants require it. Startup SG Founder, Startup SG Tech, IMDA's Start Digital, and industry-specific schemes have their own eligibility criteria.

1. Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)

The PSG helps SMEs adopt pre-approved digital tools and productivity solutions across accounting, HR, CRM, inventory, and sector-specific systems.

Funding level: Up to 50% of qualifying costs
Annual cap: S$30,000 per year across all PSG-supported categories
Eligibility: Registered in Singapore, ≥30% local shareholding, committed to productivity improvements
How to apply: Select an approved vendor and solution from Enterprise Singapore's pre-approved list, then apply via the Business Grants Portal with the vendor's quote
Common uses: Xero accounting subscriptions, HR management systems, POS systems, e-commerce platforms

The PSG changed from 80% to 50% funding in April 2023 for most solutions. Verify the current rate for your specific solution — some priority solutions (e.g. AI-related) may attract enhanced support.

2. Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)

The EDG is Enterprise Singapore's flagship SME transformation grant, supporting more complex capability-building projects than the PSG.

Funding level: Up to 50% of eligible project costs
Enhanced rate: Up to 70% for sustainability-related projects (available until 31 March 2026)
Eligibility: Registered in Singapore, ≥30% local shareholding, financially viable, committed to productivity or innovation

Three project pillars

Core Capabilities — Business strategy, financial management, HR development, service excellence, brand and marketing
Innovation & Productivity — Process redesign, automation, ERP implementation, R&D projects
Market Access — Overseas expansion, market research, partnership development

Key rule: Apply BEFORE signing contracts or making payments — retrospective claims are not allowed. Projects are typically 12 months or shorter.

3. Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant

The MRA is designed to help SMEs expand into new overseas markets — one of the most popular grants for growing Singapore businesses.

Enhanced funding from 1 April 2026: Up to 70% of eligible costs (raised from the previous 50%)
Cap: Up to S$100,000 per company per new overseas market
Eligibility: Registered in Singapore, ≥30% local shareholding, new to target overseas market, group annual sales ≤ S$100M or fewer than 200 employees

Three activity pillars

Overseas market promotion — Trade fair participation, in-market marketing
Overseas business development — Setting up sales presence, distribution, freight forwarding
Overseas market setup — Legal, tax, IP protection in the target market

Key rules: Applications must be submitted before project activities begin. Projects must be completed within 12 months. Each application is limited to one activity in a single overseas market. Group applications are not permitted.

4. Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS)

The EFS is a suite of government-backed loan programmes administered through partner banks and financial institutions.

Facility size: Enhanced to up to S$50 million per borrower group from 1 April 2026 (previously lower caps)
Eligibility: Registered in Singapore, ≥30% local shareholding, group annual turnover ≤ S$500M

Sub-schemes

EFS Green — Sustainability-linked financing
SME Working Capital Loan — Day-to-day cash flow needs
SME Fixed Assets Loan — Equipment, factory, land
Venture Debt Loan — For startups with equity backing
Trade Loan — Import/export financing
Project Loan — Specific project financing
Mergers & Acquisitions Loan — Growth via acquisition

Interest rates and specific terms vary by participating bank. Approach a participating financial institution to apply.

5. Startup SG Family

Startup SG is Enterprise Singapore's umbrella of startup-specific support schemes.

Startup SG Founder

Mentorship and startup capital for first-time entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas
Delivered via Accredited Mentor Partners (AMPs)
Includes a co-investment component

Startup SG Tech

Competitive grant for deep tech Proof-of-Concept (POC) and Proof-of-Value (POV) projects
Milestone-based funding
Includes an equity component in some cases
Typical POC: up to S$250,000; POV: up to S$500,000 (verify current amounts)

Startup SG Equity

Government co-investment alongside third-party investors for high-growth startups
Budget 2026 boost: S$1 billion top-up to Startup SG Equity announced
Eligible: Singapore-based private limited companies, incorporated <5 years, ≥S$50,000 paid-up capital, demonstrable innovation and growth potential

6. Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS) — 400% R&D Deduction

Introduced in Budget 2023, the EIS provides enhanced tax deductions for qualifying innovation activities. Announced in Budget 2026, the EIS now includes an AI activity component.

Enhanced deduction: 400% on the first S$400,000 of qualifying expenditure across five activity categories (replacing the older 250% deduction)
Activities covered: R&D conducted in Singapore, registration of IP, licensing of qualifying IP, training via approved courses, innovation projects with polytechnics/ITE
Budget 2026 addition: 400% deduction on the first S$50,000 of qualifying AI activity expenditure

The EIS effectively means for every S$100 spent on eligible R&D, the company deducts S$400 from taxable income — a very generous incentive.

For companies claiming this, coordination with your accountant is essential. See our corporate income tax filing guide for the filing mechanics.

7. Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG)

Extended until 31 March 2027, the EEG supports energy-efficient equipment purchases across sectors like F&B, retail, manufacturing, and construction.

Funding level: Support level varies by sector and equipment type (typically 30–70%)
Eligibility: Registered in Singapore, ≥30% local shareholding, buying pre-approved energy-efficient equipment
How to apply: Via the Business Grants Portal, similar to PSG (select approved vendor, submit quote)

8. Business Adaptation Grant (BAG)

Launched to help businesses respond to external challenges like supply chain shifts, trade disruptions, or sector-specific downturns.

Enhanced from 1 April 2026: Up to 70% for SMEs (up to 50% for non-SMEs)
Valid until: 6 October 2027
Common use cases: pivoting product lines, restructuring supply chains, adopting new operating models

9. Business Improvement Fund (BIF) — Tourism Sector

Administered by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for tourism-related businesses.

Funding level: Up to 70% of qualifying costs for SMEs; 50% for non-SMEs
Eligibility: Singapore-registered tourism business
Common uses: Enhancing tourism products/services, adopting tech, capability building

10. IMDA Digital Support Schemes

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) offers digital adoption support beyond the PSG.

Start Digital

For: Newly incorporated Singapore companies (within past 6 months)
Support: Digital solutions worth up to S$2,000 (accounting, HR, digital transactions, marketing)
How to access: Through participating banks and industry associations

Grow Digital

For: Established SMEs looking to expand digital capabilities
Support: Up to S$30,000 per project
Focus: E-commerce platforms, digital marketplaces, cross-border expansion

Both schemes evolve — verify current parameters with IMDA before applying.

Budget 2026 Highlights for Businesses

Key measures announced in Budget 2026 and the April 2026 Supplement:

CIT Rebate for YA2026 — Enhanced to 50% of corporate tax payable, capped at S$40,000 (up from the original 40%/S$30k announcement). Minimum S$2,000 cash grant for companies with at least one local employee in 2025
Startup SG Equity — S$1 billion top-up
EIS AI activity — 400% deduction on the first S$50,000 of qualifying AI expenditure
MRA enhancement — 70% funding level from 1 April 2026
EFS enhancement — Facility size up to S$50M from 1 April 2026
Business Adaptation Grant enhancement — Up to 70% for SMEs from 1 April 2026

The full corporate tax landscape is covered in our corporate income tax filing guide.

Applying via the Business Grants Portal (BGP)

Most Enterprise Singapore grants are administered via the Business Grants Portal, part of the GoBusiness platform.

Prerequisites before applying

Corppass admin access — Log into BGP as an authorised user of your company
PayNow Corporate or GIRO linked to your company bank account — For disbursement of approved grants
Vendor quotes or project proposals — Required for most grants; PSG uses a pre-approved vendor list, EDG and MRA use your selected consultant

Application flow

Log into BGP with Corppass
Select the grant scheme
Complete the online application with project details, budgeted costs, and vendor quotes
Submit — most grants require submission BEFORE any spending
Track status via the BGP dashboard
On approval, claim disbursement after project milestones or completion

Recommended Grant Journey by Stage

Setting up (months 0–6)

Startup SG Founder (if first-time founder)
PSG for accounting, HR, and CRM tools (Xero, HRMS, CRM systems)

Building capability (months 6–18)

EDG for business strategy, process redesign, or brand development
SFEC (SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit) stacked on training

Scaling overseas (months 18+)

MRA for first-market entry
EDG Market Access pillar for larger overseas expansion projects

Going deep tech

Startup SG Tech (POC then POV)
Startup SG Equity for co-investment
EIS 400% deduction for qualifying R&D

Ongoing operations

EEG for energy-efficient equipment
Business Adaptation Grant if pivoting due to external shocks

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the biggest change to Singapore SME grants in 2026?

The most impactful changes are: MRA enhanced to 70% from 1 April 2026, PSG cap remains S$30,000 per year at 50% support, EFS facility size raised to S$50M, and the EIS now includes a 400% deduction on the first S$50,000 of AI activity expenditure.

How much local shareholding do I need to qualify for Enterprise Singapore grants?

At least 30% local shareholding (Singapore citizens or PRs holding shares directly or indirectly) is the common eligibility floor for PSG, EDG, MRA, and most Enterprise Singapore schemes.

Can I apply for grants retrospectively (after I've spent the money)?

No. Enterprise Singapore grants require submission BEFORE any spending or contract signing. Retrospective claims are not allowed and are one of the most common reasons for grant rejection.

Is the Temporary Bridging Loan Programme (TBLP) still available?

No. The TBLP was a COVID-era relief scheme that ended for most applicants on 30 September 2022. For working capital financing, look to the SME Working Capital Loan under the Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS).

Do I need to be a Singapore citizen to apply for these grants?

No. You need to be a director or authorised officer of a Singapore-registered company with ≥30% local shareholding. The shareholders (not the applicant directors) must include Singapore citizens or PRs to meet the 30% threshold.

Where do I check the current grant amounts and eligibility?

The Business Grants Portal is the authoritative source for Enterprise Singapore schemes. Industry-specific schemes are listed on the administering agency's website (STB, IMDA, EDB).

Related Guides

WealthBridge helps Singapore SMEs identify, apply for, and comply with government grant programmes. Contact us for a quote.