Government Grants for SMEs in Singapore: 2026 Complete List
Table of Contents
All Major SME Grants at a Glance
Singapore offers one of the most generous SME support ecosystems in the world, yet many business owners find the landscape overwhelming. With programmes spread across Enterprise Singapore, IMDA, Workforce Singapore, NTUC and various statutory boards, each with distinct criteria and processes, it is easy to miss government grants SME Singapore businesses are eligible for or apply for the wrong one entirely.
The challenge is not a lack of support but a lack of clarity. For SMEs looking to fund digital marketing efforts specifically, knowing which grants cover marketing activities — and to what extent — can save tens of thousands of dollars annually. This guide consolidates every major programme into a single practical reference so you can identify the most relevant grants without navigating a dozen government websites.
The major programmes include EDG (no fixed cap, up to 70 per cent co-funding for marketing strategy and branding), PSG (SGD 30,000 per category, up to 50 per cent for marketing technology tools), MRA (SGD 100,000 per market, up to 70 per cent for overseas marketing), Startup SG Founder (SGD 50,000 startup capital), SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SGD 15,000 for marketing training) and the Digital Enterprise Programme (up to 70 per cent for digital marketing packages). Each serves a distinct purpose, and stacking multiple programmes is both permitted and encouraged.
Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
The EDG is the most comprehensive and flexible government grants SME Singapore programme. It supports projects across Core Capabilities (including brand development and digital marketing strategy), Innovation and Productivity, and Market Access. For marketing purposes, EDG is particularly relevant for engaging agencies to develop SEO strategies, build digital marketing frameworks or execute comprehensive brand development projects.
EDG co-funds up to 50 per cent of qualifying costs for standard projects and up to 70 per cent for digital transformation projects under Budget 2026 enhancements. There is no fixed cap — larger, more impactful projects receive proportionally larger support. Eligible costs include third-party consultancy fees, software and equipment, and internal manpower directly attributable to the project.
Eligibility requires Singapore registration, at least 30 per cent local shareholding and financial viability to complete the project. Application involves submitting a detailed proposal through the Business Grants Portal, with typical processing of eight to twelve weeks. For businesses engaging a SEO agency or digital marketing consultancy, EDG effectively halves the investment required while ensuring the work follows a structured, measurable approach.
Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
PSG takes a different approach by funding pre-approved, off-the-shelf technology solutions. Rather than bespoke projects, PSG subsidises specific software packages from approved vendors at up to 50 per cent of qualifying costs with a SGD 30,000 cap per solution category.
For marketing teams, PSG covers CRM systems like HubSpot and Salesforce through authorised vendors, e-commerce platforms with built-in marketing features, social media management and email marketing tools, and business intelligence platforms supporting marketing analytics. The application process is simpler than EDG — select a pre-approved solution, obtain a quotation and submit through the Business Grants Portal with four to six week processing.
PSG is ideal for SMEs that need specific marketing tools rather than strategic consulting. If you already know you need a CRM or email marketing platform, PSG halves your implementation cost. The technology must be new — you cannot use PSG to reimburse existing subscriptions.
Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant
The MRA targets Singapore businesses expanding overseas, providing up to 70 per cent co-funding with a cap of SGD 100,000 per company per new market. For marketing strategies including international expansion, MRA can fund a substantial portion of overseas activities.
Eligible activities include market research and feasibility studies, overseas Google Ads campaigns targeting international audiences, localised website and content development, trade fair participation, in-market business development and legal compliance costs. For businesses expanding into multiple markets, separate applications can be submitted for each target country.
The MRA is particularly powerful when combined with digital marketing services. A well-structured international SEO and paid search campaign is significantly more cost-effective than traditional market entry, and MRA’s coverage of digital marketing makes this combination financially compelling for Singapore businesses targeting ASEAN and beyond.
Startup SG Programmes
The Startup SG umbrella encompasses several programmes for early-stage businesses. Startup SG Founder provides SGD 50,000 in startup capital through government-matched funding — the government contributes SGD 3 for every SGD 1 the founder raises. While not ring-fenced for marketing, founders can allocate a portion to initial customer acquisition.
Startup SG Tech offers up to SGD 500,000 for proof-of-concept projects, relevant for startups developing marketing technology or innovative digital platforms. Startup SG Equity is a co-investment programme where government invests alongside approved investors, providing growth capital that can fund marketing scale-up.
For startups, the recommended trajectory is using Startup SG for initial capital and customer validation, then transitioning to PSG and EDG as the business matures and marketing needs become more structured. A well-designed website and clear brand positioning early on lay the foundation for effective grant-funded marketing later.
SkillsFuture and Workforce Training Grants
Investing in your marketing team’s capabilities is as important as investing in tools. SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit gives eligible SMEs SGD 15,000 to offset workforce training costs, applicable to marketing courses, digital skills programmes and professional certifications. This can be stacked with other SkillsFuture subsidies.
Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy provides Singaporeans aged 40 and above up to 90 per cent subsidies on selected courses including digital marketing programmes. NTUC UTAP allows members to claim up to SGD 500 per year for approved training, and Absentee Payroll provides SGD 4.50 per hour per trainee during funded training. Combining these programmes makes upskilling marketing staff extremely affordable in Singapore.
How to Choose the Right Grant
If you need strategic marketing consulting, apply for EDG. If you need specific marketing software, apply for PSG. If you are expanding overseas, apply for MRA. If you need to train your team, leverage SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit. If you are a startup, explore Startup SG Founder for initial capital.
These programmes are not mutually exclusive. Many SMEs successfully stack PSG for CRM implementation, EDG for strategic marketing that leverages the CRM, SkillsFuture credits for staff training on both and MRA for international expansion. Working with an experienced digital marketing agency that understands the grant landscape helps structure applications that maximise total support across programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for multiple grants simultaneously?
Yes, provided each covers different project scopes or cost items. You cannot double-fund the same expense, but you can stack complementary grants across different activities.
How long does grant approval take?
PSG takes four to six weeks, EDG eight to twelve weeks and MRA six to eight weeks. Timelines can extend during peak periods after Budget announcements. Apply early to avoid delays.
Do I pay first and claim reimbursement?
Most grants operate on reimbursement. You incur the expense, submit claims with supporting documents and receive disbursement. Some programmes offer milestone-based payments for larger projects.
What if my application is rejected?
Request feedback, revise your proposal and resubmit. Common rejection reasons include unclear outcomes, ineligible costs or insufficient documentation. Grant consultants can improve success rates significantly.
Are sole proprietorships eligible?
Most grants require private limited company registration. Sole proprietorships and partnerships are generally ineligible for EDG and PSG but may qualify for individual-level SkillsFuture and NTUC training grants.
Can foreign-owned businesses apply?
The 30 per cent local shareholding requirement applies to most Enterprise Singapore grants. Foreign-owned businesses below this threshold are generally ineligible for EDG, PSG and MRA. Some IMDA and sector-specific programmes may have different criteria.
What is the most overlooked grant for marketing?
The Market Readiness Assistance grant is frequently overlooked by businesses with international ambitions. At up to SGD 100,000 per market with 70 per cent co-funding, it can cover substantial overseas digital marketing campaigns that would otherwise strain budgets.
Can grants cover website development?
PSG covers pre-approved website and e-commerce solutions. EDG can fund custom website development as part of a broader digital transformation project. The choice depends on whether a pre-approved solution meets your needs or you require a bespoke build.
How do I track my grant application status?
Monitor your application through the Business Grants Portal where you submitted it. The portal provides status updates and notifications. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information to avoid processing delays.
Is there a deadline for applying?
Most grant programmes are open year-round without application deadlines. However, funding levels and co-funding rates can change with each Budget announcement. Applying sooner rather than later ensures you benefit from current rates before any potential adjustments.
