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Top 10 Singapore Startup Grants: A Detailed Guide
- Published: 22 December 2025
- 15 min read
- Running a Business
Ruth Dsouza
Author
Ruth Dsouza Prabhu is a content developer with a passion for turning ideas into clear, engaging narratives. With a strong background in marketing communications and lifestyle writing, she simplifies complex business topics for entrepreneurs. Her work spans strategy, storytelling, and thought leadership, always focused on clarity, credibility, and impact.
Singapore offers one of the most generous government funding ecosystems for early-stage businesses, as a leading startup hub with grants and funding support designed to support everything from product development to overseas expansion, coordinated by agencies such as Enterprise Singapore and the Economic Development Board. For founders, these schemes can meaningfully reduce burn, improve cash flow, provide early stage funding and financial support, and accelerate validation without diluting equity. Here is a clear, practical overview of the funding schemes and funding support available to you as you plan for long-term business growth.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore’s startup grants target specific growth stages, from idea validation and R&D to productivity upgrades, market access, and international expansion. This helps founders and other eligible startups access non-dilutive capital at the right time.
- Most grants require strong compliance discipline, including Singapore incorporation, at least 30% local shareholding, adequate existing paid up capital, and clear financial management documentation to meet strict eligibility criteria and demonstrate feasibility and impact.
- Choosing the right grant depends on your business model and immediate priorities, whether that’s testing a concept, adopting digital tools, hiring talent for human capital development, or entering overseas markets and international marketing expansion.
An Overview of Singapore Startup Grants
To help founders know what grants to consider, the grid below summarises the top 10 government grants available for eligible startups and Singapore registered businesses at early-stage and scaling phases.
Grant | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Startup SG Founder | Funding up to S$ 50,000. Best for first-time founders. Requires SG company with 30% local shareholding. |
| 2. Startup SG Tech | Funds POC or POV. Best for deep-tech R&D. Requires proprietary tech and 30% local shareholding. |
| 3. Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) | Funds up to 50%. Best for capability building. Requires SG company with 30% local shareholding. |
| 4. Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) | Funds up to 50%. Best for digital tools. Requires SG SME with 30% local shareholding. |
| 5. Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) | Funds up to S$ 100,000. Best for overseas expansion. Requires SG company with 30% local shareholding. |
| 6. SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) | S$ 10,000 credit. Best for staff training. Available only to eligible employers. |
| 7. Startup SG Equity | Co-investment support. Best for fundraising-stage startups. Requires investor interest and SG base. |
| 8. SMEs Go Digital | Subsidised digital tools. Best for early digital adoption. Requires SG SME with 30% local shareholding. |
| 9. Energy Efficiency & Capability Upgrading Grants | Funding varies. Best for energy-saving upgrades. Requires sector-eligible SG companies. |
| 10. T-Up (A*STAR) | Up to 70% manpower subsidy. Best for R&D support. Requires SG company with a defined project. |
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1 Startup SG Founder Grant (SSGF)
Startup SG Founder supports first-time founders who want to test and validate new business ideas. SG Founder Grant gives up to S$ 50,000 in funding support and provides structured guidance from an Accredited Mentor Partner.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides hands-on mentorship through AMPs | Requires a 1:1 founder matching commitment |
| Clear milestone-based funding structure | AMP selection criteria differ across partners |
| Suitable for non-technical founders | Only available to first-time founders |
Eligibility
- Singapore-incorporated company under 5 years that meets Enterprise Singapore’s criteria for eligible startups
- At least 30 per cent local shareholding
- At least one first-time founder
- Idea must show commercial potential
You can apply directly through an Accredited Mentor Partner with the Startup SG Founder application form.
2 Startup SG Tech
Startup SG Tech supports early-stage companies developing proprietary technology or strong intellectual property. The Startup SG Tech Grant funds Proof of Concept and Proof of Value work, covering a large share of qualifying project costs and qualifying costs.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports both Proof of Concept (POC) and Proof of Value (POV) stages | Long evaluation and approval timelines |
| Suitable for IP-driven and deep tech startups | High documentation and technical requirements |
| Helps validate technical feasibility early | Limited to companies with proprietary innovation |
Eligibility
- Singapore-registered company
- Scalable commercial potential
- At least 30 per cent local shareholding
- Ability to deliver the proposed R&D work
You can apply directly with the official Startup SG Tech application form.
3 Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
The Enterprise Development Grant supports businesses that want to upgrade, innovate, or expand through structured business strategy development and improvements to business processes. It can cover consultancy fees and other eligible costs, helping strengthen financial management and operational systems. In some sectors, it sits alongside schemes such as the Business Improvement Fund (BIF).
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Covers a wide range of business improvement projects | Requires strong documentation and project justification |
| Supports scaling and internationalisation work | Reimbursement-based funding may impact cash flow |
| Can fund consultancy, systems, and capability upgrades | Requires financial viability and co-funding commitment |
Eligibility
- Singapore companies must be Singapore-registered and treated as eligible companies with sufficient paid up capital under EnterpriseSG guidelines
- At least 30 per cent local shareholding
- Business must be financially viable
- Clear project scope and measurable outcomes
- Project must fall under approved EDG categories
You can apply directly with the Enterprise Development Grant application form.
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4 Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
The Productivity Solutions Grant supports companies that want to adopt digital tools or equipment, including pre-approved advanced digital solutions for CRM and customer management. The grant is suitable for general tech startups that need quick upgrade without advanced digital solutions or large upfront spend.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple and fast application process | Limited to pre-approved solutions only |
| Helps reduce the cost of core digital tools | Lower funding levels compared to larger grants |
| Ideal for early digitalisation needs | May not cover customised or advanced systems |
Eligibility
- Singapore-registered SME
- At least 30 per cent local shareholding
- Solution must be on the pre-approved PSG vendor list
- Purchased and used in Singapore
- Meets sector-specific conditions where applicable
You can apply directly with the Productivity Solutions Grant application form.
5 Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant
The Market Readiness Assistance Grant supports companies that want to enter new overseas markets and improve market access. It covers activities such as market research, business development and marketing development, overseas promotion, and international marketing expansion. Startups planning to expand overseas often pair MRA support with networks like the Global Innovation Alliance.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports a wide range of overseas expansion activities | Funding cap applies per market |
| Simple structure with clear cost coverage | Competitive assessment due to strong demand |
| Useful for first-time market entry | Requires proof of genuine internationalisation plans |
Eligibility
- Singapore-registered company
- At least 30 per cent local shareholding
- Annual sales turnover and employee count must meet SME eligibility criteria
- Clear plan to expand into a specific overseas market
- Expenses must qualify under MRA guidelines
You can apply directly with the Market Readiness Assistance Grant application form.
6 SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC)
The SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit supports companies that invest in employee training and enterprise transformation, as part of Singapore’s broader human capital development agenda led by Enterprise Singapore and other national council-linked agencies.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One-time credit that reduces training and transformation costs | Only available to employers who meet SFEC criteria |
| Supports a wide range of approved programmes | Cannot be used for non-approved courses or vendors |
| Encourages long-term talent development | Notification-based eligibility limits access |
Eligibility
- Eligible employers notified directly by the government
- Must have contributed CPF for local employees
- Must not have outstanding compliance issues
- Programmes must be part of the approved SFEC list
If your company qualifies, your Corppass administrator will have received an eligibility email from Enterprise Singapore. No separate application is required.
7 Startup SG Equity
Startup SG Equity supports early-stage companies that want to raise capital through equity funding rather than loans. The government will co-invest alongside qualified third party investors such as venture capital firms and angel investors to reduce risk and attract financial support. While banks and the Enterprise Financing Scheme or SME Working Capital Loan focus more on debt, Startup SG Equity provides early stage funding through a co matching capital model. The Enterprise Financing Scheme focuses on innovative and scalable businesses and has an investment cap depending on round size and type of independent third party investor involved. It is suitable for startups who want to co-invest with the state or reputable venture capital firms and angel investors.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Helps attract venture capital by reducing investor risk | Co-investment is subject to investor due diligence |
| Supports high-growth, innovation-driven companies | Funding is not guaranteed and depends on investor interest |
| Strengthens credibility with institutional investors | Structured investment terms may be more complex |
Eligibility
- Singapore-based company
- Strong innovation or intellectual property
- High growth and commercial potential
- Private investor interest secured from qualified third party investors such as angel investors or funds
- Meets Startup SG Equity’s investment criteria
You can apply for co-investment by submitting a two-page executive summary and supporting documents through the Startup SG Equity information page.
8 SMEs Go Digital
SMEs Go Digital supports companies that want to adopt digital solutions for core business functions, including CRM, customer management, and back-office business processes.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide range of pre-approved digital tools | Limited to approved digital solutions |
| Simple application through PSG vendors | Does not support customised systems |
| Good for early digital adoption | Funding levels may not cover full project needs |
Eligibility
- Singapore-registered SME At least 30 per cent local shareholding
- Must adopt digital solutions from the approved list
- Solutions must be used in Singapore
- Meets sector conditions where relevant
You can find out more about the support you can receive through the SMEs Go Digital information page.
You can activate support by choosing a pre-approved digital solution, as the grant is applied for through the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) vendor.
9 Energy Efficiency and Capability Upgrading Grants
Energy efficiency and capability upgrading grants support companies that want to improve energy performance or adopt more efficient systems. They are suitable for startups in eligible sectors that want to modernise operations and lower long-term energy use, including schemes linked to the Business Improvement Fund (BIF) in the tourism sector run by the Singapore Tourism Board.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports energy-efficient equipment and system upgrades | Limited to specific sectors such as manufacturing and retail |
| Helps reduce long-term operating costs | Funding varies by agency and project type |
| Encourages sustainability-driven improvements | Requires clear documentation of impact and savings |
Eligibility
- Singapore-registered company
- Operates within an eligible sector
- Project must result in measurable energy savings or efficiency improvements
- Equipment or solutions must meet approved standards
- Must comply with agency-specific guidelines
You can use the relevant official application based on your requirements.
10 T-Up (Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading)
T-Up supports companies that want to strengthen their technical and research capabilities and is especially useful for deep tech startups working on complex R&D or investment development activities. It allows startups to work directly with A*STAR scientists and engineers through a temporary placement. It is suitable for deep-tech, engineering, biomedical, and R&D-driven startups that need technical expertise to speed up development, including those building defensible intellectual property.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Access to experienced scientists and engineers | Only available to companies with strong technical needs |
| Up to 70 per cent subsidy of manpower cost | Requires clear project goals and technical alignment |
| Supports advanced R&D and product development | Limited availability based on A*STAR resource capacity |
Eligibility
- Singapore-registered company
- Strong need for technical expertise
- Defined R&D or product development project
- Ability to work with A*STAR research personnel
- Meets capability requirements for project execution
You can apply for support with the T-Up programme information page.
How Osome Can Help
Government grants often require strong compliance, accurate records, and clear documentation. Osome helps founders stay grant-ready by maintaining clean books, preparing proper financial statements, and ensuring that company records meet regulatory standards. Our team supports incorporation, ongoing accounting, corporate secretarial work, and hiring compliance. This helps founders avoid delays or rejections that come from incomplete or inconsistent submissions.
Osome also guides companies during expansion so they can meet the requirements for grants related to digitalisation, overseas growth, or capability development. With the right systems and reporting in place, founders gain confidence when applying for grants and can focus on building the business. Check out our accounting services to know more.
Summary
Singapore offers a strong set of government grants that support startups at different stages of growth. Each grant serves a clear purpose. Some help founders validate ideas, others support digitalisation, capability building, or international expansion. The right grant can reduce costs, improve cash flow, and speed up progress without giving up equity. With the right preparation, these grants can play a meaningful role in helping your business grow
Ruth Dsouza Prabhu is a content developer with a passion for turning ideas into clear, engaging narratives. With a strong background in marketing communications and lifestyle writing, she simplifies complex business topics for entrepreneurs. Her work spans strategy, storytelling, and thought leadership, always focused on clarity, credibility, and impact.
