Historically, MRA focused on specific overseas market-entry activities, while EDG covered broader business capability, innovation and market-access projects. Both ceased for new applications on 29 September 2026. New projects now use EDGE.
Compare the business work
| Question | MRA context | EDG context |
|---|---|---|
| What was the emphasis? | Defined activities to develop a new overseas market. | Building or transforming a business capability. |
| Typical planning issue | Who are the target buyers, partners or market-entry specialists? | What capability gap limits growth or productivity? |
| Useful evidence | Market rationale, activity outputs and overseas engagement. | Baseline, proposed change, deliverables and measurable outcomes. |
| Route for new projects | Relevant EDGE activity. | Relevant EDGE activity. |
| Existing award | Original MRA approved terms. | Original EDG approved terms. |
An overseas plan can involve more than one kind of work
A business may need a stronger sales strategy before running an overseas campaign. The first task is a capability question; the second is a market execution question. Splitting the work helps define different deliverables, owners and budgets.
Do not assume all work belongs in one grant application because it supports the same growth ambition. EDGE applications follow activities and, for internationalisation, the relevant market.
Do not compare headline caps out of context
Legacy MRA limits, legacy EDG conditions and current EDGE annual caps belong to different frameworks. Confirm the application date and programme before using a percentage or limit.
For EDGE, the shared annual S$100,000 cap means one supported project can reduce the capacity available to another. Sequence the work around business priorities and cash requirements.
A better decision sequence
- Describe the business objective.
- Separate the activities and target markets.
- Find the current EDGE activity for each scope.
- Review provider requirements, costs and deliverables.
- Plan company cash, timing and evidence before submitting.