Singapore's government offers a comprehensive range of grants and funding schemes designed to support SMEs at different stages of growth. Whether you're looking to innovate, expand internationally, or enhance your digital capabilities, there's likely a grant tailored to your needs. This guide ranks the top government grants available for Singapore SMEs in 2026 and helps you identify which one aligns best with your business objectives.
1. Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant
The MRA grant stands out as one of the most popular and accessible grants for businesses targeting international expansion. Designed specifically for companies looking to establish or expand operations in overseas markets, MRA provides substantial support for market research, participation in international trade missions, and the establishment of sales offices abroad.
Purpose: International market entry and expansion support
Maximum Support: Up to 70% of approved costs
Grant Cap: S$5,000 per application
Key Eligibility Criteria: Singapore-registered company with minimum S$100,000 annual turnover; must be less than 10 years old (with exceptions for specific industries)
2. Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
EDG is positioned as the flagship grant for business capability development. Unlike MRA, EDG focuses on strengthening your internal operations through automation, systems implementation, and capability building. Companies seeking to improve operational efficiency, productivity, or service quality often benefit significantly from EDG support.
Purpose: Business capability and productivity enhancement
Maximum Support: Up to 70% of approved project costs
Grant Cap: S$300,000 to S$500,000 depending on company size and project scope
Key Eligibility Criteria: Singapore-registered company with minimum S$300,000 turnover; demonstrated business improvement plan
3. Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
PSG is the most accessible and quickly-processed grant for SMEs looking to implement productivity improvements. With lower application barriers and faster approval timelines, PSG supports the adoption of pre-approved productivity solutions ranging from software to equipment and consulting services.
Purpose: Rapid productivity enhancement through approved solutions
Maximum Support: Up to 70% of solution costs
Grant Cap: S$5,000 per solution category; up to S$20,000 annually
Key Eligibility Criteria: Registered Singapore business; annual turnover minimum S$100,000
4. Export Financing Scheme (EFS)
For SMEs already engaged in export activities, EFS provides financing facilities with government support to help with working capital for export contracts. This scheme is particularly valuable for businesses facing cash flow challenges due to extended payment terms from international buyers.
Purpose: Export working capital and receivables financing
Maximum Support: Financing up to 90% of export contract value
Key Eligibility Criteria: Active exporter with established export track record; minimum performance requirements
5. Digital Transformation for Enterprises (DTDi)
DTDi supports businesses in their digital journey, covering everything from e-commerce platform development to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation. This grant recognizes the critical importance of digital capability in today's business environment.
Purpose: Digital business transformation initiatives
Maximum Support: Up to 70% of project costs
Key Eligibility Criteria: Formal digital transformation roadmap; minimum company requirements vary
6. Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS)
EIS targets businesses with innovative products, services, or business models. This grant supports R&D activities, prototyping, and commercialization of innovations, making it ideal for tech-forward companies and startups with growth potential.
Purpose: Innovation development and commercialization
Maximum Support: Up to 70% of eligible R&D costs
Key Eligibility Criteria: Demonstrated innovation potential; R&D capability requirements
Grant Comparison Table
| Grant Name | Primary Focus | Maximum Support | Grant Cap | Processing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRA | International expansion | 70% | S$5,000 | 4-6 weeks |
| EDG | Capability development | 70% | S$300,000-500,000 | 8-12 weeks |
| PSG | Productivity solutions | 70% | S$20,000 annually | 2-4 weeks |
| EFS | Export financing | 90% financing | Contract-dependent | 1-2 weeks |
| DTDi | Digital transformation | 70% | Varies | 6-10 weeks |
| EIS | Innovation | 70% | Varies | 8-12 weeks |
How to Choose the Right Grant
Are you expanding internationally? Start with MRA. This grant specifically addresses overseas market entry costs and is the fastest to process among major grants.
Do you need to improve operations or implement major systems? EDG is your best option. It supports larger-scale capability building projects with generous grant caps for eligible companies.
Looking for quick, accessible productivity improvements? PSG offers the fastest approval timeline and lowest entry barriers, making it ideal for quick wins and cost-effective solutions.
Struggling with export cash flow? EFS provides the solution through government-backed export financing, ensuring your international sales don't strain your working capital.
Pursuing innovation or R&D? EIS supports your innovation journey from concept through commercialization, with particularly high support levels for R&D activities.
Can You Apply for Multiple Grants?
Yes, most SMEs can apply for multiple grants simultaneously, as long as the funding is for different project scopes or business initiatives. For example, you might apply for MRA for your market expansion project while pursuing EDG for internal process improvements. However, you cannot use the same project or expense to claim support from multiple grants.
Budget 2026 Updates
Singapore's 2026 Budget has reinforced the government's commitment to SME support. Enhanced funding allocations have been made to PSG and EDG, with streamlined application processes to reduce administrative burden. New emphasis has been placed on digital transformation and sustainability initiatives, with additional support mechanisms emerging for green business practices.
Getting Started
The first step is to assess your business needs and current situation. Answer these key questions: What is your primary business goal right now? Are you focused on growth, efficiency, innovation, or international expansion? What budget constraints and support levels do you need? Once you have clarity, you can match your situation to the appropriate grant.
We recommend checking your eligibility across multiple grants before applying. Many SMEs find that combining grants creates the maximum growth impact. For personalized guidance on which grants suit your business best and how to strengthen your applications, our grant consultants can help.
Next Steps
Explore the detailed pages for each grant to understand specific requirements and application processes. Visit our eligibility checker to quickly determine which grants your business qualifies for, or contact our team via WhatsApp for personalized advice on your specific situation.
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