What is the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)?
EDG supports qualifying projects that help local SMEs upgrade, innovate, grow, and transform. It can cover capability upgrading, automation, product or process innovation, and overseas growth. Apply before work begins, a contract is signed, or payment is made to a third party included in the application.
The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) is Singapore’s flagship business transformation grant administered by Enterprise Singapore. It co-funds projects that help local companies upgrade capabilities, innovate products and processes, or expand into overseas markets.
Unlike PSG, which covers pre-approved software, EDG supports individual project proposals. Enterprise Singapore assesses applications on project scope, expected outcomes, and the service provider’s competency.
Which EDG route should you use?
- Core capabilities: choose this for strategy, financial management, branding, human resources, or other business capability projects.
- Innovation and productivity: choose this for process redesign, automation, technology adoption, or operational improvement.
- Market access: choose this for overseas market research, business development, or international expansion.
- Need a consultant? Use the certified EDG consultant guide to check TR 43/SS 680 requirements and shortlist a provider before requesting a proposal.
Start with the project outcome, not the vendor. Define the problem, expected measurable result, scope, timeline, and budget before submitting through BGP.
EDG is not EDGE. EDG is the current Enterprise Development Grant. EDGE is the announced future unified scheme; it is not open yet, and EDG remains accessible until EDGE launches. See the EDGE Grant page for its current status and EDGE vs PSG, EDG and MRA for transition questions.
AI Development Path (Budget 2026): Use EDG for custom AI transformation projects (implementation, integration, process redesign). For EIS AI tax treatment and Budget 2026 policy updates, see AI Grants for SMEs and Budget 2026 AI & Innovation Grants Overview.
EDG covers three strategic pillars:
- Core Capabilities — business strategy, HR, financial management
- Innovation & Productivity — automation, process redesign, product development
- Market Access — overseas expansion, standards adoption, pilot projects
Who Should Apply for EDG?
The Enterprise Development Grant is designed for Singapore businesses ready to invest in meaningful transformation:
- Growing SMEs looking to upgrade business processes, systems, or workforce capabilities
- Exporters planning to expand into new overseas markets with strategic market entry
- Innovators seeking to develop new products, services, or intellectual property
- Sustainability leaders pursuing green initiatives
Current published support: Enterprise Singapore’s programme page states up to 50% support for local SMEs. Check the Business Grants Portal and the official programme page before relying on a support rate for a specific proposal.
Enterprise Development Grant Funding Levels
| Company Type | Funding Support |
|---|---|
| Local SMEs | Up to 50% of eligible qualifying costs |
| Sustainability-related projects | Up to 70%, subject to Enterprise Singapore’s current conditions |
Enterprise Singapore’s current programme page does not publish a general EDG funding cap. Do not assume a cap or award amount: support is assessed against the proposed project, outcomes, and qualifying costs.
Funding Calculation Example
Here is a worked example for a typical EDG Innovation & Productivity project:
| Cost Component | Quoted Cost | EDG Covers (50%) | Your Co-Pay (50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management consultancy (TR 43 certified) | S$80,000 | S$40,000 | S$40,000 |
| Software & automation system | S$120,000 | S$60,000 | S$60,000 |
| Internal manpower (project team) | S$50,000 | S$25,000 | S$25,000 |
| Total | S$250,000 | S$125,000 | S$125,000 |
In this example, a local SME invests S$250,000 in an automation project. At 50% support, EDG covers S$125,000. The company pays costs first, then submits a claim after completing the relevant deliverables. Enterprise Singapore reimburses the approved portion after verifying deliverables and expenses.
Key point: EDG is a reimbursement grant — you pay costs first, then claim back the supported portion upon milestone completion.
Enterprise Development Grant Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Enterprise Development Grant, your company must meet ALL of these requirements:
1. Singapore Registration
Your business must be a registered entity operating in Singapore. This includes companies (Pte Ltd), sole proprietorships, and partnerships registered with ACRA.
2. Local Shareholding (30% Minimum)
At least 30% of equity must be held directly or indirectly by Singaporeans and/or Singapore Permanent Residents. For companies with corporate shareholders, the local shareholding requirement traces through to the ultimate beneficial owners.
3. Financial Readiness
Your company must demonstrate financial capacity to:
- Start and complete the proposed project
- Co-fund the portion not covered by EDG
- Sustain operations throughout the project period
4. Commitment to Project Outcomes
You must commit to achieving measurable outcomes such as:
- Revenue growth or new market entry
- Productivity improvements or cost savings
- Job creation or workforce capability upgrading
- Sustainability impact
Who Cannot Apply for EDG
Your application will be rejected if:
- Less than 30% local shareholding — foreign-majority companies do not qualify
- Project already started — any work commenced, contracts signed, or payments made before approval
- Non-business entities — charities, societies, government agencies, and non-profits
- Unable to demonstrate financial viability — insufficient funds or poor financial standing
What Does the Enterprise Development Grant Cover?
EDG covers three types of project costs that other grants typically exclude:
| Cost Type | What’s Covered | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party consultancy | Fees for certified consultants | Strategy consultants, business advisors |
| Software & equipment | Technology for the project | Automation systems, specialized software |
| Internal manpower | Staff time on project | Unique to EDG — not covered by PSG or MRA |
For a complete list of required documents, see our EDG Documents Checklist.
What’s NOT Covered by EDG
- Standalone IP registration (without broader strategy)
- Marketing campaign execution (only strategy is covered)
- Regulatory compliance costs
- Basic equipment (laptops, phones, office furniture)
- First product development for startups
- Basic certifications (ISO 9001, etc.)
Three EDG Project Categories Explained
The Enterprise Development Grant supports projects across three strategic pillars. Learn more in our EDG Three Categories Explained guide.
1. Core Capabilities
Strengthen your business foundations:
- Business Strategy Development — corporate planning, growth strategy, restructuring
- Financial Management — budgeting systems, cost management, financial controls
- Human Capital Development — talent management, leadership development, HR systems
- Service Excellence — customer experience, service delivery improvements
- Strategic Brand & Marketing — brand strategy, market positioning (not campaign execution)
2. Innovation & Productivity
Transform through technology and process improvement:
- Automation — may qualify for 100% Investment Allowance, capped at S$10M
- Process Redesign — workflow optimization, lean operations
- Product Development — R&D, prototyping, testing (not first product for startups)
- Sustainability Initiatives — green technology, carbon reduction
3. Market Access
Expand into overseas markets:
- Market Entry Strategy — market research, entry planning, partner identification
- Pilot Projects & Test Bedding — overseas trials, proof of concept
- Standards Adoption — international certifications, sustainability standards
- Business Development — overseas partnerships, distribution networks
For overseas market expansion, also consider MRA (Market Readiness Assistance) which offers faster approval for market-specific activities.
EDG Consultant Requirements
For projects involving management consultancy, your consultant must have Singapore Accreditation Council-accredited certification:
- TR 43 certification, OR
- SS 680 certification
Where to verify certified consultants:
- Institute of Management Consultants (Singapore)
- Singapore Business Advisors and Consultants Council Ltd
- TUV SUD PSB
Certification NOT required for: Market researchers, auditors, equipment installers, software developers, legal advisors, and technical specialists.
See our EDG Grant Explained guide for more details on consultant requirements.
For a comprehensive guide on finding and evaluating certified consultants, see How to Find a Certified EDG Consultant.
Enterprise Development Grant Application Process
Step 1: Identify Your Project Category
Choose from Core Capabilities, Innovation & Productivity, or Market Access. Your project scope must align with EDG objectives.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
You’ll need:
- ACRA Business Profile (dated within 6 months)
- Latest audited financial statements or management accounts
- Detailed project proposal with scope, timeline, and outcomes
- Itemized quotations from vendors/consultants
- Financial projections (3 years post-project)
- Consultant certifications (if applicable)
For a complete checklist, see EDG Documents Checklist.
Step 3: Submit via Business Grants Portal (BGP)
- Log in with Corppass
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all supporting documents
- Submit for assessment
Step 4: Assessment & Clarifications
Enterprise Singapore will review your application based on:
- Project scope and alignment with EDG objectives
- Expected outcomes and business impact
- Service provider competency and track record
- Financial projections and viability
Processing time: 8-12 weeks for straightforward applications. Complex projects may take longer.
Step 5: Accept Letter of Offer & Implement
Once approved:
- Accept the Letter of Offer within the validity period
- Commence your project (only after acceptance)
- Implement according to approved scope and timeline
- Submit claims upon milestone completion
For step-by-step guidance, see our EDG Quick Start Checklist.
Application Timeline (Realistic)
Most applicants underestimate the end-to-end timeline. Here is what to expect realistically:
| Stage | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | 4–8 weeks | Define project scope, engage certified consultant (if needed), collect quotations, prepare financial projections |
| Submission | Day 0 | Submit via Business Grants Portal (BGP) with all required documents |
| ESG Review | 8–12 weeks | Enterprise Singapore reviews application; may request clarifications or additional information |
| Approval | — | Receive Letter of Offer (LOO); only now can the project begin |
| Project Execution | 6–18 months | Implement project according to approved scope, timeline, and milestones |
| Milestone Claims | Per milestone | Submit claims with invoices, proof of payment, and deliverables at each milestone |
| Reimbursement | 4–8 weeks per claim | Enterprise Singapore disburses the approved grant amount after verifying each claim |
Tip: EDG applications are more complex than PSG or MRA. Budget 4–8 weeks for preparation alone, especially if you need to source a certified consultant.
Common EDG Rejection Reasons
Avoid these mistakes that lead to Enterprise Development Grant rejections:
- Retrospective applications: Never start your project before receiving the Letter of Offer. Any work commenced, contracts signed, or payments made before approval will disqualify your application.
- Unqualified consultants: For management consultancy projects, your consultant must hold TR 43 or SS 680 certification. Technical specialists are exempt.
- Incomplete project scope: Clearly define deliverables, milestones, and measurable outcomes. Vague proposals get rejected.
- Missing documentation: Prepare all required supporting documents before submission. Incomplete applications cause delays.
- Unrealistic timelines: Set achievable milestones that align with your business capacity and resource availability.
- Poor financial viability: Companies showing financial distress or inability to co-fund will be rejected.
For more pitfalls to avoid, see our Grant Pitfalls Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Enterprise Development Grant funding can I receive?
Enterprise Singapore currently states that local SMEs may receive up to 50% support for eligible qualifying costs. Sustainability-related projects may receive up to 70% under current conditions. The programme page does not publish a general funding cap, so confirm the support for your proposal before committing.
What costs are covered under EDG?
The Enterprise Development Grant covers:
- Third-party consultancy fees (certified consultants required)
- Software and equipment for direct project use
- Internal manpower costs (unique to EDG)
- Certification and IP-related expenses
What’s the Enterprise Development Grant approval timeline?
Typical processing time is 8-12 weeks from submission of a complete application. Complex projects or those requiring clarifications may take longer.
Can I start my project before EDG approval?
No. Your project must NOT have started before approval. This means no contracts signed, no work commenced, and no payments made. Starting early automatically disqualifies your application.
How do I apply for the Enterprise Development Grant?
Apply through the Business Grants Portal (BGP). You’ll need Corppass access and supporting documents including project proposal, quotations, and company financials. See our EDG Quick Start Checklist for step-by-step guidance.
What’s the difference between EDG and PSG?
The Enterprise Development Grant supports individual transformation proposals and typically takes 8–12 weeks for a complete application. PSG covers pre-approved solutions. Choose based on the project’s scope and the current official conditions, then see our PSG vs EDG comparison for help deciding.
Do I need a consultant for EDG?
For projects involving management consultancy costs, your consultant must hold TR 43 or SS 680 certification. Technical specialists (equipment installers, software developers, market researchers) are exempt from this requirement.
Check Your Eligibility
Unsure if EDG is right for you? Take our quick 2-minute eligibility assessment to get personalized guidance based on your transformation goals.
Check EDG Eligibility — Interactive assessment with email-gated results
Related Enterprise Development Grant Guides
Understanding EDG
- EDG Grant Explained — comprehensive breakdown of eligibility, funding, and project categories
- EDG Three Categories Explained — deep dive into Core Capabilities, Innovation & Productivity, and Market Access
Application Resources
- EDG Quick Start Checklist — step-by-step application guide from start to submission
- EDG Documents Checklist — complete list of required supporting documentation
- Grant Pitfalls Guide — common mistakes that get applications rejected
- Singapore Grants Glossary — key terms and definitions
Grant Comparisons
- PSG vs EDG vs ADS — comprehensive 3-way comparison to help you pick the right grant
- PSG vs EDG Decision Matrix — quick guide if you’re choosing between PSG and EDG
- EDG vs MRA — comparison for overseas market expansion projects
- Corppass Setup Guide — how to set up BGP access
EDGE transition update
EDGE is planned for 2H 2026. Enterprise Singapore says EDG, PSG, and MRA remain accessible until EDGE launches. See the EDGE Grant page for the announced programme status and EDGE vs PSG, EDG and MRA for the transition questions.
Related Schemes
References
Official Resources
- Enterprise Development Grant - Enterprise Singapore - Official grant page with current funding information
- EDG Detailed Guide (PDF) - Detailed guide on eligible activities
- Business Grants Portal - Apply for grants and track applications
- Corppass - Sign up for Corppass to access Business Grants Portal