What is the Market Readiness Assistance Grant?
The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) grant is Singapore’s primary government grant supporting overseas expansion for SMEs. Administered by Enterprise Singapore, it provides up to 70% funding support (Budget 2026), capped at S$100,000 per new market, for market entry activities including marketing, business development, and setting up overseas operations. It is one of the most widely used internationalisation grants in Singapore.
Budget 2026 Update: MRA support increased from 50% to 70% for SMEs (1 Apr 2026 – 31 Mar 2029). The “new market” requirement will be removed in 2H 2026, allowing applications for any overseas market. See Budget 2026 MRA Changes Explained for details.
MRA and EDGE are different. MRA is the current route for eligible overseas-expansion activities. EDGE is the announced future unified scheme and is not open yet. See the EDGE Grant page for its status and EDGE vs PSG, EDG and MRA for the transition comparison.
Who is MRA for?
- SMEs planning to enter new overseas markets
- Companies seeking to establish overseas business presence
- Businesses looking for market research and business matching services
- Firms needing support for overseas marketing activities
Funding Support Level
- Up to 70% support for qualifying costs (increased from 50% under Budget 2026)
- Cap of S$100,000 per market
- Sub-caps by activity type: Overseas Market Promotion (S$20,000), Overseas Business Development (S$50,000), Overseas Market Set-up (S$30,000)
Funding Calculation Example
Here is a worked example showing how MRA reimbursement works across all three pillars:
| Activity Pillar | Vendor Cost | MRA Covers (70%) | Your Co-Pay (30%) | Sub-Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Promotion (OMP) | S$25,000 | S$17,500 → capped at S$20,000 | S$5,000 | S$20,000 |
| Business Development (OBD) | S$60,000 | S$42,000 | S$18,000 | S$50,000 |
| Market Set-up | S$40,000 | S$28,000 → capped at S$30,000 | S$10,000 | S$30,000 |
| Total | S$125,000 | S$90,000 | S$35,000 | S$100,000 |
In this example, the company spends S$125,000 in total vendor costs. MRA would cover 70% = S$87,500, but the per-pillar sub-caps and overall S$100,000 cap apply. The company pays the remainder upfront, completes the activities, submits claims with invoices, and receives reimbursement after Enterprise Singapore verifies the claims.
Key point: MRA is a reimbursement grant — you pay vendors first, then claim back the supported portion after project completion.
Eligibility
To be eligible for MRA, your company must meet all of the following criteria:
- Registered and operating in Singapore
- At least 30% local shareholding
- Either:
- Annual sales turnover of at least S$100,000, OR
- Received at least S$50,000 in third-party investment
- Target market must be a genuinely new market with minimal existing presence
Not Eligible
Applications from the following entities will be rejected:
- Companies with less than 30% local shareholding
- Businesses already having substantial operations in the target market
- Projects that have already commenced before approval
- Activities targeting markets where company has existing revenue streams
What MRA Covers vs Does NOT Cover
| Covered | Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Overseas marketing consultants and agencies | Internal staff salaries and overheads |
| Trade fair booth rental and participation fees | Existing overseas operations or office rent renewals |
| Market research by third-party vendors | Retrospective costs (incurred before Letter of Offer) |
| Business matching and partnership development | General operating expenses (utilities, admin) |
| Overseas hiring and recruitment fees | Travel costs for leisure or non-project purposes |
| Product localisation and adaptation | Activities already funded by another government grant |
| Legal and regulatory compliance setup | Purchase of fixed assets (machinery, equipment) |
| IP registration in target market | Costs from related-party vendors |
Supported Cost Items
MRA supports various market entry activities:
Market Entry/Set-Up
Up to 70% support for SMEs
Setting up business presence in new markets:
- Market research and feasibility studies
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Business registration and licensing
- Initial office/showroom setup costs
Business Development
Up to 70% support for SMEs
Building business relationships and partnerships:
- Business matching services
- Trade fairs and exhibitions participation
- Business mission trips
- Partnership development activities
Marketing & Promotion
Up to 70% support for SMEs
Promoting products/services in new markets:
- Marketing campaigns and collaterals
- Digital marketing for overseas audiences
- Product localization and adaptation
- Brand development for new markets
Vendor Rules
- Third-party service providers must be independent
- Quotes should be itemized and tied to the new market activities
- Activities must be for a genuinely new market (minimal existing presence)
- Avoid overlapping claims with other government grants for the same activities
Required Documents
Typical documents requested include:
- ACRA Business Profile
- Latest financial statements
- Proof of eligibility (S$100k sales or S$50k third-party investment)
- Market entry plan or project proposal
- Itemized vendor quotations
- Supporting documents for activities (for example, trade fair brochure)
Application Timeline (Realistic)
Most applicants underestimate the end-to-end timeline. Here is what to expect realistically:
| Stage | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | 2–4 weeks | Identify target market, shortlist vendors, collect quotations, draft market entry plan |
| Submission | Day 0 | Submit via Business Grants Portal (BGP) with all required documents |
| ESG Review | 6–12 weeks | Enterprise Singapore reviews application; may request clarifications or additional documents |
| Approval | — | Receive Letter of Offer (LOO); only now can activities begin |
| Project Execution | 3–12 months | Carry out approved activities within the project duration stated in the LOO |
| Claim Submission | Within deadline | Submit claims with invoices, proof of payment, and deliverables |
| Reimbursement | 4–8 weeks after claim | Enterprise Singapore disburses the approved grant amount |
Tip: The review stage can stretch beyond 12 weeks if your application needs clarifications. Submit a clean, complete application to minimise back-and-forth.
Common Rejection Reasons
-
Existing market presence: MRA is only for genuinely new markets. If you already have sales revenue, a local distributor, or registered entity in the target market, Enterprise Singapore may view it as an existing market. Document clearly why this market is new to your business.
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Starting before approval: Never commence activities or make payments before receiving your Letter of Offer. Even signing a vendor contract before LOO can disqualify the claim. Wait for the official approval letter.
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Related party vendors: Third-party vendors must be independent — no common directors, shareholders, or related entities. Enterprise Singapore checks vendor relationships during assessment.
-
Unclear market entry strategy: ESG expects a credible market entry plan: who your target customers are, which sales channels you will use, projected costs by activity, and a realistic timeline. A vague “explore opportunities” proposal is likely to be rejected. See our grant pitfalls guide for more details.
-
Incomplete cost documentation: Every cost item must be supported by an itemized vendor quotation tied to specific deliverables. Lump-sum quotes without breakdowns are a common reason for partial or full rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much MRA funding will I receive?
MRA provides up to 70% funding support for SMEs (Budget 2026), capped at S$100,000 per market. The actual amount depends on your project scope and qualifying costs.
What qualifies as a “new market”?
A new market is a country or region where your company has minimal or no existing business presence. If you already have sales, distributors, or operations in that market, it may not qualify as “new.”
Budget 2026 update: The “new market” requirement will be removed in 2H 2026, allowing MRA applications for any overseas market including existing ones. Until then, the current “new market” rule still applies.
What’s the MRA approval timeline?
Typical processing time is 6–12 weeks from submission of a complete application. Applications requiring clarifications may take longer. See the realistic timeline above for the full end-to-end process.
Can I apply for multiple markets?
Yes, you can apply for MRA to enter multiple new markets. Each market has its own S$100,000 cap.
Can I start my overseas activities before approval?
No. Activities must not commence before receiving the Letter of Offer. Any costs incurred before approval are not claimable.
What are the three MRA activity types and which should I choose?
MRA has three pillars with different funding caps:
- Overseas Market Promotion (OMP): Up to S$20,000 - For marketing campaigns and trade fair participation
- Overseas Business Development (OBD): Up to S$50,000 - For business matching, partnerships, and market development staff
- Overseas Market Set-up: Up to S$30,000 - For legal setup, IP registration, and business establishment
Choose based on your primary need: promoting your brand (OMP), building relationships (OBD), or establishing a legal presence (Set-up).
Do I need to use an external consultant for MRA?
Not necessarily, but most companies do. MRA accepts proposals from internal teams or third-party consultants. If using an external consultant, they must provide detailed proposals with scope, deliverables, and costs. Enterprise Singapore has a list of accredited consultants that many companies use.
What happens if my MRA application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you can request feedback from Enterprise Singapore explaining the reason. Common rejection reasons include: insufficient business case, applicant doesn’t qualify as “new” to the market, or missing eligibility criteria. You can address the feedback and reapply, or seek advice from an Enterprise Singapore business advisor before reapplying.
Can startups apply for MRA?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria. Startups must have either S$100,000 in annual sales or S$50,000 in third-party investment (e.g., from angel investors or VCs). Very early-stage startups with no revenue and no external funding will not qualify. If you have raised a seed round of at least S$50K, you are eligible.
Can SaaS companies apply for MRA?
Yes. SaaS and digital product companies are eligible. Common claimable activities include: overseas digital marketing campaigns, localisation of software for a new market, trade fair participation, and hiring overseas business development consultants. The key requirement is the same — the target market must be genuinely new to your business.
Can companies already selling overseas apply?
It depends on which market. MRA requires each target market to be genuinely new. If you sell in 5 countries and want to enter a 6th where you have no presence, you can apply for that 6th market. You cannot apply for a market where you already have active sales or operations.
Budget 2026 update: This restriction is being removed in 2H 2026, after which MRA can be used for markets where you already have a presence.
When is reimbursement actually paid?
Reimbursement is paid 4–8 weeks after you submit a complete claim with supporting documents (invoices, proof of payment, deliverables). You must pay your vendors upfront and claim back afterwards. Enterprise Singapore does not provide advance funding.
When should I NOT use MRA?
MRA may not be the right fit if:
- You need funding for domestic operations (consider EDG instead)
- You want to upgrade internal capabilities like technology or processes (EDG is better suited)
- Your expansion requires large capital investment in fixed assets (MRA does not cover equipment or machinery)
- You are already well-established in the target market with significant revenue (until the 2H 2026 policy change)
- Your total project cost is under S$5,000 — the effort of applying may outweigh the grant benefit
How is MRA different from EDG?
Both are Enterprise Singapore grants, but:
- MRA = Overseas expansion only, up to S$100k per market, focused on market entry activities
- EDG = Domestic or overseas transformation, up to S$500k, focused on capability building and innovation
Use MRA if you’re entering new overseas markets. Use EDG if you’re upgrading capabilities domestically or pursuing innovation projects.
Can I claim both MRA and EDG for the same overseas expansion project?
No. You cannot claim both grants for the same project. You must choose one based on your primary objective: MRA for market entry costs, or EDG for transformation/capability building. Consult with Enterprise Singapore if unsure which fits your project.
Related Schemes
Looking for similar funding options? These schemes complement this grant or offer alternative pathways:
- MRA - Market Promotion
- MRA - Business Development
- MRA - Market Setup
- Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation
- Grant Pitfalls Guide — common mistakes to avoid
- Singapore Grants Glossary — key terms and definitions
Related Information
- Corppass Setup Guide — how to set up BGP access
References
Official Resources
- Market Readiness Assistance - Enterprise Singapore - Official grant page
- Business Grants Portal - Apply for grants and track applications
- Enterprise Singapore Global Network - Resources for overseas expansion
- Corppass - Sign up for Corppass to access Business Grants Portal