The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) by Enterprise Singapore supports eligible qualifying costs for business transformation projects by local SMEs. The current programme page states up to 50% support, with up to 70% for sustainability-related projects subject to current conditions.
EDG Grant Quick Answer
The EDG grant is the right fit when the project is broader than a PSG pre-approved solution: custom software, business transformation, overseas growth work, automation, or certified consultancy. Apply through the Business Grants Portal before starting.
EDG is not EDGE. EDG is the current Enterprise Development Grant. EDGE is the announced future unified scheme, is not open yet, and does not replace EDG today. See the EDGE Grant page for its announced status and EDGE vs PSG, EDG and MRA for transition questions.
What is EDG?
EDG is a grant by Enterprise Singapore that can cover up to 50% of eligible qualifying costs for local SME business transformation projects.
Agency: Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG)
Key benefit: Support for comprehensive transformation across strategy, operations, and market expansion.
What Makes EDG Different
| Feature | EDG | PSG | MRA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | 8-12 weeks | 6 weeks | 8-12 weeks |
| Audit | Required | Not required | Required |
| Funding Cap | None | S$30,000 | S$100,000/market |
| Size Limits | None | S$100M turnover or 200 employees | S$100M turnover or 200 employees |
| Focus | Business transformation | Productivity solutions | Overseas expansion |
| Internal Manpower | Covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Sustainability support | Up to 70%, subject to current conditions | N/A | N/A |
EDG Grant Eligibility Requirements
Quick eligibility check—you need ALL of these:
Eligibility Requirements
- Singapore-registered business entityNot completed
- At least 30% local ownership (Singaporean/PR)Not completed
- Financially ready to start and complete the projectNot completed
- Project has NOT started (no contracts signed, no payments made)Not completed
- Consultants must be certified (TR 43 or SS 680) for management consultancyNot completed
To qualify for EDG, your company must meet ALL of these criteria:
1. Singapore Registration
Business entity registered and operating in Singapore.
2. Local Ownership
At least 30% local equity held directly or indirectly by Singaporean(s) and/or Singapore PR(s).
3. Financial Readiness
Company is financially ready to start and complete the project.
No size restrictions: Unlike MRA and PSG, EDG has no turnover or employee limits.
Funding Structure
Support Levels
| Project Type | Support Level |
|---|---|
| Standard | Up to 50% |
| Sustainability-related | Up to 70% (until 31 March 2026) |
Eligible Costs
EDG covers three types of costs:
- Third-party consultancy fees
- Software and equipment
- Internal manpower cost (unique to EDG)
Confirm Support Before You Commit
The current Enterprise Singapore programme page does not publish a general EDG funding cap. Support is assessed against the project scope, outcomes, service provider competency, and qualifying costs. Confirm the support for your proposal through BGP before committing costs.
Worked Example
Scenario: Your manufacturing company wants to redesign its production workflow and implement automation (Innovation & Productivity category).
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Management consultancy (TR 43 certified) | S$80,000 |
| Automation software license | S$45,000 |
| Equipment (robotic arm + integration) | S$120,000 |
| Internal manpower (2 staff × 6 months) | S$55,000 |
| Total project cost | S$300,000 |
| EDG funding (50%) | S$150,000 |
| Your co-payment | S$150,000 |
Notes:
- All four cost types are eligible under EDG (consultancy, software, equipment, internal manpower)
- Internal manpower is unique to EDG — not covered by PSG or MRA
- Sustainability-related projects may receive up to 70% support under Enterprise Singapore’s current conditions; confirm this before applying.
Funding Scenarios
| Total Project Cost | Standard (50%) | Sustainability (up to 70%, if applicable) | Typical Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| S$50,000 | S$25,000 | S$35,000 | Business strategy consultancy |
| S$150,000 | S$75,000 | S$105,000 | Process redesign + software |
| S$300,000 | S$150,000 | S$210,000 | Automation + equipment |
| S$500,000 | S$250,000 | S$350,000 | Full digital transformation |
| S$1,000,000 | S$500,000 | S$700,000 | Large-scale enterprise transformation |
Note: These scenarios are illustrations, not an award estimate. Confirm the support for your proposal with Enterprise Singapore before committing costs.
Three Project Categories
1. Core Capabilities
Strengthen your business foundations.
Project types:
- Business Strategy Development
- Financial Management
- Human Capital Development
- Service Excellence
- Strategic Brand & Marketing Development
2. Innovation & Productivity
Transform through technology and process improvement.
Project types:
- Automation (may qualify for 100% Investment Allowance, capped at S$10M)
- Process Redesign
- Product Development
3. Market Access
Expand into new markets.
Project types:
- Pilot Project and Test Bedding
- Standards Adoption (including sustainability standards)
Application Process Overview
Step 1: Identify Project Category
Choose from Core Capabilities, Innovation & Productivity, or Market Access.
Step 2: Check Consultant Requirements
If using management consultants, verify they have TR 43 or SS 680 certification.
Step 3: Prepare Documents
- ACRA search (dated within 6 months)
- Audited financial statements
- Project proposal with scope, outcomes, timeline
- Quotations for project items
- Financial projections (revenue, profit, worker impact)
Step 4: Apply on Business Grants Portal (BGP)
- Log in with Corppass
- Complete application form
- Upload all documents
- Submit
Step 5: Wait for Assessment
Applications assessed on project scope, outcomes, and service provider competency.
Processing time: 8-12 weeks
Claims Process
EDG operates on a reimbursement basis.
Timeline
Claims must be submitted within 6 months of project qualifying period end.
Steps
- Complete project and achieve all deliverables
- Set up PayNow Corporate (preferred) or GIRO
- Appoint auditor from EnterpriseSG’s Pre-Qualified Panel
- Submit claims on BGP with:
- Project summary report
- Deliverables documentation
- Cost documentation (invoices, bank statements)
- Auditor issues Audit Report
- EnterpriseSG verifies and disburses
Disbursement Timeline
- PayNow Corporate: Within 14 working days
- GIRO: Up to 8 weeks
Critical Rules
Before Applying
- Project must NOT have started
- No contracts signed with vendors
- No payments made
- Consultants must be certified (for management consultancy)
What’s NOT Covered
- Standalone IP registration
- Standalone reports or assurance
- Marketing campaign execution (only strategy)
- Regulatory compliance costs
- Basic equipment (laptops, phones)
- First product development
- Basic standards (ISO 9001, etc.)
Is EDG Right for You?
Answer these questions to determine if EDG fits your needs:
Your situation:
- Do you need a custom transformation project (not a pre-approved solution)? → EDG is ideal
- Is your project budget over S$60,000 (to exceed PSG’s S$30K cap)? → EDG works
- Can you wait 8-12 weeks for approval? → EDG requires this timeline
- Do you need to cover internal manpower costs? → Only EDG supports this
- Are you pursuing sustainability-related transformation? → Check whether current conditions allow up to 70% support
EDG may NOT be right if:
- You need a standard IT solution → Consider PSG (faster, simpler)
- Your project is under S$60,000 → Consider PSG (6-week approval)
- You’re focused on overseas expansion only → Consider MRA (simpler for market entry)
- You want to avoid post-project audits → Consider PSG (no audit required)
EDG vs Other Grants
Quick Decision
Do you need a custom transformation project, or can you use a pre-approved solution?
EDG vs MRA: Key Differences
| Aspect | EDG | MRA |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Business transformation | Overseas market expansion |
| Funding cap | Confirm current support with Enterprise Singapore | S$100K per market |
| Size Limits | None | S$100M turnover or 200 employees |
| Project Duration | No limit | Max 12 months |
| Internal Manpower | Covered | Not covered |
| Sustainability support | Up to 70%, subject to current conditions | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum funding for EDG?
Enterprise Singapore currently states up to 50% support for eligible qualifying costs for local SMEs. Sustainability-related projects may receive up to 70% under current conditions. The programme page does not publish a general cap; confirm support for your proposal before committing.
How long does EDG approval take?
EDG applications typically take 8-12 weeks for approval. Complex projects or those requiring additional clarification 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 to any third party. Starting early automatically disqualifies your application.
Do I need a consultant for EDG?
Yes, for projects involving management consultancy costs. Consultants must hold Singapore Accreditation Council-accredited TR 43 or SS 680 certification. Technical specialists (e.g., equipment installation, software development) are exempt from this requirement.
What’s the difference between EDG and PSG?
EDG supports individual business transformation proposals and typically requires 8–12 weeks for assessment. PSG covers pre-approved solutions. Choose according to the project scope and current official conditions.
What are the three EDG categories?
EDG covers three project categories: (1) Core Capabilities—business strategy, HR, financial management, branding; (2) Innovation & Productivity—automation, process redesign, product development; (3) Market Access—overseas expansion, standards adoption, pilot projects.
Related Guides
-
How to Choose? PSG vs EDG vs ADS — comprehensive 3-way comparison to help you decide
-
Grant Pitfalls Guide — common mistakes to avoid
-
Singapore Grants Glossary — key terms and definitions
-
PayNow vs GIRO: How to Choose? — choose payout method for EDG claims disbursement
-
Corppass Setup Guide — how to set up BGP access
Need help with your application?
Check if you're eligible and get your document checklist in 30 minutes.
Check Eligibility