These mistakes seem small but will get your EDG application rejected before it’s reviewed.
Pitfall 1: Retrospective Applications
The mistake: Starting work, signing contracts, or making payments BEFORE submitting your application.
Why it fails: EDG only supports future projects. The moment you’ve commenced, you’re disqualified.
Project is considered “commenced” if any of these happened before application:
- You started work
- You made payment to a third-party
- You signed a contractual agreement
The fix: Submit application → Wait for approval → Then sign contracts and start work.
Pitfall 2: Standalone Costs
The mistake: Applying for isolated costs without a broader project context.
Why it fails: EDG supports transformation projects, not standalone purchases.
Not covered:
- Standalone IP registration costs
- Standalone reports or assurance
- Standalone hiring of Chief Sustainability Officer
- Basic equipment (copiers, laptops, tablets, phones)
- Equipment already supported under PSG
The fix: Frame your request as part of a comprehensive transformation project with clear outcomes.
Pitfall 3: Uncertified Consultants
The mistake: Engaging management consultants without TR 43 or SS 680 certification.
Why it fails: For management consultancy-related costs, consultants MUST be certified by Singapore Accreditation Council.
Where to find certified consultants:
- Institute of Management Consultants (Singapore)
- Singapore Business Advisors and Consultants Council Ltd
- TÜV SÜD PSB
Exceptions (certification NOT required for):
- Market researchers
- Auditors
- Fieldwork specialists
- Designers/artwork creators
- Equipment installers
- Technical advisors developing new technology
The fix: Verify consultant certification before engagement. Include scanned copies of certificates in your application.
Pitfall 4: Missing Projected Figures
The mistake: Submitting without financial projections.
Why it fails: EDG requires you to demonstrate expected business impact.
Required projections:
- Company revenue (3 years post-project)
- Staff remuneration
- Depreciation
- Net operating profit before tax (3 years)
- Impact on Singaporean/PR workers (wages, jobs, training)
The fix: Prepare realistic, defensible projections before applying.
Pitfall 5: Wrong Project Category
The mistake: Misaligning your project with EDG categories.
Why it fails: Each category has specific accepted and not-covered activities.
Example mistakes:
| You Want | You Applied Under | Why It Fails |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing campaign execution | Strategic Brand & Marketing | Only strategy development covered, not campaigns |
| Regulatory compliance | Financial Management | Compliance costs excluded |
| Standalone training | Human Capital Development | Standalone training not covered |
| First product development | Product Development | Only subsequent products eligible |
The fix: Read the accepted activities for your category carefully. Match your project scope to what’s actually covered.
Pre-Submission Checklist
Before clicking submit:
- Project hasn't startedNot completed
- No contracts signedNot completed
- No payments madeNot completed
- Consultant has TR 43/SS 680 (if applicable)Not completed
- All projected figures preparedNot completed
- Project fits accepted activities for categoryNot completed
- Not requesting standalone costsNot completed
Related Guides
-
Grant Pitfalls Guide — common mistakes to avoid
-
Singapore Grants Glossary — key terms and definitions
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