EDG organizes projects into three categories. Choosing the right one determines what activities are covered.
The Three Categories at a Glance
| Category | Purpose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Core Capabilities | Strengthen foundations | Strategy, HR, finance, branding |
| Innovation & Productivity | Transform operations | Automation, process redesign, R&D |
| Market Access | Enter new markets | Pilots, standards certification |
Category 1: Core Capabilities
Purpose: Prepare for growth by strengthening your business foundations.
Business Strategy Development
Accepted:
- Diagnosis and gap analysis
- Internal/external assessment (strengths, weaknesses, competition)
- Strategic roadmap development
- Sustainability strategy projects
Not covered:
- Standalone IP registration
- Standalone reports/assurance
- Standalone sustainability unit setup
Financial Management
Accepted:
- Financial process optimization
- Risk management development
- International tax structuring
Not covered:
- Regulatory compliance (accounting, tax filing)
- Legal document drafting
- ICT solutions procurement
Human Capital Development
Accepted:
- HR strategy and policies
- Job redesign
- Talent management
- Succession planning
Areas covered: Compensation, engagement, recruitment, learning, performance management, organization culture.
Not covered:
- Standalone training courses
- Employee incentives and benefits
Service Excellence
Accepted:
- Customer diagnostics
- Service innovation
- Customer research and analytics
Not covered:
- Mystery shopper incentives
Strategic Brand & Marketing Development
Accepted:
- Brand strategy development
- Brand valuation
- Marketing resource optimization
Not covered:
- Marketing collateral production (brochures, videos, websites)
- Campaign implementation (ads, influencers, SEO/SEM)
Category 2: Innovation & Productivity
Purpose: Transform through technology and process improvement.
Automation
Accepted:
- Sophisticated hardware/software solutions
- System integration
- Staff training for new solutions
- Resource optimization projects
Special benefit: Eligible for 100% Investment Allowance (IA) - capped at S$10M per project.
Not covered:
- Business setup costs
- Basic equipment (copiers, laptops, phones)
- PSG-supported equipment
- Simple replacements without efficiency gains
- Off-the-shelf appliances
Process Redesign
Accepted:
- Workflow review and streamlining
- Technology exploration for automation
- Performance measurement development
- Detailed improvement roadmaps
- Resource consumption analysis
Product Development
Accepted:
- Market viability assessment
- Product roadmap development
- Market validation
- Commercialization planning
- IP strategy review
- Prototype development
Not covered:
- First product development (must be subsequent products)
- Low-innovation projects
Category 3: Market Access
Purpose: Expand into new markets and increase competitiveness.
Pilot Project and Test Bedding
Accepted:
- Product/solution viability demonstration
- Track record building for new markets
Requirement: Product must be new and not generating revenue at application.
Standards Adoption
Accepted:
- Assessment and training for standards
- First-time certification
- Sustainability standards adoption
Not covered:
- Annual surveillance or recertification
- Standards required by local regulations
- Testing of existing products
- Basic standards (ISO 9001, SS 506, SS 444, ISO 45001)
Choosing Your Category
Scenario 1: “We need to improve our HR practices”
→ Core Capabilities: Human Capital Development
Scenario 2: “We want to automate our warehouse”
→ Innovation & Productivity: Automation Bonus: May qualify for 100% Investment Allowance.
Scenario 3: “We’re entering the US market”
→ Market Access: Pilot Project and Test Bedding Or consider MRA if focus is promotion/business development.
Scenario 4: “We need ISO certification”
→ Market Access: Standards Adoption Only if it’s first-time certification and not a basic standard.
Sustainability Boost
For sustainability-related projects across all categories:
- 70% support (vs standard 50%)
- Valid: 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2026
Related Guides
-
Grant Pitfalls Guide — common mistakes to avoid
-
Singapore Grants Glossary — key terms and definitions
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