The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant by Enterprise Singapore funds up to 70% of eligible costs (capped at S$100,000 per market) for Singapore SMEs expanding into new overseas markets.
MRA Grant Quick Answer
The MRA grant supports Singapore SMEs entering overseas markets. Use it for overseas market promotion, business development, and market setup costs. For the same expansion plan, compare DTDi if you want a tax deduction instead of reimbursement, and compare EDG if the project is broader business transformation.
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. See MRA Budget 2026 Changes Explained for full details.
What is MRA?
MRA is a grant by Enterprise Singapore that covers up to 70% of eligible costs for SMEs (Budget 2026) for overseas market expansion—capped at S$100,000 per company per new market.
Agency: Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG)
Key benefit: Defray costs of overseas market promotion, business development, and market set-up.
What Makes MRA Different
| Feature | MRA | EDG | PSG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | 8-12 weeks | 8-12 weeks | 6 weeks |
| Audit | Required | Required | Not required |
| Funding Cap | S$100,000/market | None | S$30,000 |
| Size Limits | S$100M turnover or 200 employees | None | S$100M turnover or 200 employees |
| Focus | Overseas expansion | Business transformation | Productivity solutions |
| Project Duration | Max 12 months | No limit | No limit |
| Internal Manpower | Not covered | Covered | Not covered |
MRA 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
- Group turnover ≤ S$100M OR ≤ 200 employeesNot completed
- Target market sales ≤ S$100K in any of the past 3 yearsNot completed
- Project has NOT started (no contracts signed, no payments made)Not completed
To qualify for MRA, 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), determined by ultimate individual ownership.
3. SME Size Limit
Either:
- Group annual sales turnover ≤ S$100 million, OR
- Group employment size ≤ 200 employees
4. New to Target Market
Your company’s annual sales in the target market must not have exceeded S$100,000 in any of the preceding three years.
Funding Structure
MRA support is organized into three pillars:
| Pillar | Cap | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas Market Promotion | S$20,000 | Trade fairs, PR campaigns, marketing |
| Overseas Business Development | S$50,000 | Partner identification, distributors |
| Overseas Market Set-up | S$30,000 | Employee deployment, legal setup |
Support level: Up to 70% of eligible costs for SMEs (Budget 2026)
Total cap: S$100,000 per company per new market
Worked Example
Scenario: Your consumer electronics company wants to enter the Vietnam market via a trade exhibition and local distributor search.
| Item | Pillar | Cost | MRA Funding (70%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade fair booth rental + setup | Market Promotion | S$15,000 | S$10,500 |
| PR campaign for Vietnam launch | Market Promotion | S$8,000 | S$5,600 |
| Distributor identification service | Business Development | S$25,000 | S$17,500 |
| Market research report | Business Development | S$12,000 | S$8,400 |
| Legal setup for Vietnam entity | Market Set-up | S$18,000 | S$12,600 |
| Total | S$78,000 | S$54,600 |
Pillar breakdown:
- Market Promotion: S$23,000 × 70% = S$16,100 (within S$20,000 pillar cap) → MRA pays S$16,100
- Business Development: S$37,000 × 70% = S$25,900 (within S$50,000 pillar cap) → MRA pays S$25,900
- Market Set-up: S$18,000 × 70% = S$12,600 (within S$30,000 pillar cap) → MRA pays S$12,600
- Total MRA support: S$54,600 out of S$78,000 total project cost
- Your co-payment: S$23,400
Funding Scenarios
| Total Project Cost | MRA Funding (70%) | Your Co-Payment | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S$20,000 | S$14,000 | S$6,000 | Single trade fair + marketing |
| S$50,000 | S$35,000 | S$15,000 | Trade fair + distributor search |
| S$80,000 | S$56,000 | S$24,000 | Full market entry (all 3 pillars) |
| S$100,000 | S$70,000 | S$30,000 | Comprehensive entry with market setup |
| S$143,000 | S$100,000 (cap) | S$43,000 | Maximum MRA benefit |
Note: Individual pillar caps apply. Your actual MRA funding depends on how costs are distributed across the three pillars.
Application Process Overview
Step 1: Identify Your Target Market
Confirm your sales in that market haven’t exceeded S$100,000 in any of the past 3 years.
Step 2: Choose Your Activity and Vendor
- Select from supportable activities (promotion, business development, or setup)
- Identify a suitable vendor (except for Overseas Marketing Presence projects)
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Gather financial statements, vendor quotations, and ownership documents.
Step 4: Apply on Business Grants Portal (BGP)
- Log in with Corppass
- Complete application form
- Upload all documents
- Submit
Step 5: Receive Letter of Offer
If approved, review conditions, grant amount, and project timeline.
Step 6: Complete Your Project
Execute within the 12-month limit. Submit change requests via BGP if needed.
Step 7: Engage an Auditor
All MRA claims require audit by EnterpriseSG’s Pre-Qualified Panel. Audit costs (from S$200) are supported up to 70% for SMEs (Budget 2026), capped at S$500.
Step 8: Submit Claims
Upload audit report, Statement of Claim, and proof of deliverables.
Step 9: Receive Disbursement
After verification, funds are disbursed via PayNow Corporate (14 working days) or GIRO (up to 8 weeks).
Critical Rules
Before applying:
- Project must NOT have started
- No contracts signed with vendor
- No payments made
- Application within 6 months of project start
Application limits:
- One activity per application
- Single overseas market per application
- Project duration ≤ 12 months
No group applications: Each company must apply separately. Sister companies cannot submit joint applications.
Processing Timeline
- Application review: 8-12 weeks
- Project completion: Within 12 months
- Claims disbursement: 14 working days (PayNow) to 8 weeks (GIRO)
Is MRA Right for You?
Answer these questions to determine if MRA fits your needs:
Your situation:
- Are you expanding into a new overseas market (sales ≤ S$100K in past 3 years)? → MRA is ideal
- Do you need funding for trade fairs, business development, or market setup? → MRA covers all three
- Is your project budget under S$143,000 (to get S$100K support at 70% for SMEs)? → MRA works
- Can you complete the project within 12 months? → MRA requires this timeline
MRA may NOT be right if:
- You’ve already exceeded S$100K sales in the target market → That market is no longer “new”
- You need funding for domestic transformation → Consider EDG or PSG
- Your project exceeds 12 months → Consider EDG (no duration limit)
- You want to avoid post-project audits → Consider PSG (no audit required)
MRA vs Other Grants
Quick Decision
Are you expanding into a new overseas market, or focusing on domestic transformation?
MRA for ESG and Sustainable Market Entry
Singapore companies pursuing green or sustainable business models can leverage MRA to enter overseas markets with ESG-aligned products and services. Here’s how MRA supports sustainability-focused expansion:
Eligible ESG Activities Under MRA
Overseas Market Promotion (Pillar 1):
- Exhibiting at green trade fairs and sustainability expos
- Marketing campaigns for eco-certified products
- PR activities highlighting ESG credentials to overseas buyers
Overseas Business Development (Pillar 2):
- Identifying distributors for sustainable products
- Market research on green consumer demand in target markets
- Business matching with ESG-focused overseas partners
Overseas Market Set-up (Pillar 3):
- Setting up local presence to serve green markets
- Legal fees for sustainability compliance in new markets
- Employee deployment to manage eco-product distribution
Why ESG Market Entry Matters
Many overseas markets—particularly the EU, Australia, and Japan—have increasing ESG procurement requirements. MRA helps Singapore SMEs:
- Meet green procurement standards for overseas tenders
- Position products in sustainability-conscious markets
- Build credibility with ESG certifications recognized internationally
Tip: When applying, clearly articulate the sustainability angle of your market entry in your project proposal. This strengthens your application narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MRA stand for?
MRA stands for Market Readiness Assistance. It’s a grant administered by Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) to help Singapore-based SMEs expand into new overseas markets.
How much funding can I get from MRA?
MRA provides up to 70% co-funding of eligible costs for SMEs (Budget 2026), capped at S$100,000 per company per new market. This is split across three pillars: Overseas Market Promotion (S$20K), Overseas Business Development (S$50K), and Overseas Market Set-up (S$30K).
Can I apply for MRA if I already have sales in the target market?
You may still qualify if your annual sales in that market have not exceeded S$100,000 in any of the preceding three years. If you’ve exceeded this threshold, that market is no longer considered “new” for MRA purposes.
What’s the difference between MRA and EDG?
MRA specifically supports overseas market expansion with a S$100K cap per market. EDG (Enterprise Development Grant) covers broader business capabilities including innovation, productivity, and internationalisation, with higher funding caps. For market entry, MRA is often faster to apply and simpler to claim.
How long does MRA approval take?
Application processing typically takes 8-12 weeks from submission. Your project duration is limited to 12 months after approval.
Can I start my project before MRA approval?
No. You must not start your project, sign vendor contracts, or make any payments before receiving your Letter of Offer. Starting early will disqualify your application.
Does MRA support ESG or sustainability initiatives?
Yes. MRA supports overseas expansion for all types of products and services, including green and sustainable offerings. You can use MRA for exhibiting at sustainability trade fairs, marketing eco-certified products overseas, and setting up distribution for sustainable goods in new markets.
How do I claim MRA reimbursement?
After completing your project, engage an auditor from EnterpriseSG’s Pre-Qualified Panel to audit your claims. Submit the audit report, Statement of Claim, and proof of deliverables via the Business Grants Portal (BGP). Disbursement takes 14 working days via PayNow Corporate or up to 8 weeks via GIRO.
Related Guides
-
Grant Pitfalls Guide — common mistakes to avoid
-
Singapore Grants Glossary — key terms and definitions
-
PayNow vs GIRO: How to Choose? — choose payout method for MRA claims disbursement
-
Corppass Setup Guide — how to set up BGP access
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