These mistakes seem small but will get your MRA application rejected before it’s even reviewed.
Budget 2026 Update: MRA support is now 70% for SMEs (from 1 April 2026) and the “new market” requirement will be removed (from 2H 2026). These changes do not affect the pitfalls listed below — they still apply. See MRA Budget 2026 Changes.
Pitfall 1: Retrospective Applications
The mistake: Starting the project, signing contracts, or making payments BEFORE submitting your application.
Why it fails: MRA only supports future projects. The moment you sign that vendor contract, you’ve disqualified yourself.
The fix: Submit application → Wait for approval → Then sign contracts.
Pitfall 2: Wrong Timing
The mistake: Submitting more than 6 months before your project starts.
Why it fails: Applications should be submitted within 6 months of project start date.
The fix: Plan backwards. If your project starts in July, apply no earlier than January.
Pitfall 3: Group Applications
The mistake: Listing multiple companies as applicants on one form.
Why it fails: Each company must submit separately. No group applications allowed.
The fix: One company = one application. Sister companies apply separately.
Pitfall 4: Multiple Activities Per Application
The mistake: Bundling trade fair + business development + market setup in one application.
Why it fails: Each application is limited to ONE activity in a SINGLE overseas market.
The fix: Three activities = three separate applications.
Pitfall 5: Project Duration Overrun
The mistake: Planning a 15-month project timeline.
Why it fails: Each project cannot exceed 12 months.
The fix: Scope your project to fit within 12 months. Break larger initiatives into phases.
Pre-Submission Checklist
Before clicking submit:
- Project hasn't startedNot completed
- No contracts signedNot completed
- No payments madeNot completed
- Within 6 months of start dateNot completed
- Single activity, single marketNot completed
- Project duration ≤ 12 monthsNot completed
Related Guides
-
Grant Pitfalls Guide — common mistakes to avoid
-
Singapore Grants Glossary — key terms and definitions
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