PSG, EDG, and MRA are the three grants most Singapore SMEs consider. The key gate: are you improving domestically or expanding overseas?
What are the key differences?
- PSG funds pre-approved IT solutions and equipment (catalogue-based, domestic only).
- EDG funds custom transformation projects — strategy, innovation, productivity, and market access.
- MRA funds overseas market entry activities — trade fairs, market setup, business development.
- Key gate: PSG and EDG are primarily domestic. MRA is specifically for overseas expansion into “new markets” (≤S$100K sales in 3 years).
Which grant should you choose?
| PSG | EDG | MRA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-approved IT solution (POS, CRM, accounting) | ✓ | — | — |
| Custom digital transformation | — | ✓ | — |
| Business strategy or process redesign | — | ✓ | — |
| Overseas trade fair or marketing campaign | — | — | ✓ |
| Overseas entity setup or trademark filing | — | — | ✓ |
| Overseas market research (large scope) | — | ✓ | — |
| Overseas BD consultant or staff posting | — | — | ✓ |
| Project exceeds S$30K (domestic) | — | ✓ | — |
Legend: ✓ = Use this grant | — = Not applicable
How do they compare at a glance?
| PSG | EDG | MRA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funding cap | S$30K/year | No cap | S$100K per new market |
| Support rate | Up to 50% | Up to 50% (70% sustainability) | Up to 70% |
| Processing time | 4-6 weeks | 8-12 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
| Focus | Domestic IT/equipment | Any transformation | Overseas expansion |
| Consultant required | No | Yes (for consultancy) | No |
| Company size limit | ≤S$100M or ≤200 staff | No limit | ≤S$100M or ≤200 staff |
How do you decide?
Step 1: Domestic improvement or overseas expansion?
Is your primary goal to upgrade operations in Singapore, or to enter/grow in an overseas market?
Step 2: Pick your domestic grant
PSG: Pre-approved solutions
- Accounting software from GoBusiness catalogue
- POS system for retail
- HR/payroll solution
- Cybersecurity package
EDG: Custom transformation
- Bespoke ERP or CRM build
- Business strategy consulting
- Productivity improvement project
- Innovation / R&D project
MRA: Overseas market entry
- Trade fair booth rental
- Overseas entity incorporation
- In-market BD consultant
- Trademark registration overseas
What are common scenarios?
- “I need a POS system for my restaurant” → PSG (pre-approved F&B solution on GoBusiness)
- “I want to redesign my warehouse operations” → EDG (productivity improvement project)
- “I’m attending a trade fair in Tokyo” → MRA (Overseas Market Promotion pillar)
- “I need to set up a subsidiary in Vietnam” → MRA (Overseas Market Setup pillar)
- “I want a comprehensive overseas strategy with multiple workstreams” → EDG (Market Access, larger scope than MRA)
- “I need both a new CRM and overseas expansion support” → PSG for CRM + MRA for overseas (different scopes, no overlap)
What should you know before applying?
- No double-claiming: You can combine grants, but each cost item can only be claimed under one grant.
- MRA “new market” rule: The target country must have ≤S$100,000 in sales from your company in each of the past 3 years.
- PSG catalogue check first: If your solution is on the GoBusiness PSG list, PSG is faster and simpler than EDG.
- EDG for larger overseas projects: If your overseas scope exceeds MRA’s S$100K cap or involves multiple workstreams, EDG Market Access may be better.
- Don’t start before approval: All three grants require you to apply before committing to vendors or starting work.
Is this comparison right for you?
This guide covers the three most common SME grants. Use this guide if you are deciding between domestic upgrades and overseas expansion, or want to combine multiple grants.
Not what you need?
- Just comparing PSG and EDG? → PSG vs EDG Decision Matrix
- Comparing MRA and EDG for overseas? → MRA vs EDG for Overseas Expansion
- Considering a grant consultant? → Grant Consultant vs DIY
Related Guides
- PSG vs EDG Decision Matrix — 2-way comparison for domestic grants
- MRA vs EDG for Overseas Expansion — which grant for going overseas
- MRA Explained: 3 Pillars — understand market setup, business dev, and promotion
- Grant Consultant vs DIY — do you need professional help?
- Grant Pitfalls Guide — common mistakes to avoid
- Singapore Grants Glossary
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