International Trade Fair Support Guide

If you’re exhibiting at an international trade fair to access a new overseas market, MRA-OMP can support up to 70% of booth rental, setup costs, and marketing materials. This guide covers booth size limits, LEAD exclusion rules, B2B vs B2C distinctions, and the 6-month application window to help you avoid common rejection reasons.

Best-Fit Grants for Trade Fair Participation

Start Here (Quick Pick)

Eligibility & Timing Rules

Universal SME Criteria:

• Group turnover ≤S$100M OR ≤200 employees
• At least 30% local equity
• One application per activity, one company per application

MRA-OMP “New Market” Rule:

• Target country sales ≤S$100,000 in each of past 3 financial years
• If exceeded → Use EDG instead

Timing for Trade Fairs:

• Apply up to 6 months before event start date
• Exception to standard 9-month advance rule
• Allow 4-6 weeks processing time

MRA: Overseas Market Promotion (OMP)

Support Level:

• Up to S$20,000 per new market
• 70% co-funding
• Maximum 36 sqm booth space

What’s Covered:

• Booth rental and setup costs
• Marketing materials for the fair
• Travel costs for exhibiting staff (within limits)

Key Requirements:

• International trade fairs only (B2B focus)
• Company or brand name must be prominently displayed on booth
• Own booth required (shared booths not supported)
• Fair must not be LEAD-supported

Application Window:

• Up to 6 months before event

• Earlier applications recommended (4-6 weeks processing)

• See more: MRA: Overseas Market Promotion

Trade Fair Eligibility Rules

LEAD-Supported Fairs (Not Eligible)

LEAD (Local Enterprise and Association Development) already supports certain international trade fairs through EnterpriseSG. If your target fair is LEAD-supported, you cannot claim MRA-OMP for the same event.

Before Applying:

• Check EnterpriseSG’s trade fair calendar for LEAD participation
• Look for “LEAD-supported” or “Singapore Pavilion” indicators
• Contact EnterpriseSG to confirm fair status

If LEAD-Supported:

• Apply through LEAD program instead
• Different application process and timeline
• Typically organized as group participation

Booth Requirements

Size Limits:

• Maximum 36 sqm booth space supported
• Larger booths not eligible under MRA-OMP
• Measure booth area, not just frontage

Branding Requirements:

• Company or brand name must be prominently displayed
• Signage must be clearly visible to visitors
• Generic booths without branding not supported

Ownership:

• Must be your own booth
• Shared booths with other companies not eligible
• Co-exhibiting arrangements not supported

B2B vs B2C Distinction

Eligible (B2B Trade Fairs):

• Industry-focused events for business buyers
• Trade-only admission days
• Exhibitors primarily selling to other businesses
• Professional/wholesale focus

Not Eligible (B2C Consumer Fairs):

• Public consumer shows
• Retail-focused events
• Direct-to-consumer sales emphasis
• Mixed events with primarily consumer focus

How to Check:

• Review fair’s admission policy (trade badge requirements)
• Check exhibitor and visitor profiles
• Look for “trade fair” vs “consumer show” designation
• Contact fair organizer to confirm focus

Fast Application Checklist (Copy/Paste)

Before You Apply:

• Fair is international (not in Singapore)
• Fair is B2B/trade-focused (not consumer show)
• Fair is NOT LEAD-supported (check EnterpriseSG calendar)
• Target country sales ≤S$100k/year for past 3 years
• Booth size ≤36 sqm
• Own booth (not shared)
• Company/brand name displayed on booth
• Applying 6 months or more before event

Documents Ready:

• CorpPass account setup
• Company financial statements (past 3 years)
• Sales breakdown by country (past 3 years)
• Fair details (dates, location, organizer)
• Booth rental quotation
• Marketing materials quotation
• Travel cost estimates

Application Steps:

1. Log in to Business Grants Portal via CorpPass
2. Select “Market Readiness Assistance (MRA)”
3. Choose “Overseas Market Promotion (OMP)”
4. Enter fair details and target market
5. Upload supporting documents
6. Submit at least 6 months before event

Suggested Application Order

Priority 1: MRA-OMP (if eligible)

• First-time in target market
• Sales ≤S$100k/year in target country
• Non-LEAD trade fair
• Apply 6 months ahead

Priority 2: EDG (if not MRA-eligible)

• Established in target market (>S$100k sales)
• Broader internationalization project
• Can include trade fair as part of larger expansion

Priority 3: LEAD (if fair is supported)

• EnterpriseSG-organized participation
• Singapore Pavilion presence
• Group application through trade association

Common Pitfalls (Avoid Rejection)

Application Rejected Because:

1. LEAD Conflict

   • Applied for MRA-OMP for a LEAD-supported fair
   • Always check EnterpriseSG calendar first

2. Booth Too Large

   • Booth exceeds 36 sqm limit
   • Split larger booths or use EDG instead

3. Market Not “New”

   • Sales >S$100k/year in target country
   • Use EDG for established markets

4. B2C Fair

   • Fair is consumer-focused, not trade
   • Verify B2B focus before applying

5. Shared Booth

   • Booth shared with other companies
   • Must be your own independent booth

6. Late Application

   • Applied less than 6 months before event
   • Processing takes 4-6 weeks minimum

7. No Branding

   • Company name not displayed on booth
   • Ensure visible signage in quotation

8. Local Fair

   • Fair is in Singapore, not international
   • MRA-OMP is for overseas markets only

Not a Fit (Unless Your Situation Changes)

Use Different Grant:

• Sales >S$100k/year in target market → EDG
• Fair is LEAD-supported → LEAD program
• Local Singapore fair → Not eligible for MRA-OMP
• Consumer show (B2C) → Not eligible
• Shared booth arrangement → Need own booth

Wait Until:

• Market becomes “new” (3 years of under S$100k sales)
• You can secure own booth (not shared)
• Fair is ≥6 months away
• You confirm fair is not LEAD-supported

Glossary (Quick Definitions)

B2B (Business-to-Business) Trade fairs where businesses sell to other businesses, not consumers.

B2C (Business-to-Consumer) Consumer shows where businesses sell directly to public, not eligible for MRA-OMP.

LEAD-Supported Fair International trade fairs where EnterpriseSG organizes Singapore Pavilion/group participation.

New Market Country where your company’s sales were ≤S$100,000 in each of past 3 financial years.

Overseas Market Promotion (OMP) MRA category supporting international marketing activities like trade fairs.

Trade Fair B2B industry event where businesses exhibit products/services to potential buyers.

Related Guides

• Grant Pitfalls Guide - Common rejection reasons across all schemes
• MRA Decision Matrix - Choosing between MRA activities
• SME Overseas Expansion Grants - All overseas market grants
• Singapore Grants Glossary - Full terminology reference
• Corppass Setup Guide - Application account setup

Official Links

• Business Grants Portal
• EnterpriseSG Trade Fairs Calendar
• MRA Grant Details