Singapore is one of the most business-friendly economies in the world, and a major reason is the breadth of government support available to companies operating here. Whether you are a startup looking for seed funding, an SME investing in digital tools, or a mid-size company expanding overseas, there is likely a scheme designed for your situation. This guide lists every major grant, tax incentive, and financing programme by the agency that runs it, so you know exactly where to look and how to get started.
Start Here (By Need)
Not sure which scheme fits? Start with your business need and follow the pointer:
- IT solutions and digital tools → PSG (EnterpriseSG)
- Custom business transformation → EDG (EnterpriseSG)
- Overseas market expansion → MRA (EnterpriseSG)
- Energy-efficient equipment → EEG (EnterpriseSG)
- R&D tax deductions → EIS (IRAS)
- Digital advisory services → ADS (IMDA)
- Large capital investment incentive → RIC (EDB)
- Workforce training credits → SFEC (EnterpriseSG)
- Progressive wage support → PWCS (IRAS)
- Sustainability reporting → SRG (EnterpriseSG)
- First-time startup founders → Startup SG Founder (EnterpriseSG)
- Business loans → EFS (EnterpriseSG)
Enterprise Singapore Schemes
Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) administers the largest portfolio of business grants in Singapore, covering everything from off-the-shelf IT solutions to deep-tech R&D commercialisation.
PSG — Productivity Solutions Grant
PSG funds up to 50% of the cost of pre-approved IT solutions and equipment. It is the fastest path for SMEs to adopt digital tools such as accounting software, HR systems, e-commerce platforms, and cybersecurity solutions. Applications go through the Business Grants Portal with a straightforward, checklist-based process.
EDG — Enterprise Development Grant
EDG supports up to 50% of qualifying costs for customised business transformation projects, and up to 70% for companies under enhanced support tiers. It covers three pillars: core capabilities, innovation and productivity, and market access. Unlike PSG, EDG funds bespoke consulting and implementation work rather than off-the-shelf products.
MRA — Market Readiness Assistance
MRA funds up to 50% of eligible costs for Singapore companies expanding into overseas markets, capped at S$100,000 per new market per year. There are three sub-types to match different stages of internationalisation: MRA-Promo for overseas marketing activities, MRA-BD for business development trips and market research, and MRA-Setup for establishing an overseas presence.
EEG — Energy Efficiency Grant
EEG provides up to 70% funding support for the purchase of energy-efficient equipment in five key categories: air-conditioning, cooking, lighting, refrigeration, and motors. It targets food services, retail, and other energy-intensive sectors. Applications are processed through BGP 2.0.
SFEC — SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit
SFEC gives eligible employers a one-off S$10,000 credit to defray up to 90% of out-of-pocket expenses on qualifying workforce transformation programmes. The credit can be used for SkillsFuture-supported courses and certain enterprise transformation projects. It is automatically granted to qualifying employers with no separate application needed.
EFS — Enterprise Financing Scheme
EFS is a government risk-sharing programme that helps Singapore enterprises access financing from participating financial institutions. The government shares a portion of the default risk with the lender, making it easier for SMEs to secure loans for working capital, trade, and fixed assets. A notable variant is EFS-VD (Venture Debt), designed for high-growth startups seeking non-dilutive funding alongside equity rounds.
BizAdapt — Business Adaptation Grant
BizAdapt helps businesses adapt to external disruptions such as tariff changes and supply chain shifts. It provides funding support for qualifying adaptation measures that help companies restructure operations, adjust sourcing strategies, or pivot business models in response to changing trade conditions.
SRG — Sustainability Reporting Grant
SRG covers up to 30% of the cost of producing sustainability reports. It is aimed at companies that need to meet new ESG disclosure requirements or want to voluntarily adopt sustainability reporting frameworks. Applications go through BGP 2.0.
GTP — Global Trader Programme
GTP offers a concessionary tax rate on qualifying income for established commodity trading companies operating in Singapore. It is designed to attract and anchor global trading activities here. Companies must demonstrate substantial trading operations and meet minimum trade volume thresholds.
DTDi — Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation
DTDi allows businesses to claim a 200% tax deduction on qualifying expenses incurred for overseas market expansion activities, such as trade fairs, overseas business development trips, and market feasibility studies. This provides significant tax savings for companies actively pursuing international growth.
Startup SG Founder
Startup SG Founder provides a S$50,000 startup capital grant to first-time entrepreneurs with innovative business concepts, matched with S$20,000 from an accredited mentor partner. Applicants must be first-time founders with a viable business idea that has not been registered or incorporated before.
Learn more about Startup SG Founder →
Startup SG Tech
Startup SG Tech offers grant funding of up to S$400,000 for Proof-of-Concept projects and up to S$800,000 for Proof-of-Value projects. It targets startups and SMEs developing proprietary deep-tech solutions in areas such as AI, biotech, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability.
Learn more about Startup SG Tech →
Startup SG Accelerator
Startup SG Accelerator provides funding support to accelerators and incubators that nurture startups with innovative and scalable business models. It helps build a robust startup ecosystem by co-funding the operations of accredited accelerator programmes.
Learn more about Startup SG Accelerator →
IRAS Schemes
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) administers tax-based incentives that reduce your tax liability rather than providing direct cash grants.
EIS — Enterprise Innovation Scheme
EIS provides an enhanced 400% tax deduction on the first S$400,000 of qualifying expenditure on R&D, intellectual property registration, innovation projects, and employee training. Companies that are not yet profitable can opt for a cash payout of up to S$40,000 per year instead. This is one of the most generous R&D incentives in the region.
PWCS — Progressive Wage Credit Scheme
PWCS provides government co-funding to help employers adjust to mandatory wage increases under the Progressive Wage Model. The scheme offsets a portion of the wage increase for lower-wage workers, easing the transition for employers. Co-funding levels vary by wage band and taper over the scheme’s multi-year duration.
IMDA Schemes
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) focuses on digital economy initiatives and supports businesses in their digital transformation journey.
ADS — Advanced Digital Solutions
ADS helps SMEs adopt advanced digital solutions such as AI, data analytics, IoT, and cybersecurity tools. It works alongside the broader SME Go Digital programme, providing pre-approved digital solutions at subsidised rates along with digital advisory and consultancy services to plan and execute transformation projects.
EDB Schemes
The Economic Development Board (EDB) targets larger investment projects and works primarily with companies making significant capital commitments in Singapore.
RIC — Refundable Investment Credit
RIC is a refundable tax credit designed to incentivise large-scale capital investments in strategic sectors. Unlike traditional tax incentives, RIC benefits are refundable, meaning companies receive the credit even if they have insufficient tax liability. It targets substantial investments in manufacturing, R&D, and innovation infrastructure.
How to Apply
The application process depends on the scheme and agency:
- Business Grants Portal (BGP): The primary portal for most EnterpriseSG grants including PSG, EDG, MRA, and BizAdapt. You will need a CorpPass account to log in and submit applications.
- BGP 2.0: Newer EnterpriseSG grants such as EEG and SRG are administered through the updated BGP 2.0 platform, which features a streamlined application interface.
- Direct application: IRAS tax incentives (EIS, PWCS) are claimed through your annual tax filing or via dedicated IRAS e-services. EDB incentives like RIC require direct engagement with EDB officers.
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the Business Grants Portal, see the BGP application guide. If you have not set up CorpPass yet, start with the CorpPass setup guide.
Official Links
- Business Grants Portal — apply for EnterpriseSG grants
- GoBusiness Gov Assist — search all government assistance schemes
- Enterprise Singapore — scheme details and eligibility
- IRAS — tax incentive information and e-filing
- IMDA — digital transformation programmes
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