Singapore offers multiple grants specifically for startups at different stages. This guide covers 6 key schemes from idea validation to growth-stage expansion, including Budget 2026 enhancements for AI and innovation. Whether you are a first-time founder, building deep tech, or scaling operations, there is a grant for your startup.
Start Here (Quick Pick)
Not sure which grant fits your needs? Use this quick reference:
- First-time founders with mentors → Startup SG Founder
- Deep tech proof-of-concept or development → Startup SG Tech
- Accelerator or incubator programme → Startup SG Accelerator
- VC co-investment → Startup SG Equity
- R&D tax deduction (including AI from YA 2027) → EIS
- Custom business transformation → EDG
Common Eligibility Rules
Most startup grants in Singapore share these four baseline requirements:
- Apply before you commit. Submit your grant application and receive approval before signing contracts, making payments, or incurring any project costs. Pre-approval costs are not claimable.
- Match your ACRA entity. The applicant must be a business entity registered with ACRA. The grant application, contracts, and payments must all be under the same UEN.
- No double-dipping. You cannot claim the same cost item under multiple government grants. Each expense can only be supported by one scheme.
- Meet startup criteria. Your business must be registered and operating in Singapore, maintain at least 30% local shareholding, and meet the specific stage or capability requirements for each scheme.
The 6 Key Startup Grants
1) Startup SG Founder
Use Startup SG Founder when: you are a first-time entrepreneur and need mentorship plus matched funding to validate and launch your business.
How much: Up to S$50,000 matching grant (requires 1:1 co-funding). Founders must commit at least S$10,000 before receiving the first tranche.
Key requirements:
- First-time entrepreneur (not previously a founder or co-founder of a startup)
- Must partner with an accredited mentor or incubator recognized by Enterprise Singapore
- Business must be registered in Singapore with at least 30% local shareholding
- Mentor must co-commit funds and provide active guidance throughout the programme
How to apply: Identify an accredited mentor or incubator from the Enterprise Singapore list. Submit your application jointly with your mentor via the Business Grants Portal (BGP).
See more: Startup SG Founder
2) Startup SG Tech
Use Startup SG Tech when: you are developing deep tech or proprietary technology and need funding for proof-of-concept or commercialization.
How much:
- Proof-of-Concept (POC): Up to S$500,000 (70% support)
- Development: Up to S$2,000,000 (50% support)
Key requirements:
- Business must have proprietary technology or deep tech IP
- Project must demonstrate technical feasibility and commercial potential
- Must be incorporated in Singapore with at least 30% local shareholding
- Clear technology development roadmap and go-to-market plan
How to apply: Submit via BGP. Prepare a technical proposal, project milestones, IP strategy, and cost breakdown. Enterprise Singapore will assess technical merit and commercial viability.
See more: Startup SG Tech
3) Startup SG Accelerator
Use Startup SG Accelerator when: you are accepted into an accredited accelerator or incubator and need co-funding for the programme.
How much: Government co-invests with accredited accelerators and incubators. Funding quantum depends on the specific programme and investment terms.
Key requirements:
- Must be accepted into an Enterprise Singapore-accredited accelerator or incubator
- Business must be incorporated in Singapore with at least 30% local shareholding
- Must meet the specific eligibility criteria set by the accelerator programme
How to apply: Apply directly to an accredited accelerator or incubator. The accelerator will facilitate the government co-investment application on behalf of accepted startups.
See more: Startup SG Accelerator
4) Startup SG Equity + SEEDS Capital
Use Startup SG Equity when: you have secured a lead investor and need government co-investment to close your funding round.
How much: Government co-invests up to S$2 million per round, capped at a 1:1 ratio with private investors. SEEDS Capital (the early-stage VC arm) invests S$500K to S$2M per startup.
Key requirements:
- Must have a lead third-party investor committing at least S$500,000
- Business must be incorporated in Singapore with at least 30% local shareholding
- Strong growth potential and scalable business model
- SEEDS Capital: targets early-stage tech startups with strong founding team and product-market fit; follow-on funding available for portfolio companies demonstrating traction
How to apply: Submit via BGP or apply directly to SEEDS Capital. Provide term sheet, investor details, pitch deck, financial projections, and cap table.
See more: Startup SG Equity | SEEDS Capital
5) EIS — Enterprise Innovation Scheme
Use EIS when: you want to claim tax deductions for qualifying R&D, IP registration, or innovation activities.
How much: 400% tax deduction on qualifying expenditure. Budget 2026 enhancement: new AI qualifying activity with 400% deduction on up to S$50,000 AI expenditure for YA 2027 and YA 2028.
Key requirements:
- Business must incur qualifying R&D or innovation expenditure in Singapore
- Must be a tax-resident company
- AI qualifying activity (new from YA 2027): must engage with partner institutions including Sectoral AI Centre of Excellence for Manufacturing
- IP registration costs and qualifying innovation activities also eligible
How to apply: File your corporate tax return (Form C-S or Form C) with IRAS. Declare qualifying EIS expenditure in the relevant section. Ensure proper documentation of R&D projects and expenditure.
See more: Enterprise Innovation Scheme
6) EDG — Enterprise Development Grant
Use EDG when: you need funding for custom business transformation projects such as upgrading operations, building new capabilities, or expanding into new markets.
How much: Up to 50% of qualifying project costs (up to 70% for companies on the enhanced support tier). Budget 2026 enhancement: increased to 70% support for SMEs from April 2026 to March 2029 under the Grant Innovation Assistance (GIA) enhancement.
Key requirements:
- Project must strengthen business capabilities in innovation, productivity, or internationalisation
- Must engage a vendor or consultant for project delivery
- Financial projections showing measurable business impact
- Business must be registered in Singapore with at least 30% local shareholding
How to apply: Submit via BGP. Prepare a detailed project proposal, vendor quotations, projected outcomes, and capability development plan.
See more: Enterprise Development Grant
Application Checklist
Before you apply for any startup grant, make sure you have these ready:
- ACRA business profile — latest copy with up-to-date company information and shareholding structure
- Latest financial statements — audited or management accounts, depending on grant requirements
- Business plan or pitch deck — for equity and development grants, prepare a comprehensive plan with financial projections
- Vendor quotes or project proposals — from approved vendors or selected consultants
- Corppass access — admin or authorised user access to log into BGP and other government portals
- PayNow Corporate or GIRO setup — linked to your company bank account for grant disbursement
- Cap table — for equity schemes, maintain an up-to-date shareholder register showing local shareholding
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