Singapore’s Startup Funding Landscape

Singapore consistently ranks as one of the world’s most startup-friendly ecosystems, and government grants are a central reason why. The city-state offers an extensive portfolio of equity-free, non-dilutive funding programmes designed to support founders at every stage, from pre-revenue validation all the way through to international expansion.

Yet the landscape can feel overwhelming. Schemes are spread across multiple government agencies, each with distinct eligibility criteria, co-funding ratios, application windows, and disbursement processes. Choosing the wrong grant for your stage wastes time; missing the right one means leaving real capital on the table.

This guide, written by the advisory team at Bizsquare Management Consultants, distils every major startup grant available in Singapore for 2025–2026 into a clear, actionable resource. We cover what each grant offers, who qualifies, what changed after Budget 2025, and the practical steps founders need to take to submit a competitive application.

What Are Startup Grants in Singapore?

Startup grants in Singapore are government-administered funds that allow early-stage and growth-stage businesses to access capital without incurring debt or diluting their equity. Unlike venture capital or angel investment, grants do not require you to give up a share of your company.

Most schemes operate on a co-funding model: the government covers a defined percentage of your qualifying expenditure, while your business contributes the remainder. Co-funding ratios typically range from 50% to 80%, depending on the scheme, your company size, and the nature of your project.

The principal administering agencies are:

• Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) — the lead agency for SME and startup support, managing the majority of available grant schemes
• Economic Development Board (EDB) — focused on attracting and scaling investment-driven enterprises and deep-tech ventures
• Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) — driving digital transformation and technology adoption across industries
• SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) — supporting workforce capability development and enterprise transformation

The majority of applications are submitted through the Business Grants Portal (BGP) at businessgrants.gov.sg, using CorpPass credentials. Eligibility across most schemes requires at minimum a Singapore-registered entity with at least 30% local shareholding.

Budget 2025 Updates: What Changed for Startups

Singapore’s Budget 2025, announced by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on 18 February 2025, introduced several meaningful enhancements for startups and high-growth enterprises. Here is what founders need to know heading into 2026.

SGD 1 Billion Private Credit Growth Fund

The government established a SGD 1 billion Private Credit Growth Fund to give high-growth local enterprises — particularly in the technology sector — access to financing beyond traditional bank loans. This expands the pool of available capital for startups that may not yet qualify for conventional debt financing.

Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS) Enhancements

The EFS Trade Loan maximum was permanently raised from SGD 5 million to SGD 10 million. The M&A Loan component was also enhanced to support targeted asset acquisitions through March 2030, providing scaling startups with more structured options for inorganic growth.

SGD 150 Million Enterprise Compute Initiative

The headline initiative for tech startups is the SGD 150 million Enterprise Compute Initiative, which allows eligible enterprises to partner directly with major cloud service providers to access AI tools, computational resources, and specialist consultancy. This is among the most accessible entry points for early-stage startups exploring AI integration introduced in recent years.

Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Rebate

A 50% CIT Rebate was introduced for Year of Assessment 2025, capped at SGD 40,000. Active companies with at least one local employee in 2024 qualify for a minimum cash grant of SGD 2,000, even where the full rebate does not apply.

Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi)

The DTDi was extended to 31 December 2030, allowing qualifying firms to claim a 200% tax deduction on eligible overseas expansion expenses, a significant incentive for startups planning regional or global growth.

Energy Efficiency Grant Expansion

For founders building in the cleantech or sustainability space, the Energy Efficiency Grant now covers additional sectors and offers up to 70% support for energy-efficient equipment, capped at SGD 30,000 per company per year.

SkillsFuture Updates

The SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) is being redesigned and will roll out in Q3 2026 as a digital wallet for workforce training expenses. Existing credits remain valid through June 2025. A new SkillsFuture Workforce Development Grant offers up to 70% co-funding for job redesign activities.

The 9 Key Startup Grants in Singapore (2025–2026)

Below is a comprehensive overview of the most important startup grants available in Singapore. Each entry covers what the grant offers, who it targets, key eligibility requirements, and the critical details founders need before applying.

Grant 1: Startup SG Founder (SSGF)

The Startup SG Founder Grant is one of the most accessible entry points into Singapore’s startup funding ecosystem. It is specifically designed for first-time entrepreneurs with innovative, scalable business ideas.

Funding: Up to SGD 50,000 on a 1:1 co-matching basis. For every dollar the founder raises, the government matches it up to the grant cap.

Who it is for: First-time founders who have not previously registered a private limited company with ACRA. The startup must be registered in Singapore with at least 30% local shareholding. Founders must commit full-time to the business.

Key requirement: Applicants must work with an Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP). This is mandatory — the AMP provides both the mentorship framework and the endorsement required for a successful application.

Excluded sectors: Cafes, nightclubs, massage parlours, gambling, and other restricted activities.

Best for: Pre-revenue founders seeking seed capital and structured mentorship to validate their business model.

Grant 2: Startup SG Tech

Where Startup SG Founder supports the founder, Startup SG Tech supports the technology itself. It funds the critical development gap between an idea and a working product with demonstrated commercial potential.

Funding stages: Proof-of-Concept (POC), up to SGD 250,000; Proof-of-Value (POV), up to SGD 500,000.

Co-funding: Up to 70% of qualifying costs, covering third-party consultancy, software development, hardware, and direct manpower expenses.

Eligibility: Startups must have a Singapore-registered local entity and demonstrate strong proprietary technology potential. The technology must be genuinely novel — incremental improvements to existing solutions do not qualify.

Best for: Tech startups developing proprietary solutions from concept through to a minimum viable product.

Grant 3: Startup SG Equity

Startup SG Equity is a government co-investment scheme where Enterprise Singapore matches funding raised from qualified third-party investors — giving growth-stage startups a significant capital injection without full dilution from private sources alone.

Funding: Up to SGD 2,000,000 for most startups; up to SGD 12,000,000 for deep technology companies.

Co-investment structure: Initial ratio of 7:3 (government to investor), moving to 1:1 thereafter.

Eligibility: Startups must have raised at least SGD 50,000 from qualified third-party investors and demonstrate a scalable business model with clear growth metrics.

Best for: Growth-stage startups that have already attracted private investment and are seeking additional capital to scale.

Grant 4: Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)

The Enterprise Development Grant is one of the most versatile and high-value grants available to Singapore companies. It supports businesses in building core capabilities, adopting innovative processes, and expanding into international markets. It is structured around three strategic pillars: Core Capabilities, Innovation and Productivity, and Market Access.

Funding: No fixed cap. SMEs may receive up to 70% co-funding; non-SMEs up to 50%. For sustainability-related projects, support can reach 70% during qualifying periods.

Eligibility: Singapore-registered companies with at least 30% local shareholding; financially viable; the project must not have commenced prior to approval.

Best for: Startups and SMEs undertaking large-scale capability building, business model transformation, or structured overseas expansion.

Important note: EDG projects require a detailed proposal with defined deliverables and measurable outcomes. The quality of the project proposal is the primary determinant of approval.

Grant 5: Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)

The PSG helps businesses adopt pre-approved IT solutions, equipment, and consultancy services to improve operational productivity. It is particularly useful for startups that need to digitalise core business functions quickly and cost-effectively.

Funding: Up to 50% co-funding on qualifying costs, with an annual cap of approximately SGD 30,000 per company for EnterpriseSG-supported solutions.

Key rule: Applicants must submit and receive grant approval before making any payment or signing contracts with vendors. Retrospective claims are not permitted.

Best for: Startups looking to automate or digitalise functions such as accounting, HR and payroll, CRM, inventory management, or customer engagement.

Grant 6: Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant

The MRA Grant subsidises the cost of entering new overseas markets, reducing the financial risk for startups pursuing regional or global expansion for the first time.

Funding: Up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at SGD 100,000 per new market. The enhanced cap runs through 31 March 2026.

Covered activities: Overseas market promotion, in-market business development, and overseas market set-up costs.

Best for: Startups making their first move into ASEAN markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam, or further afield.

Pro tip: Pair MRA with EDG’s Market Access pillar for a comprehensive internationalisation funding strategy.

Grant 7: SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC)

SFEC is unique in that it is automatically granted to eligible employers, no application is required. It provides a one-time SGD 10,000 credit covering up to 90% of qualifying workforce training and transformation expenses.

Eligibility: Employers must have paid at least SGD 750 in Skills Development Levy (SDL) and met at least one qualifying workforce or enterprise development criterion.

Redesign note: The SFEC is being redesigned and will transition to a digital wallet format in Q3 2026. Current credits remain valid through June 2025.

Best for: Startups investing in workforce upskilling, especially when stacking with other schemes such as PSG or EDG.

Grant 8: VentureForGood (VFG)

VentureForGood is Singapore’s dedicated grant programme for social enterprises, businesses that operate with a clear community or social impact mission alongside commercial objectives.

Funding: Up to SGD 300,000, with co-funding ratios between 50% and 80% depending on the project stage and impact potential.

Eligibility: Applicants must be members of raiSE (Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise) and demonstrate a viable business model alongside measurable social impact outcomes.

Best for: Founders building ventures in education, healthcare access, elderly care, environmental sustainability, or community development.

Grant 9: Business Improvement Fund (BIF)

The Business Improvement Fund supports tourism-sector businesses in adopting technology and implementing productivity improvements that enhance the visitor experience in Singapore.

Funding: No fixed cap. SMEs may receive up to 70% co-funding; larger companies up to 50%.

Eligibility: Strictly limited to businesses operating in Singapore’s tourism sector: hotels, attractions, tour operators, and related service providers. Projects must not have commenced prior to approval.

Best for: Startups and established businesses in hospitality, attractions, and tourism services seeking to innovate and improve operational efficiency.

Common Eligibility Requirements Across Most Schemes

While each grant carries specific criteria, the following baseline requirements apply to the majority of Singapore government startup grants:

• Registered and operating as a business entity in Singapore (private limited company, sole proprietorship, partnership, or qualifying non-profit)
• Minimum of 30% local (Singaporean or Permanent Resident) equity ownership
• Annual group sales turnover not exceeding SGD 100 million OR group employment size not exceeding 200 employees (for SME-designated schemes)
• Financially viable and capable of funding and completing the proposed project
• Project must not have commenced and no payments made before grant approval (for most schemes)
• Wholly government-owned entities, statutory boards, and organs of state are not eligible

Always verify the specific eligibility conditions on the Business Grants Portal or directly with the administering agency before investing time in preparing an application.

How to Build a Competitive Grant Application

Bizsquare Management Consultants has guided numerous Singapore startups through successful grant applications across multiple schemes. These are the principles that consistently differentiate approved applications from rejected ones.

Lead with Business Outcomes, Not Grant Amounts

The most common mistake founders make is structuring their application around the grant rather than around their business strategy. Grant assessors evaluate whether the proposed project creates measurable business and economic value, productivity gains, new revenue streams, job creation, or market expansion. Lead with outcomes, then show how the grant enables them.

Apply Before You Spend, Without Exception

This rule eliminates more applications than any other. For PSG, EDG, MRA, BIF, and most other schemes, you must receive written approval from the administering agency before entering any vendor contracts or making any payments. There are no exceptions and no retrospective reimbursements. Build grant timelines into your project planning from the outset.

Align With National Priorities

Singapore’s grant frameworks are deliberately structured to advance national economic objectives, digitalisation, sustainability, internationalisation, and workforce development. Applications that explicitly connect the proposed project to these priorities are assessed more favourably. Reference national initiatives such as the Singapore Green Plan 2030 or the Digital Economy Framework where relevant.

Choose Pre-Approved Vendors for PSG Applications

For PSG, selecting from the official pre-approved solutions list is not merely convenient, it significantly accelerates the assessment process and reduces the risk of rejection due to vendor eligibility issues. The list is maintained and updated by EnterpriseSG and accessible through the Business Grants Portal.

Stack Compatible Grants Strategically

Singapore’s grant ecosystem is designed to be complementary. PSG and SFEC can frequently be combined for technology adoption and workforce training. EDG’s Market Access pillar and the MRA Grant can be used sequentially to build a comprehensive internationalisation programme. Discuss stacking strategy with your grant consultant before applying.

Prepare Documentation Before Starting Your Application

Standard required documents include: ACRA BizFile registration details, audited financial statements (or management accounts for early-stage companies), a detailed project proposal with defined scope and outcomes, quotations from qualified vendors or service providers, and — for EDG — supporting evidence of expected business impact. Having these prepared before you begin the application reduces delays and improves proposal quality.

Track Usage and Submit Claims Accurately

Approval is the beginning, not the end, of the process. Disbursement requires submission of claims supported by invoices, proof of payment, and project completion documentation. Grant funds are reimbursed, not paid upfront. Maintain thorough records from the first day of project implementation.

Choosing the Right Grant for Your Startup Stage

Not every grant suits every stage. Here is a practical framework for matching your funding needs to the most appropriate scheme:

Key Portals and Resources

• Business Grants Portal (BGP): businessgrants.gov.sg — One-stop application platform for all major government grants. Apply using CorpPass.
• GoBusiness Singapore: gobusiness.gov.sg — Centralised government platform for business licensing, grants, and regulatory guidance.
• Enterprise Singapore: enterprisesg.gov.sg — Detailed scheme information, pre-approved vendor lists, and direct advisory services.
• Startup SG: startupsg.gov.sg — Resources, schemes, and ecosystem support specifically for Singapore startups.
• SkillsFuture Singapore: skillsfuture.gov.sg — Workforce development grants, SFEC applications, and training programme listings.
• raiSE Singapore: raise.sg — Membership and resources for social enterprises applying for VentureForGood.

Grant Funding as a Strategic Lever

Singapore’s startup grant ecosystem is one of the most structured and well-funded in the world. For founders who understand which schemes align with their business stage and strategic objectives, these programmes offer a powerful mechanism to extend runway, accelerate development, and reduce the cost of scaling, all without giving up equity.

The key is not to chase grants reactively, but to build your growth roadmap first, then identify the funding instruments that best support each phase. With the right preparation, the right advisory support, and a clear understanding of what assessors look for, most eligible Singapore startups are far better positioned than they realise.