Singapore offers a wide range of non-dilutive government funding for startups, free capital that does not cost you any equity. First-time founders can access up to SGD $50,000 through the Startup SG Founder Grant, while tech-driven startups may qualify for up to SGD $500,000 via Startup SG Tech. Businesses scaling their operations can tap into the Enterprise Development Grant, which covers up to 70% of qualifying project costs, and those expanding overseas can claim up to SGD 100,000 through the Market Readiness Assistance Grant.
In general, your company to be incorporated in Singapore to qualify, with at least 30% local shareholding. Here is a full breakdown of the most relevant government business grants and funding in Singapore available today.
Funding for Early-Stage Startups and Innovation Business Grants
Early-stage funding for startup founders allows them to seek financing before generating a single dollar of revenue. If you are at the ideation or early-build stage, these are your starting points.
Startup SG Founder (SSGF)
Administered by Startup SG, the Startup SG Founder Grant provides seed capital and structured mentorship for first-time entrepreneurs with genuinely differentiated, innovation-driven business ideas. Mentorship is delivered through an Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP) assigned to your application.
- Grant amount: Up to SGD 50,000, on a 1:5 co-matching basis (founder contributes SGD 10,000; government provides SGD 50,000)
- Eligibility: Singapore-incorporated company with at least one Singaporean or PR founder as the main applicant. Applicant must be a first-time founder with no concurrent full-time employment with a business concept that demonstrates clear innovation
- Suitable for: First-time local founders at the ideation or pre-revenue stage
- How to apply: Receive a recommendation from an Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP) and submit an application at the Startup SG Founder application page.
Startup SG Tech
Administered by Startup SG, this grant fast tracks the development and commercialisation of proprietary technology at the Proof-of-Concept (POC) and Proof-of-Value (POV) stages. It is one of the largest business grants available to early-stage tech startups in Singapore.
- Grant amount: SGD 250,000 (POC) to SGD 500,000 (POV), subject to evaluation
- Eligibility: Singapore-incorporated within the past 10 years with at least 30% local equity as well as annual turnover below SGD 100 million or fewer than 200 employees. Technology must be proprietary and non-obvious.
- Suitable for: Deep tech, AI, and biotech startups building defensible intellectual property
- How to apply: Submit an application at Startup SG Tech.
Business Grants for Enterprise Development and Transformation
Established startups looking to scale their operations, automate processes, or build long-term capabilities can access two of the most widely used business grants in Singapore at this stage.
Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
Administered by Enterprise Singapore, the EDG is one of the most comprehensive business grants available to scaling companies. It provides grant funding for startups embarking on long-term projects across three categories: Core Capabilities (strategy, HR), Innovation and Productivity (automation, R&D), and Market Access.
- Grant amount: Up to 50% of qualifying costs and up to 70% for sustainability-focused projects
- Eligibility: Singapore-incorporated, at least 30% local shareholding with annual turnover below SGD 100 million or fewer than 200 employees. Project must not have commenced at the point of application.
- Suitable for: Established startups overhauling their business model, automating operations, or building new market capabilities
- How to apply: Apply via the official Enterprise Development Grant page at Enterprise Singapore.
Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
Administered by Enterprise Singapore and IMDA, the PSG makes it easier and more affordable for businesses to adopt pre-approved, off-the-shelf digital solutions. It is one of the most accessible forms of government funding for startups in Singapore, with a streamlined application process.
- Grant amount: Up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at SGD 30,000
- Eligibility: Singapore-incorporated, at least 30% local shareholding with annual turnover below SGD 100 million or fewer than 200 employees.
- Suitable for: Small businesses and early-stage startups digitising core operations such as accounting, HR, payroll, or sales
- How to apply: Browse pre-approved solutions at the PSG Solutions Directory on GoBusiness.gov.sg and apply at the official Enterprise Development Grant page.
Business Grants for Market Access
Singapore-incorporated startups looking to expand overseas can apply for the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) business grant or Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi). Together, these two schemes make up the core of Singapore funding for startups targeting international growth.
Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant
Administered by Enterprise Singapore, the MRA Grant helps Singapore SMEs enter new overseas markets by subsidising key internationalisation costs. This includes market set-up (legal and tax), partner identification, and overseas promotional activities.
- Grant amount: Up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at SGD 100,000 per company per new market
- Eligibility: Singapore-incorporated with at least 30% local shareholding and annual turnover below SGD 100 million or fewer than 200 employees. Business must be entering a market where the company has no existing operations
- Suitable for: Startups opening their first overseas office or launching a marketing campaign in a new country
- How to apply: Submit an application at the official Market Readiness Assistance Grant page on Enterprise Singapore.
Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi)
Administered by Enterprise Singapore, the DTDi is not a direct business grant but a powerful tax incentive for startups spending on international expansion. It allows businesses to claim a 200% tax deduction on qualifying overseas expenses, effectively halving the cost of going global.
- Grant amount: 200% tax deduction on eligible expenses, automatic deduction for amounts up to SGD 150,000, prior approval required above that threshold
- Eligibility: Singapore-incorporated with at least 30% local shareholding. Must be generating taxable profit. Qualifying expenses include trade fairs, overseas market surveys, and business development missions.
- Suitable for: Profitable startups aggressively scaling internationally and looking to maximise tax efficiency on overseas spend
- How to apply: Claim automatically for qualifying expenses below SGD 150,000, or apply for prior approval at the official Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation page.
Give Your Startup the Home It Deserves
Securing non-dilutive government funding for your startup in Singapore is a major milestone, but financing is just one part of growing a startup. Whether you are sitting down with an Accredited Mentor Partner to apply for the Startup SG Founder Grant, or hosting a pitch meeting with an EDG consultant, the environment you operate from sends a clear signal about the seriousness of your business.
At The Work Project, we provide premium coworking spaces and meeting space rental private office spaces in the heart of Singapore's CBD, putting you in networking range of other startups, industry leaders, investors and other potential collaborators. Our spaces are designed to support businesses at every stage of their journey, from first-time founders chasing their first grant funding for startups to scaling enterprises expanding across Asia.
Ready to give your business the home it deserves? Explore The Work Project locations in Singapore today.
Looking for information on other sources of funding for your startup? Read our blog on startup accelerators and incubators in Singapore.
