9 Startup Grants in Singapore You Should Know About

Launching a startup in Singapore is exciting. But securing the right funding at the right stage is where most founders get stuck. With dozens of schemes spread across multiple agencies, figuring out which startup grants in Singapore actually apply to your business can feel like a full-time job on top of building your product.

Miss the right grant window, and you are leaving real capital on the table. Worse, you are burning runway while your competitors are not.

At TechTIQ Solutions, we have worked alongside early-stage and growth-stage startups navigating Singapore’s funding landscape firsthand. This guide covers every major government grant for startups, what changed after Budget 2025, eligibility requirements, and how to put together an application that actually gets approved.

Key Takeaways

• Singapore startup grants range from SGD 5,000 to over SGD 1 million, depending on your stage and sector. Knowing which tier fits your business is step one.
• Enterprise Singapore and EDB administer the majority of equity-free, non-dilutive funding options available to registered startups here.
• The Business Grants Portal (BGP) is your single access point for most government-administered schemes. Get your Corppass sorted before you apply.
• Startup SG Founder, Startup SG Tech, and EDG remain the three highest-impact grants for early-stage tech startups heading into 2025-2026.
• Most schemes require a Singapore-registered entity with at least 30% local shareholding. Verify this before shortlisting any grant.

What Are Startup Grants in Singapore?

Startup grants in Singapore are government-administered funds that help early-stage and growth-stage businesses access capital without taking on debt or giving up ownership. Most schemes operate on a co-funding model, where the government covers a percentage of your qualifying expenditure and your business covers the rest. The co-funding ratio typically ranges from 50% to 80%, depending on the scheme and your company profile.

These grants are administered across several agencies, primarily Enterprise Singapore, the Economic Development Board (EDB), and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). Each agency focuses on different stages and sectors, from first-time founders to deep tech commercialization.

To access most schemes, your business needs to be registered in Singapore, meet specific shareholding requirements, and apply through the Business Grants Portal (BGP).

Singapore Budget 2025: Recent Updates for Startups

Singapore’s Budget 2025, announced on February 18, 2025, by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, brought a focused set of updates for startups and high-growth enterprises. If you are building a tech or innovation-driven business here, several of these changes directly affect how much funding you can access and through which channels.

Here is what matters most for Singapore startups heading into 2026:

Funding and Financing

The government introduced a SGD 1 billion Private Credit Growth Fund to give high-growth local enterprises, especially in tech, access to financing options beyond traditional bank loans. On top of that, the Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS) got a meaningful upgrade. The Trade Loan maximum was permanently raised from SGD 5 million to SGD 10 million, and the M&A Loan was enhanced to support targeted asset acquisitions through March 2030.

The Economic Development Board (EDB) also announced the Global Founder Programme, designed to attract experienced founders to anchor and build new ventures in Singapore.

AI and Technology Adoption

The headline initiative for tech startups is the SGD 150 million Enterprise Compute Initiative. This allows eligible enterprises to partner directly with major cloud service providers to access AI tools, computing power, and consultancy services. For early-stage startups exploring AI integration, this is one of the most accessible entry points introduced in recent years.

Tax Incentives Worth Knowing

A 50% Corporate Income Tax (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 if the rebate does not fully apply.

The Double Tax Deduction for Internationalization (DTDi) has been extended to December 31, 2030, letting qualifying firms claim a 200% tax deduction on eligible overseas expansion expenses. And the enhanced Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant cap of SGD 100,000 per new market runs through March 31, 2026.

Workforce Development

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

Sustainability

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

What Startup Grants Are Available in Singapore?

Singapore offers a wide range of grants across different stages, sectors, and business needs.

1. Startup SG Founder Grant (SSGF)

The Startup SG Founder Grant (SSGF) is one of the most accessible government grants for startups in Singapore, specifically designed for first-time entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea and high growth potential.

What You Get 

The grant provides up to SGD 50,000 in startup capital on a 1:1 matching basis. For every dollar you raise, the government matches it up to the grant cap, reducing the capital burden significantly in your earliest stages.

Who It Is For 

SSGF targets first-time founders building innovative, scalable businesses. Your company must be registered in Singapore with at least 30% local shareholding. You will also need to work with an Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP), which is a requirement, not optional. AMPs provide both the mentorship framework and the endorsement needed for your application to move forward.

Best For 

Pre-revenue founders building toward their first MVP who need both capital and structured mentorship to validate their business model. If you are a first-time founder looking for Singapore startup seed funding, this is your most natural starting point.

2. Startup SG Tech

The Startup SG Tech grant is built for startups developing proprietary technology with real commercial potential. Where SSGF supports the founder, this scheme supports the technology itself, funding the critical gap between idea and working product.

What You Get 

The grant operates across two stages with different funding caps:

• Proof-of-Concept (POC): Up to SGD 250,000 to validate your core technology concept
• Proof-of-Value (POV): Up to SGD 500,000 to develop and demonstrate commercial viability

Both stages offer up to 70% co-funding on qualifying costs, meaning your startup covers the remaining 30%.

Who It Is For 

Your company must be registered in Singapore with at least 30% local shareholding and be developing a proprietary, differentiated technology solution. The scheme specifically targets high-potential startups at early-to-growth stages, with increased budget support flowing into deep tech sectors in 2026.

Best For 

Tech founders who have moved past ideation and are ready to build. If you are developing an AI, medtech, fintech, or deep tech solution and need capital to get started, Startup SG Tech is one of the most substantial government grants for tech startups in Singapore to fund your MVP development journey.

3. Startup SG Equity Programme

The Startup SG Equity Programme works differently from most Singapore startup grants. Instead of a direct cash grant, the government co-invests alongside qualified third-party investors, giving your startup access to significantly larger capital while validating your business to the broader investment community.

What You Get 

For general tech startups, the government co-invests at a 7:3 ratio for the first SGD 250,000, then matches 1:1 up to a cap of SGD 2 million. For deep tech startups, the initial 7:3 ratio applies to the first SGD 500,000, with 1:1 matching thereafter up to SGD 4 million. Qualifying startups can access support scaling up to SGD 12 million with tailored co-investment ratios beyond the initial phase.

The SGD 1 billion injected into Startup SG Equity in 2026 signals continued government commitment to scaling this programme, particularly for deep tech and high-growth sectors.

Who It Is For 

Your startup must be Singapore-based with global market potential. Third-party investors participating in the scheme must each commit a minimum of SGD 50,000. This is not a scheme for pre-idea stage founders. It is designed for startups that have already attracted investor interest and are ready to scale.

Best For 

Growth-stage startups in tech or deep tech that have secured or are close to securing third-party investment. The Startup SG Equity Programme is particularly powerful for founders who want to leverage government capital to amplify private funding rounds without taking on debt.

4. Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)

The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) is one of the most flexible Singapore funding sources for startups, designed to help businesses upgrade their capabilities, innovate, and expand into new markets. Unlike stage-specific grants, EDG is structured around what your business is trying to achieve rather than where you are in your growth journey.

What You Get 

EDG covers up to 50% of eligible project costs with no fixed maximum grant amount per application. For projects aligned with sustainability initiatives, the co-funding ratio increases to 70%. The amount you receive scales directly with your project scope, making this one of the more adaptable Singapore government grants for startups available today.

Who It Is For 

EDG is open to Singapore-registered SMEs, defined as companies with an annual turnover of less than SGD 100 million or fewer than 200 employees. Your business must be financially viable, and the project must deliver clear value in one of three areas: building core capabilities, driving innovation and productivity, or supporting market access and internationalization.

Best For 

Startups that have moved past the earliest stage and are ready to invest in scaling operations, adopting new technology, or entering overseas markets. If you are looking to upgrade systems, develop new capabilities, or restructure for growth, EDG gives you the flexibility to fund projects that other, more prescriptive grants would not cover.

5. Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)

The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) is one of the most straightforward startup business grants in Singapore, designed to help SMEs adopt technology and pre-approved IT solutions without bearing the full cost upfront.

What You Get 

PSG covers up to 50% of qualifying costs, capped at SGD 30,000 per year. The grant applies to pre-approved solutions only, so there is no ambiguity about what qualifies. If the solution is on the list, you are eligible to claim it.

Who It Is For 

Singapore-registered SMEs are looking to improve operational efficiency through technology adoption. Eligible solutions span a broad range of business functions and sectors, including retail, F&B, logistics, and construction. Supported solution categories include CRM systems, HR and payroll management, accounting software, and AI-powered solutions, reflecting the government’s push toward broader digital adoption in Singapore following Budget 2025.

PSG also serves as the funding mechanism for IMDA’s SMEs Go Digital Programme, which layers sector-specific digital roadmaps on top of the standard grant. If your business operates in a specific industry, the programme provides tailored digital adoption guidance and sector-specific solution lists aligned with Industry Digital Plans.

Best For 

Early to mid-stage startups that need to digitalize core operations quickly and cost-effectively. If you are spending too much time on manual processes and need a practical, funded path to adopting the right tools, PSG is one of the most accessible government grants for startups in Singapore to act on right now.

6. Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant

For Singapore startups with ambitions beyond the local market, the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant is one of the most actionable forms of funding for startups in Singapore, designed specifically for overseas expansion.

What You Get 

MRA covers up to 50% of qualifying costs, capped at SGD 100,000 per new market. This enhanced cap runs through March 31, 2026, so if overseas expansion is on your roadmap, timing your application matters. Eligible activities include overseas marketing and PR, trade fair participation, business matching, in-market setup, partner identification, new office establishment, and legal or IP-related work.

Who It Is For 

Singapore-registered SMEs that are ready to enter new overseas markets. The grant is structured around specific market entry activities, meaning your application needs to be tied to a concrete expansion plan rather than a general interest in going global.

Best For 

Startups that have validated their product locally and are ready to make their first serious move into Southeast Asia or beyond.

7. SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC)

The SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) is one of the few government funding for startups Singapore that requires no application. Eligible employers receive the credit automatically, making it one of the easiest forms of support to access.

What You Get 

Eligible companies receive a one-off SGD 10,000 credit that covers up to 90% of out-of-pocket expenses for enterprise and workforce transformation initiatives. The credit is split into two categories:

• Up to SGD 7,000 for Enterprise Transformation programmes
• The remaining SGD 3,000 is ring-fenced specifically for Workforce Transformation, including skills training and job redesign activities

Who It Is For 

Singapore-registered employers who meet the eligibility criteria. Unlike most grants, SFEC is automatically granted without a formal application process, though you will need to utilize it against qualifying programmes listed under the scheme.

Best For 

Startups that are scaling their team and investing in workforce development. If you are restructuring roles, upskilling employees, or adopting new business processes, SFEC gives you a no-friction credit to offset those transformation costs.

8. VentureForGood (VFG) Grant

Not every startup is built purely for profit. If your business is designed to create measurable social impact alongside financial sustainability, the VentureForGood (VFG) Grant is one of the most substantial government grants for startups in Singapore, tailored specifically for that purpose.

What You Get 

VFG provides funding of up to SGD 300,000 for qualifying social enterprises, covering both capital and operating expenditure. The co-funding ratio ranges from 50% to 80% of qualifying costs, depending on your project scope and the level of social impact demonstrated.

Who It Is For 

The grant is open to new and existing social enterprises based in Singapore that are addressing clear local social gaps. To be eligible, your organization must be a raiSE member. The scheme is managed by the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE) and targets businesses that can demonstrate a direct link between their operations and positive community outcomes.

Best For 

Founders building businesses in education, elderly care, mental health, disability support, or other social sectors where commercial viability and social mission go hand in hand. If your startup exists to solve a social problem and you can articulate that impact clearly, VFG offers one of the higher funding caps among Singapore’s startup grants for this space.

9. Business Improvement Fund (BIF)

If your startup operates in Singapore’s tourism sector, the Business Improvement Fund (BIF) is the most directly relevant government grant available to you. Administered by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), BIF is designed to help tourism businesses improve productivity, adopt technology, and build long-term competitiveness.

What You Get 

BIF covers up to 70% of qualifying costs for SMEs and up to 50% for non-SMEs. Hotels implementing productivity solutions alongside a Job Redesign plan qualify for an additional 10% enhanced funding on top of the standard rate. There is no fixed universal grant cap. Funding is assessed and approved by STB based on your project scale and demonstrated impact.

Eligible activities include technology adoption, process improvement, business model transformation, workflow automation, and sustainability initiatives such as obtaining green certifications.

Who It Is For 

Singapore-registered businesses operating in the tourism sector, specifically hotels, travel agents, and tourist attractions. One important requirement: your project must not have commenced before you submit your application. Starting work before approval disqualifies your claim.

Best For 

Tourism-sector startups are looking to digitalize operations, automate workflows, or pursue sustainability certifications to meet evolving industry standards. Given the absence of a fixed cap, larger-scale transformation projects can potentially access more substantial funding compared to other fixed-cap schemes.

Grant terms and co-funding ratios are subject to change. Verify the latest eligibility criteria at stb.gov.sg before committing to your project timeline.

How To Get Funding for a Startup in Singapore

Singapore has streamlined most of its startup funding application process through a single platform. Knowing where to start and what to prepare saves you weeks of back-and-forth and significantly improves your chances of approval.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before shortlisting for any startup funding in Singapore, verify that your business meets the baseline requirements shared across most schemes. Your company must be registered and operating in Singapore with at least 30% local shareholding. For SME-specific grants, your annual group turnover must be below SGD 100 million or your headcount must be below 200 employees. Also, confirm that your business has no outstanding tax or regulatory issues, as these will disqualify your application.

Step 2: Identify the Right Grant for Your Business

Not every grant applies to every startup. Match your current stage and business objective to the right scheme. First-time founder? Start with Startup SG Founder. Building proprietary tech? Look at Startup SG Tech. Expanding overseas? MRA Grant is your most direct option. Narrowing this down before you apply saves time and improves your approval odds.

Step 3: Set Up Your Corppass Account

If you have not done this yet, set up a Corppass account linked to your Singapore-registered business entity. This is your company’s digital identity for all government services and a mandatory requirement before you can access the Business Grants Portal (BGP).

Step 4: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Most applications require a combination of your ACRA Bizfile, recent financial statements, a project proposal with clear and measurable outcomes, and vendor quotations where applicable. Have these ready before you open BGP. Incomplete submissions are the most common cause of delays.

Step 5: Submit Your Application on BGP

Log into Business Grants Portal using your Corppass credentials, select the grant that fits your profile, and complete the application form. For schemes like PSG, note that applications go through GoBusiness Gov Assist instead. Always check the grant-specific submission channel before you start.

Step 6: Await Assessment and Approval

Once submitted, your application enters an assessment process. Processing times typically range from 4 to 12 weeks for most schemes, though more complex grants like Startup SG Tech can take up to 3 months to receive an offer. The fastest way to avoid delays is to submit a complete application with all required documents upfront.

Tips To Strengthen Your Grant Application in Singapore

• Be specific about outcomes: Replace vague goals like “improve operations” with measurable targets like “reduce order processing time by 40% through CRM implementation.” Assessors respond to clarity.
• Align with national priorities: Digital transformation, internationalization, deep tech, and sustainability are areas the government is actively funding. If your project connects to any of these, make that explicit in your proposal.
• Prepare documents before you start: Have your ACRA Bizfile, financial statements, vendor quotations, and project proposal ready before opening BGP. Incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays.
• Work with an AMP where possible: For Startup SG Founder, an Accredited Mentor Partner is mandatory. For other schemes, an experienced mentor or grant consultant can meaningfully improve your application quality.
• Apply early: Some enhanced funding caps have expiry dates. The MRA Grant’s SGD 100,000 cap runs through March 2026. Waiting too long reduces your options.

How TechTIQ Solutions Can Help

Securing a startup grant in Singapore is one thing. Building the technology that justifies it is another.

Grants like Startup SG Tech, PSG, and EDG are designed to fund real, measurable outcomes. Developing a proprietary solution, adopting new digital tools, and upgrading core business systems. But to actually unlock that funding, you need a development partner who can deliver on the project scope you put in your application.

TechTIQ Solutions has worked with startups across Singapore and Southeast Asia at exactly this stage. Some come to us with a grant already approved and a product to build. Others are still scoping their project and want to make sure what they propose is technically sound and deliverable. Either way, our team at TechTIQ Solutions brings the technical depth to help you build what your grant is meant to fund, from MVPs for Startup SG Tech applications to custom software implementations that qualify under EDG and PSG.

Conclusion

Singapore’s startup funding landscape is one of the most accessible in Southeast Asia. From Startup SG Founder to Startup SG Tech, EDG, and MRA, there is a scheme designed for almost every stage of your journey. The funding is there. The key is knowing which grant fits your current stage, preparing your application properly, and moving before enhanced caps expire.

If you have secured funding or are planning to apply for a startup grant in Singapore that requires a technology deliverable, TechTIQ Solutions is here to help you build what your grant is meant to fund. Let’s talk about your project.

FAQs

What is the difference between a grant, a loan, and equity funding?

A grant is government-administered funding that does not need to be repaid and does not require you to give up ownership in your business.

A loan provides capital that must be repaid with interest over time.

Equity funding, such as venture capital or angel investment, gives investors a stake in your company in exchange for capital.

For early-stage startups, grants are the most founder-friendly option because they are non-dilutive and debt-free.

Who administers startup grants in Singapore?

Most startup grants in Singapore are administered by Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), the Economic Development Board (EDB), and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

Sector-specific grants are managed by agencies like the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for tourism businesses and raiSE for social enterprises. The majority of applications are submitted through the Business Grants Portal (BGP).

Can foreign-owned startups apply for government grants in Singapore?

Most schemes require your company to be registered in Singapore with at least 30% local shareholding held by Singapore citizens or permanent residents. Fully foreign-owned companies typically do not qualify for most government grants for startups in Singapore. If your startup has significant foreign ownership, review the specific eligibility criteria for each scheme before applying.

How many grants can a startup apply for at the same time?

There is no blanket rule preventing startups from applying for multiple grants simultaneously. However, most schemes have restrictions around double-funding, meaning you cannot claim two grants for the same project or the same qualifying costs. As long as each application covers a distinct project or expenditure, applying for multiple grants in parallel is generally permitted.

What happens if my grant application is rejected?

A rejection does not permanently disqualify your business. Most agencies provide feedback on why an application was unsuccessful. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, a project scope that does not align with the grant’s objectives, or eligibility gaps. You can address the feedback and reapply, or explore alternative schemes that better fit your current stage and business profile.

Do I need to repay a startup grant in Singapore?

No. Grants are not loans and do not need to be repaid under normal circumstances. However, if you fail to meet the conditions tied to the grant, such as not completing the approved project or misusing the funds, the administering agency may require you to return the disbursed amount. Always deliver on what you proposed in your application.

What is the Business Grants Portal and how does it work?

The Business Grants Portal is the Singapore government’s centralized platform for grant applications. It consolidates schemes from multiple agencies under one login, making it easier to browse, apply, and track your applications in one place. To access BGP, you need a Corppass account linked to your business entity. Note that some grants, like PSG, are accessed through GoBusiness Gov Assist instead.

How long does it take to receive grant funding after approval?

Processing times vary by scheme. Most applications take between 4 to 12 weeks from submission to approval. More complex grants like Startup SG Tech can take up to 3 months. After approval, disbursement timelines depend on the scheme structure. Some grants reimburse costs after project completion, while others release funds in tranches. Factor this into your cash flow planning before committing to project timelines.