Singapore’s New EDGE Grant: What SMEs Need to Know About the Consolidation of EDG, PSG, and MRA

Singapore has long been recognised for its robust ecosystem of government grants designed to help businesses grow, innovate, and expand internationally. For years, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have relied on three flagship schemes from Enterprise Singapore — the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG), and the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) grant — to fund everything from digital transformation to overseas expansion.

In the second half of 2026, these three grants will be consolidated into a single, unified programme known as EDGE. Announced as part of Singapore’s Budget 2026 measures, the EDGE programme represents one of the most significant changes to the country’s SME support framework in recent years. For business owners, understanding what this means — and how to prepare — is essential.

This article breaks down the key details of the EDGE consolidation, what changes are taking effect from April 2026, and the practical steps your business should take during this transition period.

What Is the EDGE Grant?

EDGE is a new consolidated grant programme by Enterprise Singapore that will merge the three existing flagship schemes into a single application framework. Instead of having to determine which of the three grants your project falls under, businesses will apply based on what they want to achieve — whether that is digitalisation, improving operations, or expanding overseas — and the system will route the application accordingly.

The core idea behind EDGE is simplification. Under the current system, many business owners find it confusing to navigate the differences between EDG, PSG, and MRA, each of which has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and supported activities. By creating one entry point, Enterprise Singapore aims to make the grant application process more accessible and efficient for all businesses.

A Quick Recap: The Three Grants Being Consolidated

To understand what EDGE replaces, it helps to know what each of the existing grants covers.

Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)

The EDG has been the most comprehensive of the three grants, supporting projects under three pillars: core capabilities, innovation and productivity, and market access. It covers consultancy fees, software and equipment costs, and internal manpower costs for qualifying projects. The EDG has been particularly popular among businesses looking to upgrade their operations, implement new business strategies, or develop innovative products and services.

Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)

The PSG was designed to help businesses adopt pre-approved IT solutions and equipment to enhance productivity. Unlike the EDG, which supports customised projects, the PSG works with a list of pre-approved vendors and solutions, making it a simpler and faster grant for businesses looking to digitalise their operations with off-the-shelf tools.

Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant

The MRA grant supported businesses looking to expand overseas by co-funding costs such as market research, overseas business development, and product or service localisation. Previously, the MRA was only available to SMEs and only for markets that the company had not yet entered.

Key Changes Taking Effect from April 2026

While the full EDGE programme will only launch in the second half of 2026, several important enhancements have already taken effect from 1 April 2026 under the existing grant frameworks:

Enhanced support levels for SMEs: Support for SMEs under the EDG, PSG, and MRA has been enhanced to up to 70% of qualifying costs, effective from 1 April 2026 through to 31 March 2029. This is a significant increase from the previous standard support levels and represents a substantial opportunity for businesses to undertake projects at a lower cost.

Support extended to non-SMEs: For the first time, the MRA grant component will be extended to non-SMEs upon the implementation of EDGE, with support of up to 50% of eligible costs. This is a welcome development for larger local companies that were previously unable to tap on the MRA.

Removal of the “new to target market” requirement: Under the current MRA rules, businesses could only apply for funding to enter markets they had not yet entered. When EDGE launches, this restriction will be removed. Companies will be able to use the grant to deepen their presence in markets they are already operating in — a practical change that reflects how real-world internationalisation works.

Up to S$100,000 per year: EDGE will support all Singapore businesses for up to S$100,000 per year in eligible activities, with larger amounts assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility Requirements

While the full eligibility criteria for EDGE have not yet been published, the current eligibility requirements for the existing grants provide a strong indication of what to expect. To qualify for the EDG, PSG, or MRA under the current framework, a company must:

• Be registered and operating in Singapore.
• Have at least 30% local shareholding (held directly or indirectly by Singaporeans and/or Singapore Permanent Residents).
• Be in a financially viable position to start and complete the project.
• For SMEs: have group annual sales turnover not exceeding S$100 million, or group employment not exceeding 200 workers.

Companies that have recently been incorporated in Singapore should ensure that their company records and filings are up to date before applying for any grant. This includes having proper compliance requirements in order, filing your annual returns with ACRA, and maintaining good standing with the authorities.

How to Apply: The Business Grants Portal

All grant applications — whether under the current EDG, PSG, and MRA schemes or the upcoming EDGE programme — are submitted through the Business Grants Portal (BGP). The portal requires applicants to log in with their CorpPass credentials and submit detailed project proposals, including descriptions of the project, quotations from vendors, and relevant financial statements.

It is important to note that only expenses incurred after the grant approval date are eligible for reimbursement. This means businesses should not commence their projects or incur costs before receiving written confirmation of approval from Enterprise Singapore. Starting early may seem tempting, but it could disqualify your expenses from reimbursement.

For businesses that need assistance with the grant application process, Raffles Corporate Services offers grant advisory services to help companies identify the right grants, prepare strong proposals, and navigate the approval process.

What Should Businesses Do Now?

With the transition to EDGE happening in the second half of 2026, here is what businesses should be doing right now:

Do not wait for EDGE if you have a project ready: The existing EDG, PSG, and MRA grants remain fully accessible until EDGE launches. If your company has a qualifying project, apply now under the current schemes. There is no advantage to waiting, and you may benefit from the enhanced 70% support level that took effect on 1 April 2026.

Review your company’s compliance status: Grant applications require your company to be in good standing with ACRA and IRAS. Ensure that your annual filings are up to date, your corporate tax returns have been filed, and your company’s particulars with ACRA are current. A company with outstanding compliance issues may face delays or rejection of its grant application.

Assess your shareholding structure: The 30% local shareholding requirement is a common eligibility hurdle, particularly for companies with foreign directors and shareholders. If your company’s ownership structure is complex, consider seeking advice to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria. Understanding how group company structures affect eligibility is also important for businesses that are part of larger corporate groups.

Identify your business needs: Under EDGE, the application process will be activity-based rather than grant-based. Start thinking about what your business needs — whether it is digitalisation, process improvement, workforce development, or overseas expansion — so that you are ready to submit a strong proposal when the new programme launches.

Keep your financial records in order: Grant applications typically require audited or unaudited financial statements. Work with your accountant to ensure that your company’s financial and tax matters are properly documented and up to date.

Comparing the Current Grants and EDGE: A Summary

Conclusion

The consolidation of the EDG, PSG, and MRA into the EDGE programme is a positive development for Singapore businesses. By simplifying the application process and broadening eligibility, the government is making it easier for companies of all sizes to access the support they need to grow and compete. With enhanced support levels of up to 70% for SMEs now in effect and the full EDGE programme set to launch in the second half of 2026, there has never been a better time for businesses to explore how government grants can support their growth plans.

Whether you need help with your company compliance to ensure grant eligibility, or you are looking for guidance on the grant application process itself, Raffles Corporate Services can assist. Our team is experienced in helping Singapore businesses navigate the grants landscape and ensure their corporate affairs are in good order.

— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services