Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) — Eligibility and requirements checklist

The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) supports Singapore SMEs undertaking projects in core capabilities, innovation and market access, co-funding a share of qualifying costs. Administered by Enterprise Singapore, EDG typically funds up to 50% of eligible project costs for SMEs, with applications assessed on business need, project scope and expected outcomes.

Raffles Corporate Services works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.

What the EDG is

The Enterprise Development Grant is Enterprise Singapore’s flagship grant for company transformation. It co-funds projects across three pillars: Core Capabilities (business strategy, financial management, human capital, service excellence), Innovation and Productivity (process redesign, automation, product development), and Market Access (overseas expansion, mergers and acquisitions). Unlike smaller pre-approved grants, EDG funds larger, bespoke projects and requires a written proposal with defined deliverables and outcomes.

Who is eligible

Applicants must be business entities registered and operating in Singapore, with at least 30% local shareholding, and be financially viable to start and complete the project. SMEs are the core audience, though larger firms can apply at a lower support tier. Companies often sequence EDG with other grants; our cross-site guide on how to stack Singapore government grants shows how EDG sits alongside PSG and MRA in a multi-grant plan.

Eligibility and requirements checklist

  • Entity registered and operating in Singapore with at least 30% local equity.
  • Financial capacity to start and complete the project and to fund the non-grant portion.
  • A defined project under one of the three EDG pillars with clear scope, milestones and outcomes such as productivity gains, new capabilities or jobs.
  • Engagement of qualified consultants or vendors where the project uses them.
  • Project not commenced before application, work started early is generally not fundable.

Funding levels and numerical specifics

For SMEs, EDG supports up to 50% of qualifying project costs, which include third-party consultancy, software and equipment directly attributable to the project, and internal manpower in defined cases. Non-SMEs are generally supported at up to 30%. There is no single fixed cap; the grant amount depends on the approved qualifying costs. Enterprise Singapore assesses whether costs are reasonable and directly tied to project outcomes. Because support is a reimbursement of a portion of approved spend, applicants must fund the full cost first and claim after milestones are met. Confirm the current support tiers on Enterprise Singapore.

Step-by-step application process

Scope the project and quantify the expected outcomes. Obtain vendor or consultant quotations. Prepare the proposal on the Business Grants Portal, setting out the problem, the solution, the costs and the measurable results. Submit before any project work begins. Respond to Enterprise Singapore’s clarifications and, if approved, execute the project against the agreed milestones. Submit claims with supporting documents for reimbursement. Firms pairing capability-building with digital adoption or overseas growth should read our cross-site pieces on the IP Development Incentive for the tax angle and hiring and work-pass planning where the project expands headcount.

Common mistakes and gotchas

The single biggest error is starting the project, or paying deposits, before the application is approved, which can disqualify those costs. Others submit vague proposals without measurable outcomes, or inflate consultant fees that Enterprise Singapore then trims. Weak local-shareholding or financial-viability positions also stall applications. Finally, applicants underestimate the claim stage: reimbursement requires evidence that milestones were achieved and costs actually incurred, so record-keeping through the project is essential. Registration and financial-statement obligations with ACRA and any incentive interactions with EDB should be kept consistent.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions: enterprise development grant

How much does the EDG cover?
For SMEs, up to 50% of qualifying project costs; non-SMEs are generally supported at up to 30%. The exact amount depends on the approved qualifying costs, and support levels can change, so confirm current tiers with Enterprise Singapore.

Can I apply after starting my project?
Generally no. Projects should not commence before the application is approved. Costs incurred before approval are typically not fundable, so apply before engaging vendors or paying deposits.

What is the minimum local shareholding?
At least 30% local equity, along with being registered and operating in Singapore and financially able to complete the project.

How is the EDG paid out?
On a reimbursement basis. You fund the full project cost and claim the supported portion after milestones are met and evidenced, so cash flow planning matters.

Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Raffles Corporate Services works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.