Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) grant — Timeline and processing benchmarks

The Market Readiness Assistance grant helps Singapore SMEs take their business overseas, funding 50% of eligible costs up to S$100,000 per new target market. From application on the Business Grants Portal to approval, a well-prepared submission is typically assessed within six to ten weeks, with support disbursed in arrears against completed activities.

What the Market Readiness Assistance grant covers

The Market Readiness Assistance grant, administered by Enterprise Singapore, supports three activity pillars for overseas expansion: overseas market promotion, overseas business development, and overseas market set-up. Eligible costs include market entry consultancy, in-market business matching, marketing, and setting up an overseas entity or representative office. The S$100,000 cap applies per company per new market, split across the pillars.

Who is eligible

Applicants must be registered and operating in Singapore, have at least 30% local shareholding, group annual sales below the scheme’s turnover threshold, and be entering a market where the company’s overseas sales have been limited. Enterprise Singapore administers the grant under the Enterprise Singapore Board Act 2018, and the support targets genuine first-time or early expansion into a specific country.

Support levels and cost benchmarks (2026)

  • Support level: 50% of eligible costs.
  • Cap: up to S$100,000 per new market, per company.
  • Eligible activities: promotion, business development and market set-up in the target country.
  • Assessment time: six to ten weeks for a complete submission.
  • Disbursement: in arrears, after activities are completed and the claim is verified.

The application timeline step by step

Select the target market and define the activities; obtain quotations from qualified providers; apply on the Business Grants Portal before committing; receive the letter of offer; execute the activities within the approved period; then claim with invoices, proof of payment and deliverables such as market studies or signed distribution agreements. Defining a single, specific target market — rather than a vague “Southeast Asia” — materially speeds assessment.

How MRA connects to the wider expansion toolkit

MRA is the market-entry grant; the trading and hiring pieces sit elsewhere. Companies scaling a physical export business should read our guide to the Global Trader Programme concessionary tax, while those relocating senior talent to lead the expansion can review the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass. Early-stage founders may also qualify for the Startup SG Founder, Tech and Equity tracks.

Common mistakes and gotchas

The usual failures are engaging a consultant or paying before the letter of offer, applying for a market where the company already has meaningful sales, and weak claim documentation. As with all government grants, the taxability of the support depends on its character under the Income Tax Act 1947; grants that subsidise revenue expenditure are generally treated differently from those funding capital items.

FAQs

How much does the Market Readiness Assistance grant fund? 50% of eligible costs, capped at S$100,000 per new target market.

How long does approval take? Typically six to ten weeks for a complete submission.

Can I use MRA for a market I already sell into? No. It targets new or early-stage markets where overseas sales have been limited.

Does MRA cover setting up an overseas company? Yes, market set-up costs such as incorporating an overseas entity can qualify, subject to the cap.

Authoritative references: Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Economic Development Board.

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.