SME Grants in Singapore 2025 for Non-Residents

Singapore offers a range of SME grants designed to help businesses grow, whether that means improving productivity, adopting new technology, or entering new markets. For many entrepreneurs, these grants can make a big difference in reducing costs and scaling faster.

If you are a non-resident, things can feel more complicated. Most SME grants require some level of local presence, such as Singapore shareholding, a registered company, or proof that your business is active in the country. This means you may face extra steps before you can benefit.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through which SME grants are open to non-residents in 2025, what requirements you need to meet, and what alternatives to consider if you do not qualify right now.

Let’s dive in!

The Singapore Government offers more than 100 grants to help small and medium enterprises grow. These schemes support areas like IT solutions, product development, overseas expansion, and capability building. The goal is to provide subsidies and funding support that lower eligible costs and accelerate business growth.

If you are unsure which schemes fit your situation, you can use the free GoBusiness e-Adviser tool on gov.sg. After a short questionnaire, it matches you to relevant programmes based on your eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Rules for SME Grants

Most SME grants in Singapore share a similar baseline:

• Your company must be registered and operating in Singapore.
• Some schemes add requirements such as minimum paid-up capital, annual sales turnover, or a minimum operating history.

These conditions ensure that funding supports companies with a genuine local presence and a validated track record.

Agencies That Manage SME Grants

Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) oversees most grants, focusing on capability development, automation, and overseas expansion. Other agencies manage more specialised areas:

• Workforce Singapore (WSG): Skills development and manpower support.
• Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA): Digital adoption and technology.
• SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG): Workforce training and upskilling.
• Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): Financial institutions and fintech innovation.
• Singapore Tourism Board (STB): Grants tailored for tourism businesses.

Knowing which agency manages a scheme helps you understand its priorities.

Grant Access for Non-Residents

For non-resident entrepreneurs, the main hurdle is the local shareholding requirement. Most government grants are open only if at least 30% of your company is owned by Singapore citizens or permanent residents.

However, some schemes, such as the Energy Efficiency Grant or SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit, focus on whether you are a registered employer rather than ownership. This means you may still qualify if your company is incorporated in Singapore and employs local staff, even without a local shareholder.

Most SME grants require a local presence, such as a Singapore-incorporated entity with at least 30% local shareholding. While this can be a challenge, certain grants remain within reach if you structure your business appropriately and meet the eligibility criteria.

Here are the main grants to know in 2025:

If you’re just starting out, the Startup SG Founder grant provides both seed funding and mentorship to help you launch. Applications are made through Accredited Mentor Partners (AMPs), who will also guide you through the early stages.

Funding

You can get between SGD 20,000 and SGD 50,000 on a 1:1 matching basis. That means if you apply for SGD 20,000, you’ll need to show at least SGD 20,000 in paid-up capital.

Eligibility

• You must be a first-time founder, hold at least 10% equity, and commit full-time.
• If you apply with a co-founder, at least one of you must be first-time and both must complete entrepreneurship training or show equivalent experience.

📌 What This Means for Non-Residents

To qualify, you need a Singapore-based co-founder with at least 30% ownership. Many foreign entrepreneurs team up locally while keeping majority control.

For tech startups, the Startup SG Tech grant helps you test new ideas and bring them to market faster. It supports projects at the Proof-of-Concept (POC) and Proof-of-Value (POV) stages. In some cases, EnterpriseSG may also take an equity stake in your company after a funding round.

Funding

• POC: Up to SGD 400,000 (requires at least 10% paid-up capital)
• POV: Up to SGD 800,000 (requires at least 20% paid-up capital)
• Funds are released as you meet milestones.

Eligibility

• Company registered in Singapore for less than 10 years
• Annual sales turnover of not more than SGD 100 million or not more than 200 employees
• Project must be IP-driven, tech-based, and conducted mainly in Singapore
• Sectors include advanced manufacturing, biomedical, clean tech, ICT, precision engineering, food science, and more

📌 What This Means for Non-Residents

You’ll need 30% local shareholding. Many foreign entrepreneurs partner with local shareholders to qualify, while still keeping operational control.

The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) helps you take on bigger projects to grow your business sustainably. It covers areas like improving processes, developing new products, or expanding overseas. You should expect the application to take about 8–12 weeks to process.

Funding

• Up to 50% of eligible costs
• Up to 70% for sustainability projects (until March 2026)

Eligibility

• Must be registered in Singapore
• Must show you can finance the project
• Annual sales turnover of not more than SGD 100 million or not more than 200 employees
• Project must fit one of three categories: Core Capabilities, Innovation & Productivity, or Market Access

📌 What This Means for Non-Residents

To qualify, you’ll need a local shareholder with at least 30% ownership. Many foreign SMEs meet this requirement by bringing in a Singapore-based partner.

If you’re planning to expand into new markets, the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) grant helps cut the oversea entry costs. It covers promotion, business development, and in-market set-up.

Funding

• Up to 50% of costs, capped at SGD 100,000 per company per new market
• Split into: SGD 20,000 for promotion, SGD 50,000 for business development, SGD 30,000 for set-up

Eligibility

• Must be registered and operating in Singapore
• Annual sales turnover of not more than SGD 100 million or not more than 200 employees
• Must be new to the target market (sales not more than SGD 100,000 there in each of the last 3 years)

📌 What This Means for Non-Residents

This grant also requires 30% local shareholding. Many foreign founders meet the condition by partnering with a local shareholder or co-founder while still making the main business decisions.

The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) is one of the most practical grants for SMEs. It supports IT solutions, automation, and digital tools such as accounting systems, ecommerce platforms, and POS systems. Applications are submitted online via the Business Grants Portal (BGP) with Corppass, and approvals usually take only a few weeks.

Funding: 

Covers up to 50% of approved qualifying costs.

Eligibility

• Must be registered and operating in Singapore
• For consultancy-type solutions, you need at least 3 local employees
• Some solutions also require 30% local ownership

📌 What This Means for Non-Residents

You can qualify if your company is structured with 30% local shareholding and, where needed, local staff.

The SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) gives you extra credits to invest in staff training and enterprise transformation. Unlike most grants, it’s awarded automatically, and Budget 2025 extended it until 2026.

Funding

• SGD 10,000 credit per firm to cover up to 90% of out-of-pocket costs
• Up to SGD 7,000 can be used for enterprise transformation
• No cap for workforce transformation

Eligibility

• Companies are notified automatically by Enterprise Singapore
• Must contribute at least SGD 750 in Skills Development Levy (SDL) during the qualifying period
• Must employ at least 3 local staff

📌 What This Means for Non-Residents

You can access this once your company is incorporated and you meet the SDL and staffing requirements. There’s no application, credits are automatically added to your account.

Alongside broad schemes like EDG or MRA, you’ll also find grants targeted at certain industries.

• Maritime Cluster Fund (MCF): Supports manpower development and productivity in maritime businesses.
• Business Improvement Fund (BIF): Helps tourism-related businesses adopt technology and enhance competitiveness.
• Business Events in Singapore (BEiS): Provides co-funding for organisers to host international-standard business events.
• Agri-Food Cluster Transformation (ACT) Fund: Assists licensed farms with productivity and sustainability.

You’ll usually need a local entity and collaboration with the relevant government agencies. These won’t apply to most non-resident SMEs, but they can be valuable if you’re entering a specialised sector.

Not every foreign-owned company will meet the 30% local shareholding rule immediately. If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, here are ways to improve your chances or explore other funding options.

Improving Your Grant Eligibility

Even if you don’t qualify today, you can prepare for future applications by:

Restructuring shareholding

Most government agencies require at least 30% local equity. Many foreign business owners achieve this by adding a Singapore-based shareholder.

Partnering with locals

Programmes like PACT and the Global Innovation Alliance connect you with local businesses, co-founders, or mentors. These partnerships strengthen your case for capability development and business growth.

Hiring local employees

Some grants (e.g. PSG, SFEC) require at least three Singapore staff or Permanent Residents. Building a team locally makes your company more attractive for funding.

Setting up a subsidiary

You can register a local company even if fully foreign-owned. Setting up a subsidiary in Singapore gives you this option, and certain PSG solutions accept this structure without the 30% rule. These include IT solutions, automation projects, and energy efficiency initiatives.

Exploring Alternative Funding Sources

Grants aren’t the only option. You can also look at these options.

Private investors & VC

Tap into Singapore’s investor ecosystem via Startup SG Equity, SG Growth Capital, or the Startup SG Network. These support new business models, product development, or innovative technology validation.

Bank loans & trade financing

The Enterprise Financing Scheme provides working capital, trade, venture debt, and green loans through financial institutions. Most still require 30% local equity and proof of annual sales turnover.

Overseas grants & cross-border programmes

Programmes such as the Global Innovation Alliance or Singapore–France Eureka enable international collaboration and funding for qualifying costs like streamlining operations or sector-specific projects.

Securing a grant often comes down to preparation. Showing that your company is ready and compliant with the eligibility criteria is key.

At minimum, you’ll need your ACRA Bizfile profile, Corppass login details, financial statements, business plan, and any product or IP documentation.

Additional supporting evidence, such as client contracts, proof of revenue, or consultants’ track records, strengthens your case. 

For SMEs or new businesses, this may include validation of your product and proof of adopting innovative technology.

Most grants only provide partial support, and you must show you can cover the rest:

• EDG: Up to 50% support (70% for sustainability projects)
• MRA: Up to 50%, capped by category
• PSG: 50% cost-sharing; pre-approval required
• Startup SG Founder: 1:1 matching; at least 50% of co-matching must already be paid-up capital

If you sign a contract, make a payment, or start the project before approval, your claim will be rejected. Processing takes 6–12 weeks, so plan ahead and use the time to streamline your project scope.

EnterpriseSG assesses how your project benefits Singapore. Even as a foreign-owned company, you can strengthen your case by demonstrating contributions in areas like:

• Jobs for Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents
• Capability development within your local entity
• Productivity, automation, or revenue gains
• Contributions to sustainability or industry-specific goals (e.g. Energy Efficiency Grant, Singapore Tourism Board projects)

Provide evidence such as:

• 2–3 years of financial statements and annual sales turnover
• Contracts or invoices with clients or financial institutions
• Track record of successful product development or market expansion

Applications must be complete and on time. The Singapore government and EnterpriseSG make it clear that late or incomplete applications are rejected automatically.

For non-resident entrepreneurs, access to Singapore grants depends on your company’s structure and the industry you operate in. Building a stronger local presence through shareholding, partnerships, or hiring can improve your eligibility.

Grants are not the only option. Alternative funding such as private investors or cross-border financing can support growth, and professional advice can help you avoid delays or rejections during the application process.