Singapore offers one of the region’s most comprehensive support ecosystems for businesses looking to upgrade capabilities or expand internationally. Two of the most widely applied grants are:
- Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) — for business transformation, innovation, and market access
- Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) — for first-time overseas market entry initiatives
While both serve to support business growth, their purposes, funding structures, and eligibility conditions differ. In this insight, we break down the key differences and help you decide which scheme better suits your business goals.
What is the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)?
The EDG is designed to help Singapore companies strengthen core capabilities, improve operational productivity, and expand internationally.
Key features:
- Covers projects in three categories:
- Core Capabilities (business strategy, branding, HR development)
- Innovation & Productivity (automation, digitalisation, process redesign)
- Market Access (overseas market setup, business matching, in-market promotions)
Funding Support:
Up to 50% of qualifying costs for SMEs (higher support possible for sustainability projects or under special government initiatives)
Best for:
- Companies undergoing business transformation
- Companies venturing into new markets with substantial investment
- Businesses needing consultancy, technology upgrades, or overseas market setup services
What is the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant?
The MRA Grant helps SMEs ease the financial costs of entering overseas markets for the first time, by subsidising market entry and promotional activities.
Key features:
- Covers:
- Overseas market entry advisory
- Business matching services
- Marketing activities (digital campaigns, trade fairs, advertising)
Funding Support:
Up to 70% of eligible costs, capped at SGD 100,000 per company per new market per year
Best for:
- SMEs with limited prior presence in a target country
- Companies seeking to validate new markets before larger investment
- Those looking to fund export promotions, business matching, and local representation
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | EDG | MRA |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Business transformation & overseas expansion | First-time overseas market entry |
| Funding Support | Up to 50% (higher for sustainability projects) | Up to 70%, capped at SGD 100,000 per market |
| Covers | Consultancy, equipment, software, market setup | Market entry advisory, promotions, business matching |
| Eligible Companies | Singapore-registered with ≥30% local shareholding | Singapore-registered SMEs with ≥30% local shareholding |
| Application Complexity | Higher (requires detailed project proposal, consultant quotations, outcome forecasts) | Simpler (straightforward quotations, activity proposals) |
| Project Timeline | Typically 6–12 months per project | 3–6 months per market entry project |
| Good for | Larger transformation or market establishment projects | Quick, tactical overseas market entry projects |
Which Grant Should You Choose?
Choose EDG if:
- You’re making significant business upgrades (process automation, digitalisation)
- Planning to set up overseas offices, legal entities, or market-entry partnerships
- Engaging management consultants for core capability development or productivity improvement
Choose MRA if:
- You’re entering a new overseas market for the first time
- Looking to fund short-term promotional activities or export advisory
- Exploring distributors, buyers, or overseas business partners
In many cases, both grants can complement each other — starting with MRA for market testing, followed by EDG for business scaling and operational investment.
How Vanice Advisory Supports Grant Applications
As a certified management consultancy, Vanice Advisory specialises in helping businesses navigate Singapore’s grant ecosystem. Our services include:
- Grant eligibility assessment and opportunity mapping
- Project scoping and proposal development
- Consultant matching and quotation sourcing
- Document preparation and submission management
- Post-approval claim filing advisory
We provide professional, structured grant application services — ensuring your projects align with relevant funding criteria and timelines, while freeing you to focus on operational growth.
Final Thoughts
Both EDG and MRA grants are valuable tools for Singapore companies looking to scale, digitalise, or expand overseas. Understanding their differences allows you to optimise funding opportunities while reducing financial risk.
To schedule a grant advisory consultation or check your eligibility, contact us at vanice@vaniceadvisory.com.