Last updated: 29 October 2026 · 8 min read
Reviewed by: Corporate Secretarial Team, HeySara
Key Takeaways
- First-time founders can get up to S$50,000 through Startup SG Founder, applied for through an Accredited Mentor Partner.
- Since 30 September 2026, the EDGE grant has replaced EDG, PSG and MRA for new applications, with a cap of S$100,000 per company per year.
- The Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi) gives a 200% deduction on qualifying overseas expansion costs, and the automatic cap rises to S$400,000 from YA 2027.
- Sector schemes remain open for fintech (MAS FSTI 4.0), social enterprises (raiSE VentureForGood) and tourism (STB Business Improvement Fund).
- Most grants require a Singapore-registered company, so you generally need to incorporate first.
First-time founders in Singapore can get up to S$50,000 through Startup SG Founder, and most companies can apply for up to S$100,000 a year under the new EDGE grant. This guide, based on HeySara’s experience supporting founders who incorporate in Singapore, covers the schemes that are open now. Singapore remains one of the best countries in Asia for startups, with infrastructure, financing schemes, grants and tax incentives for new businesses.
Grants and schemes at a glance
| Scheme | Best for | Support | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Startup SG Founder | First-time founders | S$20,000 to S$50,000, co-matched with your own capital | Through an Accredited Mentor Partner |
| Startup SG Tech | Startups with proprietary technology | Milestone-based grants for proof-of-concept and proof-of-value | Enterprise Singapore |
| Startup SG Equity | Tech startups raising private investment | Government co-investment alongside private investors | Through approved investment partners |
| EDGE grant | Singapore companies starting new projects | Up to 70% (SMEs) or 50% (non-SMEs) by activity, capped at S$100,000 per year | Business Grants Portal |
| DTDi | Companies expanding overseas | 200% tax deduction on qualifying expenses | Claimed in your tax return |
| Enterprise Financing Scheme | Businesses needing financing | Government-backed loans | Through participating financial institutions |
| FSTI 4.0 (MAS) | Financial institutions and fintech firms | Co-funding by track, from a S$220 million, three-year commitment | Through MAS |
| VentureForGood (raiSE) | Social enterprises | Up to S$300,000 for growth-stage members | Through raiSE |
| Business Improvement Fund (STB) | Tourism businesses and tourism-tech companies | Up to 70% (SMEs) or 50% (non-SMEs) of qualifying costs | Through STB |
Startup SG programmes
Startup SG Founder
Startup SG Founder supports first-time entrepreneurs with mentorship and a startup capital grant of S$20,000 to S$50,000, co-matched by capital you put into the company. Since 1 April 2024, matching has been on a 1:1 basis. You can’t apply directly to Enterprise Singapore: you apply through an Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP), who assesses your idea and mentors you for up to 12 months while the grant is released against milestones. The primary applicant must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, and the company must meet Enterprise Singapore’s local shareholding requirement.
Startup SG Tech
Startup SG Tech funds the proof-of-concept and proof-of-value stages of commercialising proprietary technology. Grants are released against milestones. The technology must be proprietary, meaning intellectual property or intellectual assets owned by the startup or licensed from a research institute, rather than a system built from off-the-shelf components. Funding caps and ownership conditions are set by Enterprise Singapore, so check its page before you apply.
Startup SG Equity
Under Startup SG Equity, the government co-invests with approved private investors in Singapore-based technology startups that have intellectual property and international market potential. It is delivered through SEEDS Capital, Enterprise Singapore’s investment arm. Budget 2026 committed a further S$1 billion to the scheme.
Startup SG Talent
Startup SG Talent helps international entrepreneurs and startups bring in talent. Pathways include the EntrePass and the Tech@SG Programme, which may suit fast-growing tech companies newly expanding to Singapore and the region.
Other Startup SG programmes
- Startup SG Accelerator: funding and support for incubators and accelerators, so startups benefit by joining a participating programme.
- Startup SG Infrastructure: physical space for startups and the ecosystem, such as JTC Launchpads.
- Startup SG Network: lets startups profile themselves and connect with local and global partners.
- Startup SG Investor: tax incentives for individuals and funds that invest in startups.
- Startup SG Loan: government-backed financing through the Enterprise Financing Scheme (covered below).
EDGE grant: replacing EDG, PSG and MRA
From 30 September 2026, Enterprise Singapore’s EDGE grant replaced the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) and Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) for new applications. The three older schemes closed to new applications on 29 September 2026, and applications submitted before then continue to be assessed under their original rules.
| Former scheme | What it covered | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) | Core capabilities, innovation and productivity, market access | Closed to new applications; covered by EDGE |
| Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) | Pre-approved digital solutions and equipment | Closed to new applications; covered by EDGE |
| Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) | Overseas market entry costs | Closed to new applications; covered by EDGE |
Under EDGE, support is set per activity: up to 70% of eligible costs for SMEs and up to 50% for non-SMEs, with a cap of S$100,000 per company per year (running from 1 April to 31 March). Within that cap, a sub-cap of S$30,000 applies to digital solutions, integrated enterprise systems and pre-scoped equipment. Funding received under EDG, PSG or MRA before the change does not count towards the EDGE cap. Applications are made through the Business Grants Portal.
Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi)
The DTDi scheme lets companies claim a 200% tax deduction on qualifying expenses for international market expansion and investment development, such as overseas trade fairs, market development trips, and overseas advertising and promotion. The scheme has been extended to 31 December 2030.
You can claim the deduction automatically, without prior approval from Enterprise Singapore, on the first S$150,000 of qualifying expenses per Year of Assessment. From YA 2027, that automatic cap rises to S$400,000. Spending above the cap, or on activities outside the automatic list, needs prior approval. For other tax benefits, see tax benefits for new startup companies.
Enterprise Financing Scheme
The Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS) offers government-backed loans, delivered through participating financial institutions, for needs such as working capital and fixed assets. Budget 2026 increased the loan quantum available under the scheme. Check Enterprise Singapore for the current loan types and amounts.
Sector-specific schemes
FSTI 4.0: Financial Sector Technology and Innovation (MAS)
For fintech startups and financial institutions, the Monetary Authority of Singapore renewed its Financial Sector Technology and Innovation Scheme as FSTI 4.0 on 31 August 2026, committing up to S$220 million over three years. It runs through six tracks, including Manpower (supporting at least 1,000 fintech internships), Institution Project (for Singapore-based financial institutions and fintech firms developing and deploying solutions, with a focus on AI, distributed ledger technology and quantum), AI Pathfinder, Infrastructure & Platform, and Centre of Excellence. Co-funding terms differ by track, so check MAS for the track that fits your project.
VentureForGood (raiSE)
VentureForGood (VFG) is a grant from raiSE, the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise, for social enterprises that create human-centred social impact, such as employment for disadvantaged individuals. Growth-stage social enterprises that are raiSE members can receive up to S$300,000. raiSE also offers a smaller EnergiSE grant of up to S$50,000 for earlier-stage social enterprises.
Business Improvement Fund (STB)
The Business Improvement Fund (BIF) is run by the Singapore Tourism Board for Singapore-registered businesses with tourism-focused projects, including tourism companies building capabilities and technology companies creating solutions for tourism businesses. It supports technology adoption, process and business model redesign, and sustainability initiatives, covering up to 70% of qualifying costs for SMEs and up to 50% for non-SMEs. Projects that have already started before STB’s offer may not qualify, and startups with tourism projects aren’t automatically eligible, since STB evaluates the scope and merits of each project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which grant is best for a first-time founder?
Startup SG Founder, which combines a capital grant of up to S$50,000 with mentorship. You apply through an Accredited Mentor Partner.
Can a foreigner apply for Startup SG Founder?
The primary applicant must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident. Foreign founders may look at pathways such as the EntrePass instead.
What happened to EDG, PSG and MRA?
They closed to new applications on 29 September 2026 and were replaced by the EDGE grant. Applications submitted before that date continue under the original rules.
How much can my company get under EDGE?
Up to S$100,000 per company per year, with support set per activity at up to 70% for SMEs and up to 50% for non-SMEs.
Are there grants for fintech, social enterprise or tourism startups?
Yes. MAS runs FSTI 4.0 for the financial sector, raiSE runs VentureForGood for social enterprises, and STB runs the Business Improvement Fund for tourism businesses.
Do I need to incorporate before applying for grants?
Most grants require a Singapore-registered company, so incorporating comes first. See our company registration process guide.
Ready to start? HeySara’s company incorporation service can register your company so you’re set up to apply for the schemes above.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or professional advice. Grant schemes, support levels and eligibility criteria are set by Enterprise Singapore and other agencies and change often. Verify current terms on the relevant agency’s website before applying. HeySara accepts no liability for actions taken based on this article.
