If you run a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Singapore, April 2026 brings significant news: the government has enhanced grant support levels for local businesses, with some key schemes now covering up to 70% of eligible costs — up from the previous cap of 50%.
Combined with the $1 billion injection into the Startup SG Equity scheme announced in Budget 2026, this is one of the most substantial boosts to Singapore’s SME and startup ecosystem in recent years. Here’s what changed, what you can apply for, and how your business can benefit.
What Changed from 1 April 2026?
The most impactful update is to the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant, administered by Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG).
Effective 1 April 2026, the MRA grant support level has been enhanced to up to 70% of eligible costs for local SMEs, up from the previous ceiling of 50%. This enhancement will remain in effect through 31 March 2029, giving businesses a three-year window to take advantage of the improved terms.
The MRA grant is designed to help Singapore SMEs expand overseas by supporting activities such as:
- Overseas market promotion (e.g., trade fairs, business development trips)
- Business matching services
- Overseas business set-up (e.g., market entry strategy, legal and regulatory advisory)
With the support level now at 70%, businesses can access up to $100,000 per new market per year in grant funding — a significant uplift that reduces the financial risk of going global.
The $1 Billion Startup SG Equity Boost
Budget 2026, announced earlier this year, also included a landmark commitment: a $1 billion injection into the Startup SG Equity scheme, which provides co-investment funding to Singapore-based startups alongside qualified private investors.
The scheme works on a matching basis — for every dollar invested by an approved third-party investor, Startup SG Equity provides co-investment funding, reducing the dilution burden on founders while giving investors greater confidence.
The $1 billion top-up signals the government’s strong conviction in Singapore’s startup ecosystem as a driver of long-term economic growth. In 2026 (through March), Singapore startups have already raised an impressive $2.22 billion across 29 equity funding rounds — on par with the same period in 2025.
Key Grants Available to Singapore SMEs in 2026
Here is a summary of the major grants available to Singapore SMEs right now:
1. Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
The Enterprise Development Grant supports companies looking to upgrade, innovate, or venture overseas. It covers up to 50% of qualifying costs in three core areas: Core Capabilities, Innovation & Productivity, and Market Access.
Projects that qualify include business strategy development, process redesign, product development, and overseas market expansion. Apply via the Enterprise Singapore website.
2. Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant
As noted above, the MRA grant now covers up to 70% of eligible costs (effective 1 April 2026) for activities related to overseas business development. It’s available to Singapore-registered companies with at least 30% local shareholding and annual sales of no more than $100 million or no more than 200 employees.
3. Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
The Productivity Solutions Grant supports SMEs in adopting pre-approved IT solutions and equipment to improve productivity. It covers up to 50% of qualifying costs and is particularly useful for businesses looking to digitalise their operations — from accounting software and HR systems to customer management platforms and e-commerce tools.
4. SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC)
Employers can tap SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit to defray costs related to enterprise transformation and workforce upskilling. Each eligible company gets $10,000 in credits, usable for qualifying programmes and solutions.
5. Startup SG Equity
For early-stage startups seeking equity funding, Startup SG Equity provides government co-investment alongside private investors. The scheme targets innovative, technology-based startups with strong growth potential and is a core pillar of Singapore’s startup support ecosystem.
Singapore Startup Funding Momentum in 2026
Beyond government grants, Singapore’s venture capital and private equity ecosystem remains buoyant. According to Tracxn, the country’s startups have attracted $2.22 billion in funding across 29 equity rounds in the first quarter of 2026 — a figure that matches the momentum of the same period in 2025 despite global macroeconomic headwinds.
Key focus areas attracting investor attention in 2026 include:
- Artificial Intelligence and generative AI tools — both as standalone products and as enablers for traditional industries
- Fintech and embedded finance — Singapore’s status as a regional financial hub continues to draw investment into payments, lending, and wealth management innovation
- Climate tech and sustainability — in line with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 commitments
- Healthcare technology — AgeTech, digital health platforms, and biomedical innovation
How to Apply
Most grants for Singapore SMEs are administered through Enterprise Singapore and can be accessed via the Business Grants Portal at businessgrants.gov.sg. The portal provides a single platform for businesses to discover, apply for, and manage government grants.
Key tips for a successful application:
- Ensure your company meets the eligibility criteria (e.g., local shareholding thresholds, employee count, annual turnover)
- Clearly articulate your project’s objectives, expected outcomes, and how it supports business growth
- Obtain quotes from at least three vendors before applying, as this is required for most grant categories
- Apply before starting your project — most grants do not allow retrospective claims
Singapore SMEs: Don’t Leave Money on the Table
With the MRA grant support level now at 70% and over $1 billion committed to the startup ecosystem, the government’s message to Singapore businesses is clear: this is the time to grow, innovate, and expand.
Whether you’re a hawker stall looking to digitalise, an SME eyeing overseas markets, or a deep-tech startup raising your Series A — there are more resources available to you right now than at almost any previous point in Singapore’s business history.
Take the time to explore what’s available. It could make a material difference to your business’s trajectory in 2026 and beyond.
For more information on available grants and eligibility criteria, visit Enterprise Singapore or the Business Grants Portal.
