Startup Grants in Singapore: A 2026 Guide for Founders and SMEs
Starting or growing a business in Singapore often requires investment in technology, people, processes and market expansion. The good news is that eligible startups and SMEs may be able to access government support to reduce the cost of selected business projects.
For founders searching for startup grants in Singapore, understanding which scheme applies to your business is important. Grant eligibility, funding levels and application requirements can differ depending on the type of project you are undertaking.
This guide explains the key Singapore business grants for startups and SMEs in 2026, including the transition to the new EDGE Grant, and how professional firms such as WLP can help businesses prepare their financial information and digital accounting systems.
What Are Startup Grants in Singapore?
Startup and SME grants are government-supported funding schemes designed to encourage businesses to invest in areas such as digitalisation, productivity, innovation, capability development and international expansion.
Unlike a conventional business loan, a grant generally does not require repayment when the approved project is completed according to the relevant scheme requirements.
However, grants are not automatic funding. Businesses normally need to satisfy eligibility conditions and obtain approval before starting the supported project.
For example, Enterprise Singapore states that eligible businesses applying for the PSG must be Singapore-registered and operating businesses with at least 30% local equity, while also meeting the applicable SME size criteria.
Singapore Grant Changes in 2026: PSG, EDG and MRA Move to EDGE
One of the most important developments for Singapore businesses in 2026 is the introduction of the EDGE Grant.
The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG), Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) and Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) are scheduled to cease accepting new applications on 29 September 2026. From 30 September 2026, businesses can apply under the EDGE Grant instead. Existing applications and approved projects under the earlier schemes continue to be handled according to their respective requirements.
EDGE consolidates business support across several areas, including:
- Automation and digitalisation
- Business strategy
- Financial management
- Innovation
- Internationalisation
- Standards
- Sustainability
Eligible SMEs can receive up to 70% support, depending on the specific activity, while the overall grant support can reach S$100,000 per company per year across supported activities.
Because grant conditions can change, founders should always verify the applicable scheme and support level before committing to a project.
- EDGE Grant: Supporting Business Growth and Digitalisation
The EDGE Grant is particularly relevant to businesses looking to improve their operations, adopt technology or build stronger capabilities.
It brings multiple areas of business support under one framework, allowing companies to select activities based on their current business priorities.
Potential areas include:
Automation and Digitalisation
Businesses may explore technology that helps automate repetitive work, improve operational efficiency and strengthen access to business information.
For accounting teams, this can include moving from manual bookkeeping to cloud-based accounting systems and connected digital workflows.
Financial Management
Better financial systems can help founders monitor revenue, expenses, cash flow and profitability more effectively.
A properly implemented cloud accounting platform can also make collaboration between business owners and accounting professionals easier.
Business Strategy
Growing companies may require support to improve their strategic planning, operating model, internal processes or organisational capabilities.
Internationalisation
Businesses planning to enter overseas markets may also explore support available for international expansion activities under the EDGE framework.
The exact eligible activities and funding percentages depend on the project, so businesses should check the latest Enterprise Singapore requirements before applying.
- Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
Although PSG is being replaced for new applications by EDGE from 30 September 2026, it remains relevant for businesses with projects that fall within the existing application window.
PSG supports eligible Singapore SMEs adopting pre-approved IT solutions and equipment intended to improve productivity.
Enterprise Singapore states that eligible SMEs can receive up to 50% support, subject to the applicable grant caps and solution requirements.
Common applications can include:
- Accounting software
- Customer relationship management systems
- Inventory management
- Digital business tools
- Other pre-approved productivity solutions
Businesses should check whether the specific solution and vendor are approved before proceeding.
PSG and Cloud Accounting
For startups and SMEs, accounting software can be an important part of digital transformation.
Cloud accounting can help businesses:
- Automate bank reconciliation
- Issue and track invoices
- Monitor cash flow
- Generate financial reports
- Collaborate with external accountants
- Reduce repetitive bookkeeping tasks
WLP provides cloud accounting and Xero-related services for Singapore businesses. WLP is also listed by Xero among its PSG-approved partners, making it relevant for businesses exploring supported Xero solutions.
- Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
The Enterprise Development Grant has traditionally supported Singapore businesses undertaking projects involving business transformation, innovation and market development.
EDG support can cover areas such as:
- Business strategy
- Financial management
- Human resources
- Branding and marketing
- Process improvement
- Automation
- Innovation
- Market access
Enterprise Singapore states that EDG can support qualifying project costs such as third-party consultancy, software and equipment, and eligible internal manpower costs.
As with PSG and MRA, EDG will transition into the EDGE framework for new applications from 30 September 2026.
- Startup SG Founder
Startup SG Founder is designed specifically around first-time entrepreneurs developing innovative business ideas.
The programme combines funding support with mentorship through Accredited Mentor Partners.
It is therefore different from technology adoption grants such as PSG. Instead of simply funding a software purchase, the programme is intended to help qualifying founders develop innovative and scalable businesses.
Eligibility requirements can include criteria relating to:
- First-time entrepreneurship
- Singapore incorporation
- Local shareholding
- Founder involvement
- Innovation
- Business scalability
Founders should check the current Startup SG requirements and participating Accredited Mentor Partners before applying.
- Startup SG Tech
Technology-driven startups may also want to investigate Startup SG Tech.
This programme is aimed at startups developing proprietary or deep-tech innovations and can provide non-dilutive support for qualifying technology development.
The programme distinguishes between proof-of-concept and proof-of-value stages, making it more relevant to technology startups developing and commercialising innovative solutions than to conventional service businesses.
- SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit
Some businesses may also qualify for the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC).
SFEC is designed to help eligible employers invest in workforce transformation and selected enterprise development initiatives.
Rather than treating grants as isolated funding opportunities, businesses should consider how available support can fit into a broader plan covering technology, employee training and business transformation.
What Are the Basic Requirements for Singapore SME Grants?
Requirements depend on the individual scheme, but common considerations include:
Singapore Registration
The business generally needs to be registered and operating in Singapore for Enterprise Singapore schemes.
Local Shareholding
Many schemes use a minimum local equity requirement. For example, PSG and EDG generally require at least 30% local equity for SME support.
SME Size
For PSG, Enterprise Singapore currently specifies group annual sales turnover of not more than S$100 million or group employment of not more than 200 employees.
Project Timing
One of the most important rules is timing.
Businesses should not assume they can spend first and claim the grant later. For PSG, for example, applicants must not have made payment or deposits relating to the supported solution before submitting the application.
Always confirm the specific requirements for the scheme you are applying for before signing contracts or making payments.
How to Apply for a Startup Grant in Singapore
Although application procedures differ between schemes, a typical process looks like this:
Step 1: Identify Your Business Need
Start with the project rather than the grant.
Ask what your business actually needs:
- Accounting digitalisation?
- Automation?
- Business process improvement?
- Employee training?
- Overseas expansion?
- Technology development?
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Review the relevant government requirements, including local ownership, company size, project scope and other conditions.
Step 3: Prepare Financial Information
Accurate financial records can make it easier to prepare business information and demonstrate the company’s financial position.
This is where an accounting firm can be useful, particularly for startups that have not yet established strong bookkeeping and reporting processes.
Step 4: Obtain Quotations or Prepare a Project Proposal
Depending on the scheme, you may need a quotation from an approved vendor or a detailed project proposal.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Applications for Enterprise Singapore grants are generally managed through the Business Grants Portal.
Step 6: Wait for Approval Before Proceeding
Do not assume that submitting an application means the project has been approved.
Check the Letter of Offer and applicable grant conditions before starting the supported activity.
Step 7: Complete the Project and Submit Your Claim
Once the approved project has been completed, submit the required supporting documents and claim according to the relevant scheme requirements.
Common Mistakes Startups Make When Applying for Grants
Grant applications can become complicated when business owners focus only on the funding percentage.
Here are several issues to watch for:
Starting the Project Too Early
Making payments or committing to a project before the required application or approval stage can affect eligibility.
Choosing the Wrong Grant
A technology purchase, business consultancy project and overseas expansion activity may fall under different funding categories.
Incomplete Accounting Records
Outdated bookkeeping and poorly maintained financial records can make it harder to prepare accurate supporting information.
Unclear Project Objectives
A strong application should clearly explain what the company intends to implement, why it is necessary and what measurable business improvement is expected.
Assuming Every Expense Is Claimable
Grant support applies to eligible costs under the specific scheme. A business should not assume that every related expense will automatically qualify.
How WLP Can Help Singapore Startups
For founders, applying for a grant is only one part of building a financially sound business.
WLP supports Singapore startups and SMEs with accounting, tax, compliance and cloud accounting services. WLP also provides Xero-related services and has been listed by Xero as a PSG-approved partner.
Depending on your business requirements, professional accounting support can help with:
- Bookkeeping and financial reporting
- Xero implementation
- Accounting system migration
- GST and tax-related compliance
- Payroll services
- Financial management
- Accounting process digitalisation
- Business advisory
For startups, having reliable financial records from the beginning can also provide a stronger foundation for budgeting, cash-flow management and future business decisions.
Why Proper Accounting Matters Before Applying for Business Grants
Grant funding should not be viewed separately from your company’s overall financial management.
Accurate accounting helps founders understand:
- How much cash the business has available
- Monthly operating costs
- Outstanding receivables
- Profitability
- Tax obligations
- Project budgets
- Funding requirements
For example, a startup considering a new accounting platform should look beyond the grant percentage. The business should also consider implementation, migration, training, reporting requirements and the long-term suitability of the system.
This is one reason businesses often work with an accounting partner such as WLP when planning their digital finance processes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Startup Grants in Singapore
What is the main startup grant in Singapore?
There is no single grant that applies to every startup. Depending on the business and project, founders may consider schemes such as Startup SG Founder, Startup SG Tech or Enterprise Singapore’s SME support programmes.
From 30 September 2026, EDGE consolidates several areas of business support previously covered by PSG, EDG and MRA.
Can a new company apply for a Singapore business grant?
Some schemes are available to newer businesses, while others depend on the company’s ownership, financial position, project scope and operating circumstances. Always check the current eligibility criteria for the specific programme.
Can startups get funding for accounting software?
Eligible businesses may receive government support for qualifying digital solutions under applicable schemes. PSG has supported pre-approved IT solutions, including accounting-related digitalisation, subject to the relevant eligibility and vendor requirements.
Can WLP help with Xero?
Yes. WLP provides Xero-related accounting services and is listed by Xero among its PSG-approved partners. Services can include Xero setup, accounting support and digital accounting implementation.
Do I need an accountant to apply for a grant?
Not necessarily. Businesses generally submit their own grant applications through the relevant government portal. However, an accountant can help ensure that financial information, accounting records and project-related figures are properly prepared.
Final Thoughts
Singapore offers several forms of government support for startups and SMEs, but the right programme depends on what your business is trying to achieve.
In 2026, founders should pay particular attention to the transition from PSG, EDG and MRA to the EDGE Grant. The new framework brings several areas of business support together, including digitalisation, financial management, innovation and internationalisation.
Before applying, establish your project scope, verify eligibility, prepare accurate financial information and check the latest government requirements.
For startups looking to modernise their accounting systems, manage compliance or implement Xero, WLP can provide accounting and digital finance support alongside your broader business growth plans.
Important: Grant schemes, eligibility requirements, funding rates and application deadlines can change. Always verify the latest requirements directly with Enterprise Singapore or the relevant government agency before committing funds to a project.