Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) Singapore

What is the Singapore Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)?

The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) is one of Singapore’s flagship government grants aimed at helping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) grow, transform, and compete both locally and internationally. Administered by Enterprise Singapore, the EDG supports projects that strengthen a business’s core capabilities, innovate processes or products, and expand into overseas markets.

For companies looking to take their business to the next level—whether through digitalisation, branding, productivity improvements, or market expansion—the EDG is a powerful enabler. However, navigating the grant’s framework, requirements, and application process can be challenging. That’s why understanding the EDG and how to make the most of it is essential for forward-thinking business owners.

Purpose of the Enterprise Development Grant

The EDG aims to support long-term business growth by providing financial assistance for strategic projects in three main areas:

  1. Core Capabilities
  2. Innovation and Productivity
  3. Market Access

These categories are broad enough to cover a variety of industries and business needs, yet specific enough to guide applicants toward meaningful transformation.

1. Core Capabilities

This category focuses on strengthening the foundation of your business. It’s ideal for companies looking to:

  • Improve internal processes
  • Enhance strategic planning
  • Develop branding and marketing strategies
  • Build HR capabilities

Common projects under Core Capabilities include:

  • Business Strategy Development
  • Financial Management Improvements
  • Branding and Marketing Development
  • Human Capital Development
  • Service Excellence Projects

Example: A local logistics company engaging a consultant to refine its pricing and business model to stay competitive.

2. Innovation and Productivity

This category supports companies that want to improve operational efficiency, redesign workflows, or innovate in their products and services. Projects here may involve:

  • Process redesign
  • Product development
  • Technology adoption
  • Automation

It is especially relevant in today’s climate where digitalisation and innovation are critical for survival.

Example: A manufacturing SME implementing robotics and automation to reduce manpower dependency and boost output.

3. Market Access

For companies with a vision to grow beyond Singapore, the Market Access pillar helps to defray costs related to international expansion, such as:

  • Overseas market set-up
  • Overseas business development
  • Market entry strategies
  • Participation in overseas trade fairs

Example: A food manufacturer engaging a market research firm to explore entry strategies into the Malaysian and Indonesian markets.

Funding Support and Eligibility

As of recent updates, EDG can fund up to 50% of qualifying project costs for most SMEs, and in some cases, higher support levels are offered for sustainability-related or strategic projects. The qualifying costs include:

  • Third-party consultancy fees
  • Software and equipment
  • Internal manpower costs directly related to the project

Who is eligible?

To qualify for the EDG, your business must:

  1. Be registered and operating in Singapore
  2. Have a minimum of 30% local shareholding
  3. Be financially viable to start and complete the project

Note: Financial viability typically means having a healthy balance sheet or adequate resources to co-fund the project costs.

Why EDG Matters to Singapore Businesses

1. Encourages Long-Term Transformation

EDG projects are not short-term fixes. They aim to fundamentally improve how businesses operate, allowing them to build strong foundations and stay competitive in a fast-changing market.

2. Enables Strategic Investment

With funding covering up to half the cost, businesses can invest in strategic upgrades without straining their cash flow. Whether it’s engaging expert consultants, adopting cutting-edge tech, or expanding abroad, EDG turns bold ideas into achievable milestones.

3. Helps Companies Stay Competitive

In a post-pandemic, tech-driven economy, businesses must constantly innovate to stay relevant. EDG supports this need for continuous improvement, especially in areas like automation, branding, and internationalisation.

EDG Application Process

While the grant is generous, the application process can be complex. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Identify the Project

Determine which area (Core Capabilities, Innovation & Productivity, or Market Access) your project falls under. You’ll also need to define the project scope and intended outcomes.

Step 2: Engage a Pre-Approved Consultant (if required)

For certain projects, engaging a certified management consultant or a vendor with experience in similar EDG projects may improve your application success rate.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

You’ll need to submit:

  • A detailed project proposal
  • Cost breakdown
  • Company’s ACRA profile
  • Audited financial statements (typically for the past 1–2 years)
  • Quotations from vendors/consultants
  • Project timeline and deliverables

Step 4: Submit via Business Grants Portal (BGP)

Applications must be submitted through the Business Grants Portal (BGP) (https://www.businessgrants.gov.sg), which serves as a central platform for all government grants.

Step 5: Evaluation by Enterprise Singapore

Enterprise Singapore will assess the application based on project scope, impact, and the company’s readiness. They may contact you for clarifications or additional documents.

Step 6: Approval and Project Execution

Once approved, you can commence the project. After completion, you’ll need to submit reports and supporting documents for claims.

Common Challenges in Applying for EDG

  1. Vague project objectives – Applications lacking clear goals or expected outcomes are often rejected.
  2. Poor documentation – Missing or incomplete financial records, consultant quotations, or project scopes can slow down or derail the process.
  3. Weak business justification – If the project doesn’t clearly align with the company’s goals or the EDG’s strategic objectives, it’s unlikely to be approved.

That’s where an experienced grant consultant adds tremendous value.

Why Work with a Grant Consultant?

At GrantConsultant.sg, we specialise in helping businesses craft strong, tailored EDG applications that maximise success rates. Our services include:

  • Project scoping and eligibility assessment
  • Proposal drafting and editing
  • Vendor/consultant recommendations
  • Financial documentation support
  • Compliance guidance and claim submission

We’ve supported clients across industries—from retail and F&B to logistics and professional services—to secure meaningful EDG funding.

Success Story: How EDG Transformed a Local Business

One of our clients, a mid-sized engineering firm, wanted to upgrade its internal project management processes. We guided them through an EDG Core Capabilities project involving:

  • Engaging a management consultant
  • Developing a new operations framework
  • Training key personnel

The project was approved and co-funded by EDG. As a result, the company improved its turnaround time, reduced costs, and saw a 20% boost in client satisfaction—all while future-proofing its operations.

Conclusion

The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) is a game-changer for Singapore SMEs. It empowers businesses to make strategic improvements, innovate their processes, and explore new markets—all with substantial financial support from the government.

While the process can be daunting, the benefits far outweigh the challenges—especially when you have the right partner guiding you.

At GrantConsultant.sg, we’re committed to helping SMEs unlock the full potential of the EDG and other grant schemes. If you’re ready to elevate your business through transformation, digitalisation, or overseas expansion, let us walk the journey with you.

Contact us today and let’s explore how EDG can fuel your growth.

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