MRA Grant for Philippines

Tap into the Philippine Market with the Singapore MRA Grant

The Philippines is a vibrant and growing market with strong English proficiency, a youthful population, and a rapidly expanding digital economy. For Singapore SMEs, it presents an ideal gateway for Southeast Asian expansion. Whether you’re entering the market through online channels, partnerships, or physical presence, the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant can help fund your journey.

This guide walks you through how to use the MRA Grant for the Philippines, covering what it supports, eligibility, strategic advantages, and how to successfully enter the Philippine market with reduced financial risk.

Why Expand to the Philippines?

The Philippines is one of the most dynamic economies in Southeast Asia, with characteristics that make it especially attractive for Singaporean businesses:

  • Over 110 million people, with a large and growing middle class
  • Young, tech-savvy population (median age of 25)
  • One of the world’s largest English-speaking populations
  • Booming e-commerce and digital adoption
  • Favourable trade relations with Singapore

The Philippines is particularly strong in sectors such as retail, business process outsourcing (BPO), education, healthcare, fintech, and food & beverage.

What is the MRA Grant?

The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant, administered by Enterprise Singapore, is designed to help Singapore SMEs take their first steps into new overseas markets like the Philippines.

For each eligible market, businesses can receive:

  • Up to 70% funding support
  • Up to S$100,000 per market per fiscal year
  • Coverage across three main activity categories:
    1. Overseas Market Promotion
    2. Overseas Business Development
    3. Overseas Market Setup

This reduces the cost and complexity of going international, especially for smaller firms.

What the MRA Grant Covers in the Philippines

Your business can claim eligible expenses in these three categories when expanding into the Philippines:

1. Overseas Market Promotion

  • Digital and social media advertising campaigns on platforms like Facebook Philippines, Google Ads, TikTok, or Lazada
  • Influencer marketing and content creation for Filipino audiences
  • Participation in trade exhibitions and roadshows such as IFEX Philippines, Franchise Asia, or the Philippine SME Business Expo

2. Overseas Business Development

  • Hiring third-party consultants to help you find partners, franchisees, or resellers
  • Conducting localised market research and feasibility studies
  • Business matching services with Philippine companies, facilitated by local chambers or industry groups

3. Overseas Market Setup

  • Legal, compliance, and incorporation services for setting up a business entity in the Philippines
  • Trademark and intellectual property (IP) registration with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL)
  • Licensing and government registration costs for physical operations

MRA Grant Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the MRA Grant for the Philippines, your company must meet the following:

  • Be registered and operating in Singapore
  • Have at least 30% local shareholding
  • Have an annual group sales turnover not exceeding S$100 million, OR a group employment size of fewer than 200 employees
  • Not have previously claimed the MRA Grant for the same activity in the Philippines

If these conditions are met, you can proceed to apply and enjoy co-funding support for your Philippine market entry.

How to Apply the MRA Grant in the Philippine Context

Here’s how you can strategically use the MRA Grant to enter the Philippines:

  • Launch targeted digital campaigns to promote your brand in Manila, Cebu, and Davao
  • Attend local trade fairs to connect with franchise partners or buyers
  • Engage a consultant to assess market conditions and connect you with reliable distributors
  • Register your IP before launching any product or service
  • Get professional help to incorporate a local office or representative entity

This approach ensures that your expansion is structured, well-supported, and more likely to succeed long term.

Step-by-Step MRA Application Process

Here’s a quick guide on how to apply the MRA Grant for your Philippines market expansion:

Step 1: Define Your Expansion Plan

  • Outline what you intend to do in the Philippines — digital campaigns, incorporation, market study, etc.

Step 2: Gather Quotations

  • Request formal quotations from third-party service providers or consultants before any activity begins.

Step 3: Apply via the Business Grants Portal (BGP)

  • Log in and complete the MRA application form.
  • Attach necessary supporting documents including ACRA Bizfile, detailed quotations, and your proposal.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

  • Enterprise Singapore will assess the application.
  • Once approved, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer (LOF) — you can only begin the project after this.

Step 5: Execute the Project

  • Implement your activities in the Philippines.
  • Keep records of all expenses, invoices, and deliverables.

Step 6: Submit Your Claim

  • After project completion, submit your claim along with proof of work and payments to get reimbursed.

Singapore Industries Gaining Ground in the Philippines

Singaporean SMEs across a variety of industries are making inroads into the Philippines with help from the MRA Grant:

  • Retail & F&B: Café chains, fast-food concepts, and beauty brands entering the franchising scene
  • EdTech & Education: Online learning platforms and language schools
  • Tech Startups: B2B SaaS tools, fintech apps, and HR platforms targeting SMEs
  • Healthcare & Wellness: Clinics, supplements, and diagnostic tools
  • Professional Services: Legal, consulting, and financial services firms expanding into BPO-rich markets

The Philippines offers a well-matched environment for Singapore SMEs to grow their ASEAN footprint.

Why Expand to the Philippines Now?

Here’s why the Philippines is a timely market to consider:

  • High digital penetration with nearly 85 million internet users
  • Fast recovery post-COVID, with GDP growth exceeding 5% annually
  • Favourable business incentives for foreign investments
  • Rising demand for quality goods and services in urban and regional cities
  • Singapore-Philippines bilateral agreements supporting trade and services

The sooner you enter, the sooner you’ll gain first-mover advantage in emerging industries and regions.

Tips for Business Success in the Philippines

To optimise your market entry, keep these local insights in mind:

  • Localise your content: English is widely spoken, but cultural relevance is key
  • Build trust: Filipinos value strong relationships and word-of-mouth
  • Hire local partners or staff: They provide insights into customer behaviour and compliance
  • Price competitively: Price sensitivity is common in consumer segments
  • Understand regional diversity: Business environments differ significantly across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

These nuances, combined with the funding from the MRA Grant, can help you set realistic, scalable growth strategies.

Start Your Philippine Expansion Journey Today

The MRA Grant for the Philippines is your launchpad into a fast-growing, English-friendly, and digitally active market. Whether you’re aiming to test product-market fit, build brand awareness, or set up operations, this grant allows you to do so with lower upfront costs and government-backed confidence.

As one of the closest and most accessible markets to Singapore, the Philippines is ripe with potential for ambitious SMEs.

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