Expand into Taiwan with the Singapore MRA Grant
Taiwan is a vibrant, tech-driven economy that offers Singapore SMEs abundant opportunities for growth. Known for its high standards, strong intellectual property protection, and consumer demand for quality products and services, Taiwan serves as an excellent entry point into the North Asian market.
With the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant by Enterprise Singapore, Singapore-based SMEs can explore and enter the Taiwanese market with co-funded support. If you’re planning to expand your business into Taiwan, the MRA Grant for Taiwan can lower your financial risk and help you make a successful market entry.
Why Choose Taiwan?
Taiwan is more than just a tech manufacturing hub. Its openness to international products and services, digitally-savvy population, and solid infrastructure make it a compelling market for a wide range of Singaporean SMEs:
- Population of over 23 million with high purchasing power
- One of the most digitally connected societies in Asia
- Strong IP laws and business-friendly environment
- Modern logistics and reliable financial systems
- Strong Singapore–Taiwan trade and investment relationships
From Taipei to Taichung and Kaohsiung, there are multiple regions in Taiwan ripe for foreign business development and collaboration.
What is the MRA Grant?
The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant is a government initiative supporting Singapore SMEs in expanding into new overseas markets. For each country — such as Taiwan — the grant provides:
- Up to 70% funding support
- Up to S$100,000 per market per fiscal year
- Support for three key activities:
- Overseas Market Promotion
- Overseas Business Development
- Overseas Market Setup
This enables SMEs to grow internationally without bearing the full weight of expansion costs.
What the MRA Grant Covers in Taiwan
Singapore companies expanding into Taiwan can claim costs under the following categories:
1. Overseas Market Promotion
- Running Taiwanese-targeted digital ad campaigns on Google Taiwan, Facebook, Instagram, LINE, or TikTok
- Collaborations with local influencers and KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders)
- Participation in expos such as Taipei International Food Show, Computex, or Healthcare+ Expo
2. Overseas Business Development
- Engaging third-party consultants for partner search, distributor onboarding, or franchising
- Feasibility and market research specific to the Taiwanese industry and demographics
- B2B networking, client meetings, and business matching services
3. Overseas Market Setup
- Trademark registration with Taiwan’s Intellectual Property Office
- Legal, tax, and compliance advisory for incorporating a company in Taiwan
- Licensing support for regulated sectors such as F&B, education, or fintech
Who is Eligible for the MRA Grant?
To apply for the MRA Grant for Taiwan, your company must:
- Be registered and operating in Singapore
- Have at least 30% local shareholding
- Have a group annual turnover of not more than S$100 million, OR not more than 200 employees
- Not have previously claimed MRA for the same activity in Taiwan
As long as you meet these criteria, your Taiwan market entry project can be co-funded under this scheme.
How to Use the MRA Grant in Taiwan
Here’s how you can put the grant to practical use:
- Launch Mandarin-language ad campaigns targeting Taiwanese social media and search platforms
- Join major trade shows in Taipei to showcase your brand and secure distribution deals
- Hire local consultants to identify suitable partners or clients in Taiwan
- Register your brand name and product trademark before entering the market
- Set up a local entity or rep office to establish a longer-term presence
These initiatives, when supported by MRA funding, allow you to test the waters while managing your business risk.
MRA Grant Application Process for Taiwan
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the application journey:
Step 1: Develop Your Taiwan Strategy
- Identify what services or activities you will undertake — e.g., marketing, partner search, incorporation.
Step 2: Get Vendor Quotations
- Source formal, detailed quotations from third-party vendors before initiating work.
Step 3: Submit via Business Grants Portal
- Log in to the Business Grants Portal (BGP) to complete the application form.
- Attach supporting documents such as ACRA Bizfile, proposal, and vendor quotations.
Step 4: Await Approval
- Enterprise Singapore will evaluate your proposal.
- Upon approval, you will receive a Letter of Offer (LOF). Do not start your project beforehand.
Step 5: Project Execution
- Carry out the project as approved, while maintaining clear records of payments and deliverables.
Step 6: Submit Claims
- After completion, compile all invoices, proof of work, and reports to claim reimbursement.
Industries with High Potential in Taiwan
Singapore SMEs across multiple industries are already exploring or thriving in Taiwan:
- F&B and Food Tech: Demand for unique cuisine, plant-based foods, and premium packaged goods
- Education & Training: English education, coding schools, and executive training programs
- Fintech: B2B and B2C payment platforms, compliance tech, and lending solutions
- Healthcare & Wellness: Skincare, supplements, diagnostic devices, and medical tourism
- Retail & E-Commerce: Lifestyle, fashion, and tech accessories on local platforms like PChome and Shopee Taiwan
Taiwanese consumers appreciate quality, transparency, and reliability — all traits that Singapore businesses are known for.
Why You Should Enter the Taiwanese Market Now
Taiwan offers unique advantages for first-time and experienced international brands. Here’s why now is a good time:
- Post-pandemic recovery and strong domestic demand
- High internet penetration and online spending
- Stable regulatory and political climate
- Low language barrier for Chinese-speaking businesses
- Strong tech infrastructure and logistics ecosystem
Early movers can build brand presence in a competitive yet stable environment and scale as the economy grows.
Business Tips for Taiwan Market Success
To optimise your expansion, here are a few market-specific recommendations:
- Use Traditional Chinese in all branding and communications
- Adapt to local culture — Taiwanese consumers are discerning and value reputation
- Partner with local distributors or agents to build networks faster
- Plan your pricing strategically — Taiwan is value-conscious, but quality-driven
- Stay visible — invest in local marketing, offline and online
These insights, coupled with the support of the MRA Grant, can greatly improve your ROI in Taiwan.
Start Your Taiwan Expansion Today with MRA Funding
The MRA Grant for Taiwan enables Singapore SMEs to confidently take their first step into a thriving, stable, and innovation-friendly market. Whether you’re testing demand, looking for distributors, or setting up a local base, the MRA Grant helps you reduce costs and gain traction with lower risk.
If your business is ready to go regional, Taiwan could be the next great opportunity — and with government funding support, your expansion just became smarter and more achievable.
