Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) Guide

The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) is one of Singapore’s key initiatives to help local companies strengthen capabilities, innovate, and expand internationally. In today’s environment of rising costs, tight talent markets, and constant pressure to transform, sustainable growth has become increasingly difficult for businesses.

So, the Enterprise Development Grant EDG addresses this by providing significant co-funding, enabling businesses to invest in upgrading, digital adoption, and overseas expansion without bearing the full financial burden. This makes it an essential tool for businesses seeking additional funding and long‑term competitiveness and resilience.

This guide explains how the Singapore Enterprise Development Grant works, what projects it supports, and the eligibility, application, and documentation requirements, along with practical tips to strengthen your proposal. Whether it’s your first application or a refinement of an existing plan, this article will help you apply with clarity and confidence.

What is the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)?

The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) is a Singapore government initiative administered by Enterprise Singapore (ESG) that helps local businesses scale up and modernize. Unlike grants for basic off-the-shelf solutions, the EDG supports deep capability building and strategic transformation.

Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, covering qualifying project costs such as third-party consultancy fees, specialized software, equipment, and incremental internal workforce. Businesses can typically receive up to 50% support for eligible expenses, while sustainability-focused projects may qualify for up to 70%.

By January 2026, reports showed that EDG remained a steady driver of growth, with EnterpriseSG reporting that it supported around 11,700 firms in 2025, increasing slightly from 11,500 the year before. This consistent uptake highlights how vital EDG has become for businesses to navigate rising costs, tackle challenges, and innovate.

Three Pillars Of EDG

The Singapore Enterprise Development Grant focuses on three key areas that help businesses grow and succeed. These pillars are designed to support efforts, strengthen your foundations, find new ways to innovate and improve efficiency, and explore opportunities in new markets.

By addressing these different aspects of growth, the EDG serves as a valuable resource for businesses looking to transform and thrive:

• Core Capabilities

This pillar focuses on strengthening a business’s fundamentals. It covers areas such as strategy development, financial management, human capital, service excellence, and branding. By improving these core functions, companies build resilience and position themselves for sustainable long‑term growth.

• Innovation and Productivity

Here, EDG supports projects that drive efficiency and innovation. This includes automation, process redesign, and product development, all aimed at helping businesses work smarter and deliver greater value. By adopting new technologies and rethinking workflows, companies can boost productivity and remain competitive in fast‑changing markets.

• Market Access

The final pillar helps businesses venture beyond Singapore’s borders. It provides support for overseas marketing, partnerships, and market readiness initiatives, reducing the risks of international expansion. With backing from the Singapore Enterprise Development Grant, your business can explore new opportunities abroad and establish a stronger global presence.

What Does EDG Support?

The Enterprise Development Grant EDG is designed to help Singaporean businesses undertake transformation projects that go beyond everyday improvements. By focusing on capability building, innovation, and international expansion, EDG ensures your business grants can help you pursue strategic growth without financial constraints.

Enterprise Development Grant Singapore allows eligible companies to receive funding support of up to 50%–70% on approved project expenses, while larger firms typically qualify for around 30%. This co‑funding structure makes ambitious initiatives, such as adopting digital solutions, redesigning processes, or venturing overseas, more accessible, thereby strengthening competitiveness.

How Can You Be Eligible for EDG?

To qualify for the Enterprise Development Grant EDG, a business must be registered and operating in Singapore with at least 30% local equity held by Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents. Enterprise Singapore (ESG) evaluates applications based on the project’s alignment with the three pillars.

Beyond registration, the company must demonstrate financial viability to fund the project’s total cost upfront. As the Enterprise Development Grant Singapore is a reimbursement-based grant, disbursements are made only after the business has fully paid for qualifying expenses and met all stipulated milestones.

Meeting the conditions below is the first step toward securing support from the Enterprise Development Grant Singapore:

• Local Registration

Companies must be registered and actively operating in Singapore. This requirement ensures that EDG funding benefits businesses that contribute to the local economy and that projects are implemented in accordance with Singapore’s regulatory framework.

• Ownership

At least 30% of the company’s equity must be held directly or indirectly by Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents, based on ultimate individual ownership. This condition guarantees that the Enterprise Development Grant EDG support strengthens businesses with a significant local stake, reinforcing Singapore’s long‑term economic resilience.

• Financial Health

Applicants must demonstrate the financial capacity to complete the proposed project. This means showing that the company has stable resources and can sustain operations while undertaking transformation initiatives. By requiring financial soundness, EDG aims to ensure that projects are viable and that funding results in measurable, lasting impact.

How Do Businesses Apply for EDG?

Applying for the Enterprise Development Grant EDG requires careful preparation to ensure your proposal meets Enterprise Singapore’s expectations. For businesses applying for EDG, understanding proper Grant Management is essential for tracking project costs and ensuring compliance.

The process is structured but can feel complex if you’re new to government grants. Below is a step-by-step breakdown to help businesses navigate the application smoothly:

Step 1: Identify the Project

Start by clearly defining the scope of your project. Enterprise Singapore looks for initiatives that align with the three Enterprise Development Grant Singapore pillars: Core Capabilities, Innovation and Productivity, and Market Access. Be specific about your objectives, expected outcomes, and how the project will contribute to long-term business growth.

Step 2: Select a Consultant

For projects involving strategy, branding, or process redesign, engaging a qualified consultant can strengthen your application. Consultants provide expertise, structure, and credibility, which Enterprise Singapore values when assessing proposals. Ensure the consultant has relevant credentials and experience in Singapore Enterprise Development Grant supported projects.

Step 3: Choose the Best ERP Software

For productivity‑focused projects, adopting an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can improve your chances of approval. ERP solutions closely align with EDG’s goals by helping businesses digitise and transform their operations.

One option is ScaleOcean ERP Software, a Grant‑Ready system built to meet Singapore’s Enterprise Development Grant requirements. Implementing ScaleOcean modernizes workflows and signals to Enterprise Singapore that your business is committed to digital transformation.

ERP integrates finance, HR, inventory, and customer management into a single platform. It demonstrates a clear focus on innovation and productivity, positioning your proposal in line with the objectives of the Enterprise Development Grant EDG and increasing the likelihood of funding approval.

Step 4: Submit via the Business Grants Portal (BGP)

Proposal applications must be submitted through the official Business Grants Portal. Ensure all required documents are uploaded, including financial statements, project proposals, and consultant credentials. Accuracy and completeness are critical as missing information can delay or even jeopardize approval.

Step 5: Await Approval

Once submitted, Enterprise Singapore will review your application. The evaluation considers eligibility, project feasibility, and alignment with EDG’s goals. Approval timelines vary, so businesses should plan properly and avoid last-minute submissions.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for EDG?

Applying for the Enterprise Development Grant EDG requires careful preparation to ensure that all necessary information is provided. Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) evaluates applications based on both company credentials and project feasibility.

So businesses must submit a complete set of documents that demonstrate readiness, credibility, and impact as listed below:

• Mandatory Company Documents

Applicants must provide their latest ACRA Bizfile (dated no earlier than six months before the project application), audited financial statements, and, if applicable, parent company financials. These documents confirm the company’s legal standing and financial health, ensuring that the applicant is a viable candidate for funding.

• Quotations or Estimates

To justify project costs, companies need to submit quotations or cost estimates from vendors or service providers. This requirement ensures transparency in budgeting and helps EnterpriseSG assess whether the proposed expenses are reasonable and aligned with project objectives.

• Project-Specific Documents

A detailed project proposal is also required, along with proof of quotations. This proposal should outline the project’s scope, objectives, and expected outcomes. By providing specifics, applicants demonstrate that the initiative is well‑planned and capable of delivering measurable results.

• Consultancy Documents

If external consultants are engaged, applicants must include the consultant’s proposal and credentials. This allows EnterpriseSG to evaluate the consultant’s expertise and suitability, ensuring that qualified professionals support the project.

• Projected Impact Figures

Finally, applicants must submit 3-year post‑project projections covering revenue, profit, staff remuneration, and impact on local workers. These figures help EnterpriseSG gauge the project’s long‑term benefits and its contribution to Singapore’s economy and workforce.

Here Are Tips for a Successful Application

Securing approval for the Enterprise Development Grant EDG requires more than just meeting eligibility criteria. A strong application demonstrates clarity, alignment with business strategy, and readiness to execute.

Beyond the basics, applicants should also highlight how their project delivers measurable impact. Enterprise Singapore looks for proposals that not only strengthen internal capabilities but also contribute to long‑term competitiveness, whether through innovation, productivity gains, or market expansion.

By following best practices, you can improve your chances of success and demonstrate to Enterprise Singapore that your projects will deliver meaningful impact. Here are the tips for making your application a successful one:

• Start Early

Begin preparations well in advance to allow sufficient time to gather documents, refine your proposal, and address any gaps. Early planning reduces the risk of delays and ensures that your submission is complete and polished when reviewed.

• Be Clear and Concise

Define your project objectives and expected outcomes in straightforward language. A clear proposal helps evaluators quickly understand the purpose of your initiative and the measurable benefits it will deliver to your business.

• Prioritize Strategic Alignment

Make sure your project supports long‑term corporate goals rather than short‑term fixes. Demonstrating strategic alignment shows that the initiative contributes to sustainable growth and positions your company for future competitiveness.

• Ensure Financial and Operational Readiness

Provide evidence that your business has the financial resources and operational capacity to carry out the project. It reassures Enterprise Singapore that the initiative is feasible and that funding will be used effectively.

• Engage Experts

Collaborate with consultants or industry specialists who are familiar with EDG requirements. Their expertise can strengthen your proposal, ensure compliance with guidelines, and increase the likelihood of approval.

• Avoid common pitfalls

Avoid submitting proposals that are unclear or incomplete. Successful proposals usually emphasize efficiency improvements through effective business process management, highlighting clear gains in productivity. By demonstrating how processes are streamlined, you can make your application much more persuasive.

Beyond the paperwork, the success of your application often depends on how well you can track and demonstrate your project’s impact. This is where having a structured system like ScaleOcean ERP makes a practical difference.

Since the software is designed to capture the specific productivity data Enterprise Singapore seeks, it naturally organizes your operations into a format that is easy to verify. Using a system like this does the heavy lifting for you during the audit.

It provides clear, data-backed evidence to support your case, which helps streamline the verification process. It is a straightforward way to ensure you have the right documentation to claim EDG 50% while keeping your business transformation on track and fully transparent.

Where Can More Information About EDG Be Found?

For the most reliable and up‑to‑date information on the Enterprise Development Grant EDG, businesses should always refer to official government sources. Both the Enterprise Singapore website and the Business Grants Portal (BGP) provide comprehensive guidance, from eligibility criteria to application procedures.

Conclusion

For businesses in Singapore, the Enterprise Development Grant EDG is an important instrument that provides financial assistance to boost core competencies, drive innovation, and enter foreign markets.

Businesses can increase their chances of approval by understanding the eligibility requirements, preparing the appropriate documentation, and aligning initiatives with long-term objectives. Demonstrating digital transformation is also a crucial requirement for a successful application.

So adopting an ERP system will help you demonstrate your dedication to productivity, innovation, and the digital transformation that’s essential to the Enterprise Development Grant Singapore mission. ScaleOcean ERP, a Grant-Ready solution, helps organizations streamline operations and submit stronger proposals that correspond with EDG’s objectives.

If your business is ready to take the next step, consider exploring ScaleOcean ERP to boost efficiency and enhance your EDG application. You can access a free demo to see how it transforms your operations and increases your chances of grant approval.