The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) is a Singapore government grant administered by EnterpriseSG that co-funds projects helping local companies upgrade their capabilities, improve productivity, and expand into overseas markets. It operates under three pillars \u2014 Core Capabilities, Innovation & Productivity, and Market Access \u2014 and is structured for companies that want to undertake substantive business transformation projects, not off-the-shelf solution purchases.<\/p>\n
For Singapore SMEs, the EDG currently funds up to 50% of qualifying project costs, covering third-party consultancy fees, software and equipment, and incremental internal manpower. Non-SMEs receive up to 30%. Unlike the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG), which uses a pre-approved vendor list, EDG requires companies to submit individual project proposals with specific business outcomes \u2014 making it more effort-intensive but also more flexible in scope.<\/p>\n
This guide explains what the EDG covers, whether digital marketing and SEO-related work qualifies, how to apply through the Business Grants Portal, and how EDG compares with PSG and the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) grant.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) was introduced by EnterpriseSG to support Singapore-registered companies undertaking projects that build stronger business foundations or expand their reach. It is not a blanket subsidy \u2014 each application requires a submitted project proposal outlining the company’s current situation, the objectives, the scope of work, and the expected business outcomes.<\/p>\n
The grant funds qualifying project costs in three categories: third-party consultancy fees, software and equipment, and incremental internal manpower. General operating expenses, production of collaterals, and standalone implementation work fall outside these cost categories.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
EnterpriseSG is the administering agency. The Business Grants Portal (BGP) at businessgrants.gov.sg<\/a> is the single application channel. Companies need a valid CorpPass account to apply. Third-party companies are not permitted to apply or manage grants on behalf of applicant companies.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n To qualify for the EDG, a company must meet all three of the following criteria as specified on the official EnterpriseSG EDG page (source<\/a>):<\/p>\n Applications are also assessed on Group Revenue and Group Employment Size to determine whether a company qualifies as an SME.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n As of 1 April 2023, the standard EDG support levels are:<\/p>\n There is one exception: sustainability-related projects under the Enterprise Sustainability Programme may receive up to 70% support for SMEs. The previously elevated COVID-era rates (up to 80%) have been wound down. Source: EnterpriseSG EDG page<\/a> and EDG FAQ<\/a>.<\/p>\n There is no publicly stated cap on the absolute grant amount per project \u2014 the grant quantum depends on approved project costs. Projects are supported on a reimbursement basis: companies pay first, then claim after delivering the agreed project outcomes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n EDG projects fall under three pillars. Each pillar has defined eligible activities and exclusions. Understanding these is important when determining whether a proposed project qualifies.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n This pillar strengthens the business foundations that support future growth. Five areas are covered:<\/p>\n This pillar supports companies exploring new areas of growth or improving operational efficiency:<\/p>\n This pillar supports companies venturing into overseas markets:<\/p>\n This is where businesses working with digital agencies need to be precise. The EnterpriseSG EDG page explicitly lists the following as not covered under the Strategic Brand and Marketing Development track:<\/p>\n “Implementation of marketing or PR campaigns, including retainer fees of consultants, advertising and media buys, engagement of social media influencers, management of websites\/social media platforms, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), and Search Engine Marketing (SEM).”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n In plain terms: paying an agency to run SEO, manage social accounts, or run paid ads is not EDG-fundable. Producing websites, brochures, videos, or copywriting is also excluded.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n EDG is designed to fund the strategy and planning phase, not the execution layer. Digital work that may qualify includes:<\/p>\n The distinction is strategy versus execution. If the engagement produces a plan, a diagnostic, or a framework, there is a reasonable basis for EDG consideration. If the engagement is doing the SEO, running the ads, or managing the campaigns, it is not EDG-eligible under current guidelines.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n At Stridec, we work with Singapore companies on SEO, GEO (generative engine optimisation), and AI-search strategy. Our engagements are structured around strategic advisory and measurable outcomes \u2014 the kind of scope that aligns with how EDG defines eligible consultancy work. Whether an engagement qualifies for EDG ultimately depends on the specific scope, how it is framed, and whether the designated consultants hold the required SAC accreditation.<\/p>\n We recommend that companies discuss their specific project scope with EnterpriseSG or a business advisor at an SME Centre<\/a> before assuming eligibility. The application is assessed by EnterpriseSG based on project scope, outcomes, and the competency of the service provider.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The application process for EDG involves several stages. Key points:<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Projects must not have commenced before the application date. A project is considered to have commenced if any of the following occurred prior to applying:<\/p>\n Engaging a vendor or paying a deposit before your grant is approved disqualifies that project. This is a common reason for rejection.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n As outlined on the EnterpriseSG EDG page (source<\/a>):<\/p>\n EDG is disbursed on a reimbursement basis. After the project is completed and all deliverables are met, companies submit a claim via the BGP. An auditor from EnterpriseSG’s Pre-Qualified Panel must verify the claim documents unless explicitly exempted. Disbursement is via PayNow Corporate (preferred, typically within 14 working days post-approval) or GIRO (up to eight weeks).<\/p>\n Claims must be submitted no later than six months from the end of the project’s qualifying period.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Singapore companies often encounter three grants when exploring government support for business activities. They are distinct in purpose, scope, and application effort. The EnterpriseSG FAQ confirms this directly: “The PSG, MRA and EDG are separate schemes with different intents.” (Source<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n PSG supports the adoption of pre-approved IT solutions, equipment, and consultancy services that improve productivity. The approved solutions are listed on GoBusiness, making the selection straightforward. PSG does not require a full project proposal \u2014 companies select from the pre-approved list and apply. This makes PSG faster and simpler than EDG, but it is limited to the solutions on the approved list.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The MRA grant, also administered by EnterpriseSG, supports Singapore companies taking their first steps into new overseas markets. It covers overseas market promotion, business development, and market set-up costs. The current MRA grant (effective 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029) provides up to 70% funding on eligible costs, capped at S$100,000 per new market. MRA is specifically for overseas expansion activities \u2014 it is a separate scheme from EDG. Stridec assists clients with MRA-eligible scopes as part of market entry advisory work, but the grant itself is an EnterpriseSG programme.<\/p>\n<\/p>\nEligibility Criteria<\/h3>\n
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EDG Funding Levels<\/h2>\n
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What the EDG Covers: The Three Pillars<\/h2>\n
1. Core Capabilities<\/h3>\n
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2. Innovation and Productivity<\/h3>\n
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3. Market Access<\/h3>\n
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Can EDG Fund SEO, Digital Marketing, or AI-Search Work?<\/h2>\n
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What Digital Work Can Qualify<\/h3>\n
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How Stridec Approaches EDG-Adjacent Work<\/h3>\n
How to Apply for EDG<\/h2>\n
Before You Apply<\/h3>\n
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The Application Steps<\/h3>\n
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Claiming the Grant<\/h3>\n
EDG vs PSG vs MRA: Which Grant Applies to You?<\/h2>\n
Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)<\/h3>\n
Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant<\/h3>\n
Quick Comparison<\/h3>\n