Business Matters

EDG Guide: Get Up to 70% Funding for Business Growth

ATHR Content Team
October 4, 2025
October 8, 2025

If your company is planning to expand, automate, or rebrand, the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) can turn those goals into reality. Managed by Enterprise Singapore, EDG helps local businesses upgrade, innovate, and grow by co-funding up to 70% of qualified project costs. This guide explains everything you need to know — how it works, what qualifies, and how to apply successfully without getting lost in government jargon.

What Is the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)

The EDG is one of Singapore’s flagship government business grants aimed at helping local enterprises stay competitive. It provides financial support to businesses that want to:

  • Upgrade internal processes and capabilities
  • Adopt new technologies or automation
  • Expand into overseas markets

Depending on your project, EDG can fund up to 50% of eligible costs or even up to 70% for sustainability-related projects (until March 2026).

The best part? It’s not a loan, and there’s no repayment required once your project is completed as approved.

Who Can Apply

EDG is designed to be inclusive. Meaning most Singapore-registered companies can apply. To be eligible, your business should:

  • Be registered and operating in Singapore
  • Have at least 30% local shareholding
  • Be financially capable of starting and completing the project

Even smaller companies are encouraged to apply. What matters most is showing that your project will bring measurable improvement like improving efficiency, scaling revenue, or entering new markets.

How Much You Can Claim

EDG supports projects in three main categories, each tailored to different growth goals:

1. Core Capabilities

This area focuses on building stronger internal systems and strategy.
Common examples include:

  • Branding and marketing revamps
  • HR development and leadership training
  • Financial management improvements
  • Business strategy and service excellence initiatives

2. Innovation & Productivity

This category helps businesses modernise how they work.
Examples:

  • Process redesign or workflow automation
  • Product or service innovation
  • Adopting new technology tools or digital systems

3. Market Access

If you’re ready to explore overseas markets, EDG helps you manage the risk.
You can receive up to S$100,000 per new market to cover costs like:

  • Overseas marketing and promotion
  • Setting up offices abroad
  • Product localisation or certification

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the EDG

Applying for EDG isn’t difficult. It just takes preparation. Here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Step 1: Define Your Project Clearly

Explain what you’re trying to achieve, how it will improve your business, and what success looks like. Enterprise Singapore values projects with measurable outcomes, not just ideas.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

Before submission, ensure you have:

  • Your latest financial statements
  • A detailed project proposal (use EnterpriseSG templates if possible)
  • Vendor quotations and consultant credentials

Step 3: Submit Through the Business Grants Portal (BGP)

Log in with CorpPass, fill in your company details, and upload your documents. This is the official platform for all Singapore business grants.

Step 4: Clarify and Finalise

Enterprise Singapore may request clarification or adjustments. Be ready to refine your scope, timeline, or budget.

Step 5: Receive the Letter of Offer

Once approved, you’ll get an official offer letter with funding details, project duration, and terms of support.

Claiming Your Grant (and Getting Paid Faster)

EDG is a reimbursement-based grant. That means you fund the project first, then claim your approved costs later.

Here’s how to make sure you get reimbursed smoothly:

  • Keep every invoice, payment record, and deliverable well-documented.
  • Stick closely to the approved project scope and timeline.
  • Submit a final project report and claim package via the Business Grants Portal.
  • Some claims require a third-party auditor to verify documents before funds are released.

Once approved, the grant amount is transferred directly to your company’s bank account, usually within a few weeks.

Tips for a Successful EDG Application

Many first-time applicants underestimate the importance of a strong business case. The key is clarity and credibility.

Here are a few insider tips:
✅ Make your outcomes measurable: “increase productivity by 20%,” not “improve efficiency.”
✅ Budget realistically: inflated or unclear costs are a red flag.
✅ Work with experienced consultants: they know how to align your proposal with EnterpriseSG’s priorities.
✅ Track progress early: don’t leave paperwork until the claim stage.

FAQs

  1. Is EDG only for large companies?
    No. The majority of approved projects come from SMEs. What matters is your project’s impact, not your size.
  1. Can startups apply?
    Yes, as long as you are registered and financially viable. Many startups use EDG for branding or digitalisation projects.
  1. How long does approval take?
    Usually 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your project complexity and completeness of your documents.
  1. Can I apply for other grants at the same time?
    Yes, as long as the same cost item isn’t being claimed under two different grants.
  1. When will I receive the funds?
    After completing your project and submitting claims with proof of deliverables.

Why EDG Matters for Singapore Businesses

The Enterprise Development Grant isn’t just financial support. It’s a catalyst for growth. It gives businesses the freedom to take calculated risks, try new solutions, and scale confidently with government backing.

For most SMEs, the real challenge isn’t qualifying for EDG. It’s navigating the paperwork. With the right guidance, that challenge becomes an opportunity to unlock thousands of dollars in funding.

Take the First Step Today

If you’re planning to grow, automate, or expand overseas this year, EDG could help you save up to 70% of your project cost.

Our grant advisors can help you:

  • Identify if your business qualifies
  • Refine your project proposal for maximum approval chances
  • Handle the entire application and claim process

📞 Contact us today for a complimentary consultation. Let’s make sure you don’t leave up to 70% in savings on the table.

ATHR Content Team

The ATHR Content Team is a group of professional writers from Singapore and the Philippines, committed to delivering informative, practical, and engaging content for business owners across Southeast Asia.

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