Expanding overseas is one of the biggest growth opportunities for Singapore SMEs — but it can also be costly. The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant, managed by Enterprise Singapore, helps businesses reduce these upfront expenses by covering up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at S$100,000 per market. Whether you’re setting up your first overseas office or testing new markets, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about eligibility, funding categories, and how to apply successfully.

The MRA Grant helps local SMEs venture into new international markets by covering part of their expenses for overseas market promotion, business development, and market setup.

With funding support of up to 50% of eligible costs (capped at S$100,000 per new market), the MRA Grant lowers the barriers for Singapore companies ready to scale globally.

Who Can Apply

To qualify, your company must:

• Be registered and operating in Singapore.

• Have at least 30% local shareholding (Singapore citizens or PRs).

• Target a new overseas market where sales have not exceeded S$100,000 in the past 3 years.

• Have group annual sales ≤ S$100 million, or ≤ 200 employees.

What the MRA Grant Covers

The grant supports three main categories of overseas expansion activities:

1. Overseas Market Promotion (up to S$20,000)

• Trade fairs, exhibitions, pop-up events, and roadshows

• Marketing and advertising campaigns

• Digital marketing or virtual fairs

• Design and rental of exhibition booths (up to 36 sqm)

2. Overseas Business Development (up to S$50,000)

• Business matching and lead generation

• Outsourced market entry consultancy

• Hiring in-market business development staff

• Overseas office rental and in-market agents

3. Overseas Market Setup (up to S$30,000)

• Legal and tax advisory fees

• Overseas business incorporation

• IP registration, licensing, import/export compliance

💡 Note: Only third-party vendor costs are claimable, and projects must be completed within 12 months.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare Your Documents
   Financial statements, quotations, and business plan.

2. Log in to the Business Grants Portal (BGP)
   Use CorpPass or Singpass credentials.

3. Create and Submit Application
   Select “MRA Grant,” fill in project details, and upload required files.

4. Evaluation by Enterprise Singapore
   Review typically takes 8–12 weeks. Respond promptly to any clarifications.

5. Receive the Letter of Offer
   Review details carefully and accept within 2–4 weeks.

6. Execute Your Project
   Carry out approved activities and maintain full documentation.

7. Submit Claim on BGP
   Upload invoices, receipts, and an auditor’s report after project completion.

8. Receive Reimbursement
   Approved funds are disbursed via GIRO within 6–8 weeks.

Timelines to Remember

• Acceptance of Offer: Within 2–4 weeks of issue.

• Project Completion: Within 12 months of Letter of Offer.

• Claim Submission: Before the end of the 12-month period.

• Disbursement: Typically 6–8 weeks after claim approval.

Missing any of these deadlines may result in forfeiture of the grant — so always check your offer letter carefully.

Expert Tips to Strengthen Your Application

✅ Choose credible consultants or vendors with proven overseas experience.
✅ Back your proposal with market research or letters of intent from overseas partners.
✅ Ensure your cost breakdown matches MRA categories clearly.
✅ Keep all invoices, receipts, and proof of completion ready for claims.

A clear, data-driven, and well-documented application not only speeds up approval but also strengthens your credibility with Enterprise Singapore.

Why Work with a Grant Specialist

Preparing a strong MRA application requires more than just filling out forms — it means understanding how Enterprise Singapore evaluates readiness and project alignment.

Our team of grant consultants helps businesses:

• Assess eligibility and new-market fit

• Prepare compliant proposals and cost structures

• Manage documentation and claim audits efficiently

💬 We offer a complimentary consultation to evaluate your project’s eligibility and walk you through the process step by step — no obligation.

📞 Contact us today for your free MRA consultation and start scaling your business confidently.