Applying for a government grant in Singapore can be a game-changer for SMEs but it’s also easy to get wrong. Even strong applications can be rejected due to small, preventable errors. Whether you’re applying for the EDG, MRA, or PSG, understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing the process. This guide breaks down ten of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them, based on real Enterprise Singapore and IMDA insights.

Top 10 Grant Application Errors in Singapore

Just like any official process, there are strict guidelines to applying for business grants in Singapore. Even strong applications can get rejected for small, avoidable errors.

In this article, we’ll walk through 10 of the most common mistakes SMEs make (and how you can avoid them) drawn from real Enterprise Singapore and IMDA guidelines, as well as lessons from hundreds of local applicants. ‍

1. Engaging a Vendor or Starting Work Before Approval

One of the biggest (and most costly) mistakes is signing a contract or making payment before your grant is officially approved.

Why this is a problem:
Under Enterprise Singapore’s and IMDA’s rules, any financial commitment before the Letter of Offer (LOF) is issued makes the project automatically ineligible.

What to do instead:

• Get a quotation, but don’t sign or pay yet.

• Submit your application through the Business Grants Portal (BGP).

• Wait until the Letter of Offer (LOF) is received before signing or starting.

Even if your project qualifies perfectly, starting too early can void your entire application.

2. Using Non-Approved or Unqualified Vendors

For some schemes (like PSG), you must use pre-approved vendors; for others (like EDG), vendors must hold valid certifications such as TR43 or SS680.

Why this is a problem:
Enterprise Singapore or IMDA will reject any vendor that isn’t listed, certified, or qualified.

What to do instead:

• Always confirm your vendor is on the approved list or meets the certification criteria.

• Request an official quotation from the vendor, referencing their approved package.

• If unsure, ask a grant consultant to verify before submission.

3. Incomplete or Inaccurate Applications

Missing documents or inconsistent details are the #1 reason for delayed or failed submissions.

Common errors include:

• Missing financial statements or proposal templates

• Wrong company UEN or registered name

• Unclear project objectives

• Forgetting to attach vendor quotes or consultant credentials

What to do instead:
Double-check everything before submitting on the BGP:
✅ Financial statements (last FY)
✅ Project proposal (using EnterpriseSG template)
✅ Vendor quotes with full breakdown
✅ Proof of consultant certification

A 30-minute pre-submission review can save months of delay.

4. Ignoring Grant Guidelines

Every grant (EDG, MRA, CCP, PSG) has its own rules, scopes, and exclusions.

Why this is a problem:
If your project doesn’t align with the grant’s objectives or scope, reviewers will flag it as “non-compliant.”

What to do instead:

• Review the official guide for your specific grant.

• Ensure your proposal matches the grant’s purpose and deliverables.

• Clarify grey areas early don’t assume everything is covered.

5. Lack of Research

Applying for grants without proper research is like pitching to an investor without knowing what they fund.

Why this is a problem:
Without understanding each grant’s purpose, criteria, and target outcomes, your proposal can feel misaligned lowering your approval odds.

What to do instead:

• Study past successful projects (many are public).

• Understand what Enterprise Singapore prioritises: innovation, productivity, internationalisation, and sustainability.

• Research your own industry benchmarks to make your case stronger.

6. Poorly Defined or Overly Broad Project Goals

“Improve our business operations” is not a project goal. It’s a wish.

Why this is a problem:
Reviewers need to see specific, measurable outcomes such as productivity gains, new revenue channels, or cost savings.

What to do instead:
Define clear KPIs. Example:

• “Reduce manual admin hours by 30% through automation”

• “Enter two new overseas markets in 12 months”

• “Increase lead conversion by 25% through digital marketing tools”

Quantifiable goals = credible proposal.

7. Weak Financial or Budget Planning

A sloppy or unrealistic budget raises red flags immediately.

Why this is a problem:
If costs don’t align with project size, or vendor fees look inflated, Enterprise Singapore may question your credibility.

What to do instead:

• Provide itemised costs (consultancy, manpower, equipment).

• Cross-check with market rates for fairness.

• Include a simple ROI or productivity impact summary.

Strong financial planning shows you’ll use government funds responsibly.

8. Not Understanding the Funder’s Priorities

Each grant has a bigger national purpose e.g., EDG drives innovation, CCP supports hiring, MRA supports internationalisation.

Why this is a problem:
If your proposal doesn’t align with the grant’s direction (e.g., applying for EDG for a routine expense), it gets rejected fast.

What to do instead:

• Review the grant’s strategic intent on EnterpriseSG or WSG websites.

• Emphasise how your project supports national goals e.g., productivity, sustainability, local jobs.

9. Missing Claim Submission Deadlines

Many companies think approval = done. But if you don’t claim on time, you lose the funding.

Why this is a problem:
Grants are reimbursed only after claim submission, usually within 6 months of project completion. Missing this deadline forfeits the entire amount.

What to do instead:

• Track your project timeline carefully.

• Gather deliverables (invoices, screenshots, reports) as you go.

• Submit your claim through BGP promptly after completion.

Timely claims = timely reimbursements.

10. Treating the Grant as “Free Money”

Grants are co-funding partnerships not handouts. Companies that don’t take them seriously risk rejection or poor credibility in future rounds.

Why this is a problem:
If Enterprise Singapore senses weak accountability or inflated costs, they can reject or claw back funds.

What to do instead:

• Treat your grant like an investment partnership.

• Deliver your project outcomes and submit proof.

• Track your KPIs and show measurable impact.

Final Thoughts

Securing a government grant in Singapore can transform your business but it requires preparation, precision, and integrity.
From EDG to MRA to CCP, every programme follows strict documentation and review standards. By avoiding these 10 mistakes, you can greatly increase your success rate and even speed up reimbursement once approved.

If you’re unsure where to start, our grant specialists can help you:

• Identify the best funding scheme for your goals

• Review and strengthen your proposal

• Handle the submission and claim process end-to-end

📩 Contact us today for a free eligibility check and consultation and let’s make sure your next application gets approved, not rejected.

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