Expanding beyond Singapore is no longer just an ambition, it is increasingly a necessity for businesses looking to scale. Yet, entering a new overseas market comes with real challenges. From navigating unfamiliar regulations to investing in marketing, partnerships, and operational set-up, the costs and risks can quickly escalate.
To support companies in this journey, Enterprise Singapore introduced the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant, a targeted funding scheme that helps reduce the financial burden of overseas expansion. With enhancements announced under Singapore Budget 2026, the grant is becoming even more impactful, particularly for SMEs seeking to grow internationally.
This guide provides a clear and practical overview of how the MRA Grant works, who qualifies, and how to approach the application process effectively.
The recently updated Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant supports Singapore companies in expanding into overseas markets by co-funding key activities across three areas: market promotion, business development, and market set-up.
It is specifically designed for businesses entering new markets, ensuring that support is directed towards genuine expansion efforts rather than established overseas operations. A market is considered “new” if the company’s annual sales there have not exceeded S$100,000 in any of the preceding three years.
Rather than offering broad subsidies, the MRA Grant focuses on practical execution. It supports real activities that businesses need when entering a new country, from building brand awareness to establishing a legal presence.
The MRA Grant provides structured financial support that lowers the cost of expansion while encouraging disciplined planning. From 1 April 2026, the scheme will offer increased support levels, reflecting Singapore’s push to help businesses scale globally.
The S$100,000 cap is allocated across three pillars, ensuring businesses balance their spending across promotion, development, and set-up. The enhanced 70 percent support will apply until 31 March 2029, providing a clear timeframe for companies to take advantage of stronger funding.
The MRA Grant supports activities that reflect the real journey of entering a new market.
For market promotion, companies can run marketing campaigns, participate in trade fairs, or build brand visibility through PR and digital channels. These activities are often the first step in testing demand and creating awareness.
Business development focuses on building relationships. This includes identifying distributors, partners, or joint venture opportunities, as well as engaging consultants who understand the local market. Companies may also deploy employees overseas to drive business development directly.
Market set-up addresses the operational side. This includes overseas incorporation, intellectual property registration, licensing, and legal advisory work. These are essential but often costly steps, especially in unfamiliar jurisdictions.
To qualify for the MRA Grant, companies must meet specific criteria set by Enterprise Singapore.
Applying for the MRA Grant requires careful planning and proper sequencing. Following the correct steps ensures your application remains compliant and avoids rejection due to technical errors.
Begin by selecting the overseas market you intend to enter. This market must qualify as a “new market,” meaning your company’s annual sales there have not exceeded S$100,000 in any of the past three years. This is a critical eligibility condition and should be verified before proceeding.
Decide on the specific activity you want to undertake under the MRA Grant. This could be a marketing campaign, participation in a trade fair, business development engagement, or market entry setup.
Each application can only cover one activity in one market, so the scope must be clearly defined and focused.
For most activities, you will need to appoint a vendor or consultant to carry out the project. The vendor must provide a detailed proposal that includes:
The quotation must be addressed to your company’s registered name as per ACRA records.
You will need to compile the required documents before submission. These typically include:
Ensure that all documents are complete, consistent, and clearly support your expansion plan.
Submit your application through the Business Grants Portal (BGP) using your Corppass account.
At this stage, it is important to ensure that:
Processing typically takes 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the completeness of your submission.
If your application is successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer outlining the approved funding amount, conditions, and project timeline.
You must formally accept the Letter of Offer within the given deadline before starting your project.
Proceed with the project according to the approved scope and timeline. Ensure that all deliverables are met.
If there are any changes to the project (such as timeline, cost, or vendor), you must submit a change request through the Business Grants Portal for approval.
After completing the project, engage an auditor from Enterprise Singapore’s pre-approved panel.
Submit your claim through BGP with:
Once your claim is approved, the grant will be disbursed to your company’s bank account.
Disbursement is typically:
Applying for the MRA Grant is not just about submitting documents. It requires aligning your expansion strategy, financials, and compliance requirements into a strong and credible application.
At ATHR, we support businesses through every stage of the journey. From assessing eligibility and structuring your application to preparing financial documentation and ensuring compliance, our team works closely with you to maximise approval success.
With a dedicated Key Account Manager and over 40 years of combined expertise, we provide clarity, efficiency, and confidence throughout the process.
If you are planning to expand overseas, the right guidance can make all the difference.
As a leading corporate service provider in Singapore, our team offers comprehensive incorporation, accounting, payroll management, and corporate secretarial services to help your business navigate regulatory requirements and maximise available incentives. Contact us today to learn how we can support your business growth journey.
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.
