When it comes to government grants in Singapore, most business owners are familiar with popular schemes like the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) and the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG). These are powerful tools for business transformation — but they are just the tip of the iceberg.
Beyond the well-known grants lie a range of lesser-known, yet highly impactful schemes that many SMEs in Singapore overlook. These hidden gems can help with innovation, workforce development, sustainability, internationalisation, and even digital security.
At GrantConsultant.sg, we work closely with SMEs to tap into the right grants based on their business needs — including these underutilised programs. In this article, we’ll highlight 7 lesser-known government grants that your business may be missing out on.
1. SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC)
What it is:
A one-time credit of $10,000 to encourage employers to invest in enterprise transformation and workforce upskilling.
Who it’s for:
All eligible employers that have contributed to Skills Development Levy and have participated in qualifying programs.
How it helps:
- Offset up to 90% of out-of-pocket expenses for approved initiatives.
- Can be used on top of PSG, EDG, and other supported schemes.
Why it’s overlooked:
Many businesses don’t realise SFEC can be used to top up their costs when applying for other grants.
Pro tip:
Combine SFEC with PSG or EDG to reduce costs even further — especially if you’re investing in digital skills training.
2. Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG)
What it is:
A grant that supports SMEs in adopting energy-efficient equipment to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Who it’s for:
Companies in the food services, food manufacturing, and retail sectors.
Funding:
Covers up to 70% of qualifying costs.
Why it’s overlooked:
Many SMEs are unaware that common energy-saving items like LED lighting, refrigerators, or air conditioning upgrades qualify under EEG.
How it benefits:
- Long-term savings on electricity bills
- Improved ESG profile
- Better workplace environment
3. Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant
What it is:
A grant to support Singapore companies in expanding overseas, covering costs like overseas marketing, business matching, and market set-up.
Who it’s for:
SMEs looking to enter new international markets.
Funding:
Up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at S$100,000 per market.
Why it’s overlooked:
Many SMEs mistakenly believe that internationalisation is only for large enterprises.
Pro tip:
Even if you’re just testing a new market or planning a small-scale campaign, MRA can subsidise your efforts significantly.
4. Business Improvement Fund (BIF)
What it is:
A grant by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) that supports tourism-related businesses in innovation and productivity improvements.
Who it’s for:
Hotels, attractions, travel agencies, MICE organisers, and other tourism sector players.
Funding:
Up to 70% for SMEs.
What it covers:
- Digital tools implementation
- Customer experience enhancements
- Operational improvements
Why it’s overlooked:
It’s sector-specific and not as widely promoted as general grants like EDG or PSG.
Ideal for:
Tourism businesses recovering post-COVID and looking to reinvent their offerings.
5. Enterprise Sustainability Programme (ESP)
What it is:
A relatively new initiative that helps businesses build sustainability capabilities and seize green opportunities.
Who it’s for:
Any business committed to sustainable practices or ESG compliance.
Funding:
Covers various support areas including training, certification, consultancy, and implementation.
Why it’s overlooked:
Many SMEs are still unsure how sustainability links to their core operations.
How it helps:
- Improve access to green financing
- Enhance ESG reputation
- Align with global sustainability trends
Pro tip:
Use ESP to fund your carbon footprint assessments, green certifications, or adoption of eco-friendly solutions.
6. GoCloud Programme
What it is:
A program by IMDA that helps ICT and software companies transform their legacy systems into cloud-native applications.
Who it’s for:
Tech SMEs developing or maintaining software systems.
Funding:
Up to 80% for consultancy and technical support.
Why it’s overlooked:
It’s a highly niche program — but essential for SMEs in tech looking to modernise and remain scalable.
How it helps:
- Reduces infrastructure costs
- Improves software scalability and security
- Opens up opportunities for SaaS models
7. Agri-Food Cluster Transformation (ACT) Fund
What it is:
A grant to support tech adoption and productivity in the agri-food sector.
Who it’s for:
Farms, aquaculture businesses, and food production companies.
Funding:
Up to 70% of qualifying costs.
Why it’s overlooked:
The agri-tech space in Singapore is still growing, and many businesses in this sector are unaware such support exists.
Eligible Projects:
- Automated greenhouse systems
- Water recycling tech
- Smart aquaculture systems
Why You Might Be Missing Out
There are a few key reasons businesses overlook these grants:
- Lack of awareness: Not all grants are widely advertised or known.
- Perceived complexity: Some grants require more documentation or strategic planning.
- Assumption of ineligibility: Some SMEs incorrectly assume their size or industry disqualifies them.
- Over-reliance on PSG/EDG: Many SMEs stop exploring once they learn about the two most popular grants.
How to Tap Into These Grants
Here are some ways to get started:
- Evaluate your business objectives – What are your goals in the next 12–18 months?
- Consult a grant expert – At GrantConsultant.sg, we help businesses uncover the right mix of grants based on their needs.
- Stay informed – Subscribe to updates from Enterprise Singapore, ESG, IMDA, STB, and relevant government bodies.
- Bundle grants where possible – Combine smaller grants with larger ones like EDG for a more holistic approach.
Why Work with GrantConsultant.sg?
We specialise in helping Singapore SMEs:
- Identify the full range of eligible grants
- Structure grant applications to meet approval criteria
- Maximise funding through smart grant combinations
- Navigate the entire process from application to claim
Instead of missing out, let our team help you unlock more opportunities for growth, transformation, and innovation.
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s business grant landscape is broader than most realise. While PSG and EDG are excellent entry points, your company might be missing out on a range of lesser-known but equally powerful grants. From going green to expanding abroad, these grants are designed to support a wide spectrum of business goals.
Want to know which grants your business qualifies for? Contact us at GrantConsultant.sg — we’ll help you uncover what’s possible and guide you every step of the way.