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MRA Grant for Philippines

Introduction to the MRA Grant

The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant by Enterprise Singapore is a financial support programme designed to help Singapore-based SMEs take their first step toward international expansion. The MRA Grant offers up to 50% funding support for activities related to overseas market promotion, business development, and market setup, capped at S$100,000 per company per fiscal year.

Among the key expansion markets in Southeast Asia, the Philippines stands out for its growing economy, large English-speaking population, and strategic location. With the MRA Grant, Singapore companies can reduce the costs and risks of exploring new market opportunities in the Philippines while building a solid presence in this vibrant and dynamic country.

Why Companies Expand to the Philippines

The Philippines offers a unique mix of advantages for businesses looking to expand regionally. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, with a population exceeding 110 million. The country boasts a large, young, and digitally engaged population that is increasingly demanding modern services, goods, and infrastructure.

The widespread use of English, familiarity with Western business practices, and a growing middle class make it easier for Singapore firms to communicate, market, and operate in the country. Additionally, sectors such as fintech, education, healthcare, retail, and IT-enabled services have seen rapid growth in recent years.

Philippine cities such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao are becoming major urban centres for business. Government policies that encourage foreign investment and the country’s openness to innovation provide fertile ground for Singapore companies to grow and scale.

Eligible Activities under the MRA Grant

Singapore companies planning to enter the Philippine market can make use of the MRA Grant for the following categories of eligible activities:

  1. Overseas Market Promotion
    • Digital and traditional advertising targeted at Filipino consumers
    • Participating in exhibitions or trade fairs in cities like Manila or Cebu
    • Launching public relations campaigns to introduce new brands or services
  2. Overseas Business Development
    • Hiring in-market representatives or consultants to support market entry
    • Engaging in distributor or client sourcing through business matching
    • Partnering with local firms for joint business development activities
  3. Overseas Market Setup
    • Legal services for entity incorporation in the Philippines
    • Intellectual property protection and registration
    • Accounting or tax compliance advisory

Each of these activity types is supported with the goal of helping SMEs enter overseas markets with confidence and clarity.

Expenses Supported for Philippines Expansion

When entering the Philippine market, Singapore SMEs can use the MRA Grant to offset costs such as:

  • Trade exhibition fees and booth setup costs for showcasing products or services
  • Digital marketing spend on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google Ads, and local influencer channels
  • Consultancy fees for market research, feasibility studies, and competitive analysis
  • Translation and localisation services to adapt content into Filipino or Taglish
  • Legal and regulatory advisory for setting up a local business entity, securing permits, and handling compliance
  • Branding and design adaptation to suit the Filipino consumer market

All claims must be backed by valid invoices and contracts and must be approved in advance by Enterprise Singapore to qualify for reimbursement.

Common Use Cases in the Philippines

Singapore businesses across various sectors are increasingly entering the Philippines, leveraging the MRA Grant to support their ventures. Common examples include:

  • An e-commerce platform launching Filipino-language marketing campaigns to reach local consumers
  • An education firm franchising its enrichment programmes through a local partner in Metro Manila
  • A tech company working with in-market sales agents to promote enterprise software to Philippine SMEs
  • A health and beauty brand opening a physical retail outlet and local online store
  • A logistics service provider studying the feasibility of entering the Visayas and Mindanao regions

These real-world cases show how SMEs from Singapore use the MRA Grant to effectively enter and navigate the diverse business landscape of the Philippines.

Challenges Faced During Expansion and How MRA Helps

Expanding into the Philippines can be fruitful, but companies must also be prepared for certain challenges:

  • Complex Regulatory Environment: Foreign ownership restrictions and licensing processes can vary by industry.
  • Infrastructure Issues: While urban areas are modernised, rural or provincial regions may present logistical challenges.
  • Cultural Adaptation: Despite widespread English proficiency, local business customs and consumer behaviour may differ from Singapore’s.
  • Navigating Bureaucracy: Processes such as entity registration and taxation can be time-consuming without local guidance.

The MRA Grant helps companies tackle these issues by subsidising expert support. Legal and tax consultants can streamline the setup process, while local marketing firms and interpreters help tailor business strategies to the local culture and language. This makes the MRA Grant an invaluable tool in reducing barriers to entry.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the MRA Grant for the Philippines, a company must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be registered and operating in Singapore
  2. Have at least 30% local shareholding
  3. Have a group annual turnover of no more than S$100 million, or group employment size not exceeding 200 employees
  4. Have no significant presence in the Philippines at the time of application

This ensures that the grant supports SMEs at the early stages of their internationalisation journey, not companies with existing large operations abroad.

Required Documentation

To apply for the MRA Grant for a project in the Philippines, companies need to prepare the following documents:

  • ACRA BizFile (business profile)
  • Latest management or audited financial statements
  • A detailed project proposal outlining objectives, timelines, and targeted results
  • Quotations from third-party vendors (consultants, legal firms, marketing agencies)
  • KPIs and projected outcomes of the proposed expansion
  • Background information on any identified local partners or collaborators

Comprehensive documentation will help Enterprise Singapore assess your readiness and the feasibility of your plans.

Application Process

Here is a step-by-step guide to the MRA Grant application process for your Philippines expansion:

  1. Plan Your Project
    • Define your market entry goals for the Philippines
    • Determine the activities you want to undertake and identify vendors
  2. Prepare Supporting Documents
    • Gather cost quotations and prepare a complete project proposal
    • Outline how each cost fits within the MRA Grant framework
  3. Submit Application via the Business Grants Portal
    • Log in using your company’s CorpPass
    • Complete the MRA application form and upload all supporting documentation
  4. Wait for Enterprise Singapore’s Review
    • Application review typically takes 4 to 8 weeks
    • Clarifications may be requested during the process
  5. Receive Letter of Offer
    • Do not commence project activities before receiving formal approval
    • The Letter of Offer outlines approved scope, activities, and budget
  6. Execute Your Expansion Project
    • Complete activities as approved, keeping full records of all deliverables and expenses
  7. Submit Claims
    • After project completion, submit proof of deliverables, invoices, and payment records
  8. Complete Post-Project Report
    • Submit a final report summarising business outcomes, partnerships formed, and future expansion plans

Following this process ensures compliance with MRA guidelines and a smooth claims experience.

Conclusion

The Philippines is an exciting growth market for Singapore SMEs ready to scale regionally. Its large, young, and English-speaking population, combined with digital openness and economic growth, creates significant opportunities in industries ranging from tech to retail and services.

With the support of the MRA Grant, companies can explore this promising market with reduced financial risk. Whether you’re seeking local partners, testing a new product, or building a physical presence, the grant enables you to engage the right experts, localise your offerings, and launch your expansion project efficiently.

Entering a new market requires careful planning and the right resources — the MRA Grant gives you both. For SMEs in Singapore eyeing the Philippines as their next destination, the time to act is now.