List of Grants for SME

There are grants for SME that can help your company to improve the productivity and capability. Furthermore, we can help turn your investments into tax saving, or receive a cash payouts of up to $60,000. With more than 100 grants given by the various government agencies such as Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), Spring Singapore , Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) . We can help you to determine which ones you qualify for.

• PIC

  Receive up to $60000 of cash payout (PIC) 

  The IRAS PIC Bonus encourages more companies to take advantage of the PIC scheme to invest in productivity. Businesses that spend a minimum of $5,000 in PIC activities in a year will receive a dollar-for-dollar.

  1. Reduction of cash payout rate for qualifying expenditure incurred on or after 1 Aug 2016 from 60% to 40% (the cash payout rate is not determined by the date of submission of the cash payout application); and
  2. Compulsory e-Filing of cash payout applications. Hardcopy applications will not be accepted from 1 Aug 2016.

  Under the PIC Scheme, businesses can enjoy 400% tax deductions/allowances and/or 40% cash payout for investments made in any of the Six Qualifying Activities from the Years of Assessment (YAs) 2013 to 2018.

  1. Acquisition and Leasing of PIC IT and Automation Equipment

  2. Training of Employees

  3. Acquisition and Licensing of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

  4. Registration of Patents, Trademarks, Designs and Plant Varieties

  5. Research and Development (R&D) Activities

  6. Qualifying expenditure

   

  Click here for more about PIC Bonus

• iSPRINT

  Receive $20000 or up to 70% for adopting infocomm technology 

  iSprint Grant – Increase SME Productivity with Infocomm Adoption & Transformation.

  1. Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), a Singapore government statutory board, has a list of infocomm packaged solutions for small medium enterprises (SMEs) or startups to plug and play so that they can quickly incorporate information technology in their operations and improve their service. The software packages offer software solutions, consultancy costs and training costs for developing areas in accounting, customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning solutions, events management, fleet management, healthcare management, human resources, integrated point-of-sales solutions, payroll, resource management and standalone point-of-sales.
  2. When businesses purchase these programmes or solutions, they may be eligible to receive up to 70% iSprint grant for adopting infocomm technology

  Up to $2,000 for basic packed solutions.
  Funding capped at $20,000 for intermediate packed solutions.
  For customized solutions or projects, grant quantum is determined on a case-by-case basis.

  1. To qualify for iSPRINT, your business must meet the following criteria
  2. 1. You are a local small medium enterprise (SME) with

  At least 30% local shareholding AND
  Company’s Group sales turnover is not more than S$100 million annually OR

  1. Company’s Group employment size not more than 200 workers
  2. 2. You do not already own/ use any other existing solutions that you are going to adopt (i.e. accounting, payroll or POS solution).

  Click here for more about enchanced Isprint link

  

• CDG

  Tap on $10000 to defray the costs of implementing HR system and solutions (CDG)

  Criteria

  Your business qualifies as long as:

  • Registered or incorporated in Singapore
  • 30% to 100% of your shareholding is local
  • Group fixed assets worth less S$0 – S$15 million*
  • Have 5 – 200 employees (for companies in the services sector)*
  • Have at least 5 employees with CPF contribution

  The Capability Development Grant is developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency together with the Tripartite Partners to help enterprises implement HR systems to support re-employment of older employees. The objective is to assist older employees to keep up with the changing demands of the employers, as the statutory retirement age increases from 62 to 65, and potentially 67 in future. Qualified companies will be able to receive funding on 3 aspects to execute their re-employment plans.

  1. Programme to acquire Skills and Competencies

  • When qualified companies send their Human Resources staff or supervisory managers to attend the 2 day PREPARE workshop to acquire skills and competencies, they are eligible to pay a subsidised fee of S$347.50, inclusive of GST.

  2. Installation of E-Performance Appraisal System

  • After completion of the 2 day workshop, the company will receive an E-Performance appraisal system to assist with the implementation of re-employment.

  3. Company’s effort in Re-Employment preparation

  • The Capability Development Grant pays up to $10,000, with $6000 for the implemented e-appraisal system and $4000 in cash to defray costs and efforts in preparing for Re-Employment. To qualify for this $10,000 grant, companies have to be audited to have fulfilled the full deliverables within 2 months.

  Click here for more about CDG link

  

• ICV

  Receive $5000 voucher to upgrade your business (ICV)

  The Innovation & Capability Voucher (ICV) takes over the old Innovation Voucher Scheme (IVS), which subsidises only technology innovation services. The new 5,000 Innovation & Capability Voucher currently enables SMEs to purchase services and solutions in three more business aspects– Productivity, Human Resources and Financial Management. The objective is to promote to small medium enterprises (SME) to begin advancements in these aspects to improve their capabilities.

  Technology innovation services under IVS continue to be subsidised under ICV. These include technical feasibility studies, technical support and knowledge development, which are classified under the Innovation section under ICV.

  An SME may submit applications for two vouchers per aspect for support and maintenance services at service providers associated with the Innovation & Capability Voucher scheme. SMEs that want to further improve their capabilities in anyone of the aspects may tap other grant assistance or funding programmes.

  All ICV projects should be completed before another new application will be considered for approval. The time period for each project should not exceed half a year.

  Criteria

  All local SMEs can apply for ICV if they meet the following criteria :

  • Physically located and registered in Singapore
  • Have at least 30% local shareholding, and
  • Have group annual sales of not more than $100 million or group employment size not exceeding 200 employees

  *Above is the excerpt from SPRING SINGAPORE, more information can be found on the link https://www.spring.gov.sg/growing-business/voucher/Pages/innovation-capability-voucher.aspx

  

   

• IGP

  Inclusive Growth Programme (IGP)

  Like a thoughtful friend who pitches in for the bar tab, the government will pay up to 90% of the expenses related to improving the productivity of your business. The IGP provides up to $500,000 per year (or $150,000 per project) to co-fund your business expenses in order to raise the value of “low-wage employees” who earn less than $1,700 per month. So it’s a win-win for your business (more productivity) and your employees (who share in the financial success of your business).

  To qualify for government grant assistance, your business must satisfy two important requirements for co-funding approval:

  1. You must demonstrate that the project(s) you want co-funding for will improve the efficiency of your operations, make your business more adaptable to changing market conditions and result in better products and/or services.
  2. You must share your productivity gains with your low-wage staff in the form of bonuses, salary increases, etc.

  Once your business has been approved for co-funding, the IGP will cover up to 50% of your business expenses for the following:

  • Purchasing new equipment that automates your work processes.
  • Re-engineering current work processes to improve the productivity of your business.
  • Outsourcing the secondary processes of your business such as cleaning, security, etc. according to Best Sourcing Initiative (BCI) practices.
  • Registering any Intellectual Property (IP) and Rights resulting from processes or new products your business creates.

  In addition, the IGP also covers up to 90% of the cost for training programmes focused on improving the productivity of your employees.

  For more information on the IGP, click here.

  

   

• SEC

  Special Employment Credit (SEC) 

  Workers over 50 are still capable of providing a valuable contribution to today’s workforce. Just look at The Expendables. Most of them are over 50 and they are still capable of disemboweling men half their age! The SEC was designed to give you a little more incentive to add working-class veterans to your workforce.

  By hiring workers age 50 and above, your business qualifies to receive a payout of 8% of every employee over 50 years of age earning up to $4,000 a month (the return for employees earning between $3,000 and $4,000 is less).

  Here’s a breakdown of the return for each employee over 50 you hire: 

   

  Employee Income	SEC Payout per Month
  $500	$40
  $1,000	$80
  $1,500	$120
  $2,000	$160
  $2,500	$200
  $3,000	$240
  $3500–$4000	$120

   

  Qualification and payout for the SEC is done automatically by the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board, so all you have to do is hire someone over 50 years of age and make regular CPF contributions.

  With the SEC, hiring employees over 50 not only adds some valuable experience to your business, but a little extra money as well.

  For more information on the SEC, click here.

• Ace Startup Grant

   Get up to S$50,000 in co-matching funds for innovative business.

  Basic Eligibility (For Who)

  Who is it for? All Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who:

   are first-time entrepreneurs1

   hold at least 51% equity in the company

   are the key decision makers and committed to the company on a full-time basis

   have parental consent if they are below 18 years old at the point of application

  Your company must not:

   be registered or incorporated for more than 6 months from the date of submission

   have received any funding for the proposed business idea from another Government agency

  Your proposed business idea must not be in the following list:

   nightclubs, lounges, bars

   foot reflexology, massage parlours

   gambling

   prostitution, social escort services

   employment agencies (including recruitment of foreign workers, relocation services and manpower services)

   geomancy

  Stage Of Startup

  Early stage (0 – 6 months from registration/incorporation)

  Fund Amount (How Much)

  Dollar-matching: S$7 for every S$3 raised raised by entrepreneur, up to S$50,000.

  If your start-up is in a capital intensive industry, you may consider applying for an additional $50,000.

  For this, ACE will match $3 to every $7 raised by the entrepreneur. i.e., For you to receive a grant of $100,000, you will need to raise $21,429 + $116,667 = $138,095 in total for comatching.

  ACE does not take equity in your company and will offer the grant over 2 – 3 tranches of about $10,000 - $25,000 each.

  Each tranche of the grant will be released to you when you hit predetermined milestones. In addition, ACE will also match you with a mentor, who will support the sustainable growth of your start-up in its first year.

  How to apply

  1. Check that you meet the eligibility criteria

  2. Download the ACE Startups Submission Form from https://www.spring.gov.sg/Nurturing-Startups/Documents/ACE_Startups_Grant_Interest_Form.xls

  3. Fill in, print and sign a hardcopy of the Submission Form. Please remember to duplicate and fill in Part 1 of the form for each of your business partners.

  4. Send or hand-deliver your submission to: ACE Start-ups Administrator SPRING Singapore 1 Fusionopolis Walk #01-02 South Tower, Solaris Singapore 138628

  Click here for more on ACE grants

   

• ComCare Enterprise Fund

   Start a social enterprise to help disadvantaged Singapore Citizens become self-reliant.

  Basic Eligibility (For Who)

  The CEF is open to all new and existing social enterprise within the social service sector. Please take note of the following: 
  
  New social enterprise should be incorporated as a business or organisation registered with Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA),
  
  Existing social enterprise can only apply for funding for incremental expansion efforts in the current business operations. msf
  
  New and existing business, as well as voluntary welfare organisation should contact the CEF Secretariat (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for advice on eligibility on the CEF.

  All social enterprises interested to apply for the funding should have:
  

   A Compelling Social Objective

  The social enterprise must provide employment opportunities and skills training to needy disadvantage Singaporean. It should also provide competitive salaries, career progression opportunities as well as making sure the work processes and arrangement meet the needs and strengths of these employees.
  
  

   A Viable Business Proposition

  There must be a strong business model and feasible operation plan. Market surveys, product differentiation, product pricing, competitors understanding and business strategies should be reflected in the proposal. It must have reasonable organisation capabilities and capacity to run a sustainable business. 
  
  

   A Committed Team With Relevant Experience And Expertise

  The team must know the industry well enough to run the business.The team should also possess some experience in working with the target beneficiaries. The business should be geared towards results, accountability and both sound business and social principles.

  Stage Of Startup

  Any stages

  Fund Amount (How Much)

   An approved social enterprise proposal can receive up to 80% of the total project cost, capped at $300,000. The cost refers to capital expenditure and operating costs for up to the first two years.

   

   The typical funding is about $100,000 to $150,000 per enterprise.

   

   The funds are reimbursed only after specific milestones or performance indicators are met. Applicants should not rely solely on the funds for start-up or cash flow.
  
  All CEF-funded social enterprise are requred to enter into a 3-year contract with MCYS. Over the 3-years period, CEF-funded social enterprise are not allowed to withdraw profits. All profits during this 3-year period should be re-channeled to the business to sustain operations, or for expansion purposes. 
  
  CEF-funded social enterprise are also required to submit half-yearly Progress Reports, financial statements and annual audit reports to MCYS for monitoring purposes.

  To apply:

  1. Download and complete the Indication of Interest Form. Submit to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The CEF secretariat will conduct a preliminary assessment and let you know the next step.
  2. You will be informed by the CEF secretariat if your application is shortlisted. If your application is shortlisted, the CEF secretariat will guide you in the process of putting together a proposal, which includes detailed financial projections.
  3. You will have to attend an interview with the CEF Evaluation Panel, an independent committee comprising professionals from community, private and public sectors.  You will be informed of the outcome of the application within a month from the interview.

  - See more at here.

   

• ideas.inc Business Challenge

   Commercialise innovative products and services.

  Basic Eligibility (For Who)

  First-time entrepreneurs between 18 – 26 years old with at least 1 team member who is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.

  Stage Of Startup

  All

  Fund Amount (How Much)

   Up to S$65,000.

  Go to http://www.ideasinc.sg/ for more infomation

   

• Technology Enterprise Commercialisation Scheme(TECS)

   Develop technology ideas at conceptualisation stage to trial test your prototype.

  Basic Eligibility (For Who)

  Your Solution Must :

  1. Clearly demonstrate how science/technology is applied
  2. Be of a breakthrough level of innovation (i.e. Distinctly different or absolutely new technology which either (i) has the potential to disrupt an existing market; or (ii) to replace, or even create, a new market/purpose/niche.)
  3. Lead to or build on proprietary know-how/IP
  4. Be commercially viable

  Start-up Companies

  1. Registered for less than 5 years at time of award
  2. At least 30% local shareholding
  3. Company’s group annual sales turnover is not more than $100 million or group employment size is not more than 200 workers
  4. Core activities to be carried out in Singapore

  Your project must be either a :

  Proof-Of-Concept Project

  Your solution is at the conceptualisation stage, and the technical / scientific viability still needs to be proven.
  
  You should clearly explain the innovative science or technology concept behind the solution that is to be proven in the proposal. Individual applicants from public sector research institutes must demonstrate entrepreneurial commitment to continue their technology commercialisation work upon successful completion of the project. 
  
  Up to 100% of qualifying costs for each project will be supported, subject to a maximum of S$250,000.

  OR

  Proof-Of-Value Project

  You already have a technically / scientifically viable concept (proof-of-concept available), and you wish to carry out further development of a working prototype, to validate the commercial merit of an established concept. 
  
  You need to show the technology concept you are building on, and the commercial merit to be validated. You will also be required to demonstrate proof-of-interest from a potential customer or 3rd party investor, and the necessary business competencies to execute the project. 
  
  Up to 85% of qualifying costs for each project will be supported, subject to a maximum of S$500,000. 
  
  Your project should fall under one of the following areas :

  Electronics, Photonics & Device Technologies		Chemicals, Advanced Materials & Micro/Nanotechnologies
  Internet of Things (IOT) Silicon Photonics Wearable Electronics Sensors and Actuators Satellite Technologies		SMART Materials Composite Technology Nano Materials Additive Manufacturing
  Information & Communications Technologies		Biomedical Sciences  (Excl. Drug Discovery)
  Mobility Technology Infocomm Security Technology Infocomm Infrastructure and Architecture Business Analytics/ Big Data/ Predictive Technologies Cloud Computing High Throughput Communications		Diagnostic and Implantable Systems Medical Device Technology Healthcare IT Synthetic Biology
  Water Technologies
  Seawater Desalination Biological Processes Chemical Redox Watershed Management		Water Supply Processes Sensors & Instrumentation Sludge & Brine Management Climate Change

  Stage Of Startup

  Early stage 

  Fund Amount (How Much)

  Up to S$250,000 to develop ideas
  Up to S$500,000 to carry out further research and development

  How to apply

  Briefing Session

  1. Attend the TECS briefing session at SPRING Singapore to find out if the scheme is suitable for you. Our officers will be present to address your enquiries.

  Before you apply

  2. Submit an executive summary of the project for an initial assessment. Download the Executive Summary template (, 62KB).
  3. Email the completed documents to : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  Proposal submissions

  4. Suitable applicants will be required to submit a project proposal with a cost breakdown. Download the Project Proposal (, 120KB) and the Cost Breakdown (, 66KB) templates.
  5. Register as a user at TECS Portal. Your user ID & password will be emailed to you.
     
     Companies must provide all relevant details as best as possible, which will include :
     • Shareholding structure
     • Paid-up capital / fixed assets & investments
     • Number of employees of parent companies / subsidiaries, where applicable
     • Key company executives
  6. Log in & submit your proposal and cost breakdown.
  7. Selected applicants will go through 2 more stages of evaluation. Click here for more details on the subsequent stages of evaluation.