How to apply for the EDGE Grant in Singapore: Complete guide

The EDGE Grant in Singapore is a government funding scheme that helps eligible businesses strengthen their capabilities, adopt technology, improve productivity and support business growth. 

To apply, you must check your company's eligibility, select the appropriate grant activity, prepare the required documents and submit your application through the Business Grants Portal (BGP).

The application process may different depending on the activity you choose. Before committing to a vendor or starting a project, review the specific eligibility criteria, funding conditions and application requirements set by Enterprise Singapore.

Key takeaways

• Check your eligibility before applying: Ensure your business meets the Singapore registration, local ownership and activity-specific requirements for the EDGE Grant.
• Choose the right EDGE Grant activity: Match your project to the relevant activity, such as automation and digitalisation, business strategy, financial management, sustainability, internationalisation or innovation.
• Prepare the required documents in advance: Gather vendor quotations, project proposals, financial information and supporting evidence based on your selected activity.
• Submit your application before starting work or making payments: Follow the applicable project commencement conditions to avoid affecting your eligibility.
• Apply through the Business Grants Portal: Submit the application using your company's authorised Corppass account and provide accurate project details and supporting documents.
• Check the processing timeline for your activity: For the Integrated ERP activity, indicative processing times are one week for pre-approved vendors and ten weeks for non-pre-approved vendors.
• Follow the Letter of Offer after approval: Complete the approved project within the qualifying period and obtain guidance from Enterprise Singapore before making changes to the vendor, project scope or costs.
• Claim reimbursement after completing the project: Pay eligible expenses in full, retain invoices and payment records, and submit your claim with the required supporting documents through the Business Grants Portal.

Who is eligible to apply for the EDGE Grant in Singapore?

Before you apply, make sure that your business satisfies the eligibility criteria for the EDGE Grant activity you have selected.

Below are the common eligibility criteria to know who is eligible to apply for the EDGE Grant in Singapore :

• Singapore registration and operations: Your business must be registered and operating in Singapore.
• Local ownership: At least 30% of the business must be directly or indirectly owned by Singapore citizens and/or Singapore permanent residents, on the basis of the ultimate individual ownership.
• Project eligibility: Your proposed project must satisfy the conditions and objectives of the selected activity.
• Previous funding: As for previous funding, certain activities do not permit submitting a second application for the same solution, standard or project.
• Project commencement: When the project starts, you must not have already begun work or made any payments or deposits to a vendor before you submit your application.

The specific requirements will vary according to the activity in question. For instance, some digitalisation solutions have to be used or put into effect in Singapore, and certain projects do require qualified consultants or approved vendors.

You should also look at the activity-specific conditions concerning company size, project costs, the expenses that are supported and the deliverables in question.

In the case of considering the adoption of a CRM system as part of the Automation and Digitalisation activity, the EDGE Grant guide on CRM in Singapore sets out the relevant eligibility criteria and funding considerations.

Example: Imagine that a small and medium-sized enterprise based in Singapore wishes to introduce an integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) system; you need to make sure that the business satisfies the ownership conditions and that the ERP system meets the requirements.

Which EDGE Grant activity should you apply for?

For this, you must choose an activity based on the business problem you want to solve, rather than selecting a grant simply because it offers funding.

We clearly mentioned this in the table below, so compare the activities with your business goals

Compare the above table to match your project to the right activity

What documents do you need to prepare for your EDGE Grant application?

Many businesses start the application process before gathering the required documents. 

Most businesses also think they only need these documents at the claim stage. 

However, by that time, it may be too late because the project has already been completed, making it difficult to gather all the required documents.

The documents you must submit will depend on the nature of the activity and the extent of the project. Preparation of these documents in advance will enable you to fill out the Business Grants Portal (BGP) application accurately and respond to the assessment questions more efficiently.

So prepare these documents before you apply

Depending on your selected activity, you may need

• Vendor quotation and proposal: Details of the proposed solution, scope of work, deliverables, costs and implementation arrangements.
• Project proposal: An explanation of the business problem, project objectives, implementation plan and expected outcomes.
• Financial information: Audited financial statements or management-certified accounts, where required.
• Business impact projections: Estimates of expected revenue growth, cost savings, overseas sales or job creation, depending on the activity.
• Vendor credentials: Evidence of relevant experience, qualifications or certifications where applicable.
• Supporting records: Documents such as a valid tenancy agreement, solution package reference ID or other activity-specific evidence.

Note: Do not assume that every EDGE activity requires the same documents. For instance, a large-scale automation project may require a detailed project proposal and financial information, while an eligible single-function digital solution may require a vendor quotation and projected cost savings.

Do you need a vendor quotation before applying?

Yes. Enterprise Singapore requires vendor proposals or quotations for numerous EDGE activities.

A quotation will establish the proposed scope, cost and solution components. You can use the quotation to determine if the proposed spend is in accordance with the funding conditions of the selected activity.

Confirm if your activity requires a pre-approved vendor

Some activities involve selection from an approved list of vendors. Other activities give you the flexibility to appoint a suitable vendor that fulfils the stipulated criteria.

For instance, the EDGE Integrated ERP activity allows businesses to choose a pre-approved vendor or consider another vendor if suitable functions are not available from the pre-approved vendors, subject to the requirements of the activity.

For eligible single-function digital solutions, you may need to select a package through the IMDA SMEs Go Digital platform and ensure that its details are in line with the vendor quotation.

Before requesting a quotation, confirm:

• Which solutions or services are included?
• Are the costs eligible under the selected activity?
• Does the vendor meet the required qualifications?
• Are the proposed deliverables and implementation period appropriate?
• Does the activity require a specific vendor or package?

Important Note: Getting a quotation is not a commitment to purchase. If your activity prohibits starting work or making payments before the application has been submitted, do not sign an agreement that initiates the project or make a deposit payment before submitting the application.

How do you apply for the EDGE Grant through the Business Grants Portal?

Once you have confirmed eligibility and prepared the required information, submit your application through the Business Grants Portal.

Here is the clear step-by-step process to apply for the EDGE Grant through the Business Grants Portal

Step 1: Identify your eligible EDGE activity

Review Enterprise Singapore's activity pages and select the option that matches your business needs. Check its eligibility criteria, supported costs, required documents and project conditions.

Step 2: Prepare your proposal and supporting documents

Collect the quotation, project proposal, financial information and other documents specified for your activity. Make sure the project scope and costs are consistent across all documents.

Step 3: Sign in to the Business Grants Portal

Visit the Business Grants Portal and sign in using your company's authorised Corppass account.

The application must be submitted by the applicant company. Enterprise Singapore's activity guidance states that third-party companies are not permitted to apply for or manage the grant on behalf of the applicant.

Step 4: Complete the application details

Select the relevant grant and activity, then provide the requested business and project information. Depending on the activity, you may need to describe:

• Your company's business and operations.
• The business problem you intend to address.
• The proposed solution and project scope.
• The selected vendor and estimated project costs.
• The expected business benefits and measurable outcomes.
• The project timeline and supporting evidence.

Enter the details accurately and ensure that the information agrees with your quotation and proposal.

Step 5: Upload the required documents and submit

Attach the documents requested by the portal and review the application before submitting it.

Check that the files are readable, the cost breakdown is clear and all required fields are completed. Keep a copy of the submitted application and any acknowledgement for reference.

Step 6: Monitor your application

Check the BGP for application updates and respond promptly if Enterprise Singapore requests clarification or additional documents.

Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Wait for the outcome and follow the instructions in the Letter of Offer if your application is successful.

How much funding can you receive under EDGE?

Can you sign a contract, pay a deposit or start work before approval?

No. You should not start work or pay a vendor before submitting your application. Enterprise Singapore does not support any application where the applicant has already started working or deposited any supplier/vendor third party before submitting the application.

Once you have submitted your application, please note that there is no guarantee that your application will be approved. Hence, do not make any payments to suppliers/vendors until the application is approved by Enterprise Singapore

Before signing any contract, making any payment or deposit or authorising the vendor to commence work, you are advised to refer to the specific conditions of your selected EDGE Grant activity to ensure that any initial commitment to a vendor will not disqualify you from receiving the grant.

If you are unsure whether a proposed commitment may affect your eligibility for the grant, you should clarify with Enterprise Singapore before you proceed. 

For example, if you plan to implement an ERP system, you should get the vendor's quotation and prepare your application before you start the implementation or make any deposit. If you decide to proceed with the purchase while awaiting approval, you will need to bear the costs yourself if the application is not approved.

How long does the EDGE Grant application process take?

The processing time depends on the selected activity and its assessment requirements. There is no single timeline that applies to every EDGE application.

Check the timeline for your specific activity

Enterprise Singapore's Integrated ERP guidance specifies the following indicative processing times:

• Pre-approved vendor: 1 week.
• Non-pre-approved vendor: 10 weeks.

These timelines apply to the specified ERP activity. You should not use them to estimate processing time for other EDGE activities.

These timelines apply specifically to the Integrated ERP activity, not to every EDGE Grant application. 

For example, if your business applies for an eligible ERP solution through a pre-approved vendor, the stated processing time is one week. If you use a non-pre-approved vendor, the stated timeline is ten weeks.

To avoid unnecessary delays, submit all required documents, provide an accurate project cost breakdown and clearly explain your proposed solution. If Enterprise Singapore requests additional information, respond promptly to help the assessment proceed.

What should you do if Enterprise Singapore requests more documents?

If Enterprise Singapore requests more documents, that means the assessment team needs more clarification or evidence. It does not mean that your application has been rejected.

Respond with the specific evidence requested

Read the request carefully and identify the documents or explanations required.

For example, if Enterprise Singapore asks for a more detailed quotation, provide the relevant cost breakdown and explain how the items relate to the proposed project. If it asks for business projections, provide the calculations and assumptions.

Before responding:

• Check every question in the request.
• Gather the supporting evidence.
• Make sure the response is consistent with your original application.
• Explain any changes or discrepancies clearly.
• Submit the response within the stated deadline.

If you cannot provide a requested document, contact Enterprise Singapore to ask whether alternative evidence is acceptable. Do not provide unrelated documents without explaining why they are relevant.

What are the common reasons for EDGE Grant application rejection?

Your EDGE Grant application may get rejected if your business does not meet the eligibility criteria or your project does not meet the requirements of the selected activity. 

Problems with project timing, missing documents and costs that do not qualify for funding can also affect your application.

Below, we clearly mention the reasons for the EDGE Grant application rejection, and we also provide practical tips on how to avoid these reasons

1. You apply for the wrong EDGE Grant activity

Each EDGE Grant activity supports specific business needs and project types. Your proposed project must meet the requirements of the activity you select.

Example: You want to implement an ERP system to manage inventory, sales and finance, but you apply under an activity that does not cover your proposed solution.

How to avoid this: Check the activity's requirements and confirm that your proposed solution fits before submitting your application.

2. Your company does not meet the eligibility requirements

Your business must meet the applicable eligibility criteria, including Singapore registration, local ownership and any additional conditions for the selected activity.

Example: Your company prepares a proposal for a digitalisation project but does not meet the required local ownership criteria.

How to avoid this: Check your company's eligibility before spending time preparing the application. Make sure you meet the mandatory requirements for the activity.

3. You start work or pay a deposit before applying

Enterprise Singapore does not support applications submitted after work has started or after you have paid a supplier, vendor or third party.

Example: You pay a software vendor a deposit to begin installation and then submit your EDGE Grant application. Your application may be ineligible because you paid the vendor before submitting it.

How to avoid this: Get the required quotation, prepare your documents and submit your application before starting work or making any payment.

4. You leave out required documents or submit incorrect details

Missing documents or information that does not match across your application and quotation can delay the assessment. If mandatory requirements remain unmet, your application may be unsuccessful.

Example: Your application states that the project costs S$20,000, but the vendor's quotation shows a different amount without explaining the difference.

How to avoid this: Check that your application form, quotation and supporting documents contain the same project details and cost figures. Include all documents required for your activity.

5. You do not explain what your project will achieve

Your application needs to explain what you plan to do, why your business needs the project and what you expect it to achieve. A general statement about improving productivity may not provide enough information.

Example: You propose buying inventory software but do not explain how it will reduce manual work, improve stock tracking or address an existing business problem.

How to avoid this: Describe the problem your business faces, how the proposed solution will address it and what improvements you expect. Support any financial projections with reasonable calculations.

6. You include costs that are not covered by the grant

Not every expense related to your project qualifies for funding. The costs must meet the requirements of the selected activity and the approved project scope.

Example: Your quotation includes an eligible software solution and additional services that fall outside the approved scope. You include the full amount without checking whether those services qualify.

How to avoid this: Review the funding conditions and check each cost before including it in your application. Make sure the proposed expenses match the project requirements.

7. You do not provide the additional information requested

Enterprise Singapore may ask for more documents or explanations during the assessment. If you do not provide the requested information within the stated deadline, your application may be delayed or affected.

Example: Enterprise Singapore asks you to explain how your proposed solution meets the activity's requirements, but your reply does not answer the question.

How to avoid this: Read the request carefully, answer each question directly and submit the supporting documents by the deadline. If you cannot provide a document, ask whether alternative evidence is acceptable.

How will you know if your EDGE Grant application is approved?

If Enterprise Singapore approves your application, it will issue a Letter of Offer (LOF). This document sets out the approved project and the conditions you must meet.

Review the Letter of Offer before proceeding

Check the following details:

• The approved project scope and grant amount.
• The conditions of support.
• The project qualifying period.
• The required project deliverables.
• The claim requirements and deadline.

Accept the offer as instructed. Then complete the project according to the approved scope and qualifying period.

Remember that approval is not the same as receiving the money. EDGE operates on a reimbursement basis, so you must complete the required deliverables, pay the eligible expenses in full and submit a claim.

Can you change your vendor, project scope or costs after approval?

No, you cannot freely change your vendor or approved project after receiving EDGE Grant approval. Enterprise Singapore's guidance states that changing the vendor after approval is not allowed. Change requests are permitted for the project end date and claim due date, subject to approval.

1. What happens if you need to change your vendor?

If your approved vendor is no longer available or you want to use another vendor, you cannot simply replace the vendor under the existing approval.

Enterprise Singapore's guidance is to terminate the existing application and submit a new application for the new vendor. Do this before proceeding with the new vendor or making any payment to them.

Example: 

Your company receives EDGE Grant approval to implement an ERP system through Vendor A. 

Vendor A can no longer deliver the project, so you want to appoint Vendor B. 

You must follow Enterprise Singapore's process to terminate the existing application and submit a new one. Do not assume that the original approval covers Vendor B.

2. Can you change the project scope or costs?

You should not assume that you can change the approved project scope or increase the approved costs after receiving the Letter of Offer. Enterprise Singapore's published guidance identifies the project end date and claim due date as the permitted types of change requests, subject to approval.

If you need to change the solution, deliverables or project costs, contact Enterprise Singapore before making the change. Ask for confirmation of the steps you must follow and whether the proposed change can be supported under the grant conditions.

3. What should you do if your project plans change?

Before taking action, review your Letter of Offer and contact Enterprise Singapore to explain the proposed change. Obtain clear instructions before replacing the vendor, changing the project or committing to additional expenses.

This helps you avoid assuming that a change is covered by your existing approval when it may require a different application or may not be permitted.

How do you submit an EDGE Grant claim and receive payment?

The EDGE Grant reimburses eligible project costs after your company completes the approved project and submits a successful claim. You must pay the eligible expenses in full before claiming reimbursement. Approval of your grant application does not mean you will receive an advance payment.

Step 1: Finish the project approved by Enterprise Singapore

Complete the project within the period stated in your Letter of Offer. Make sure you deliver everything included in the approved project.

Keep the documents that show the work is complete. Depending on the activity, these may include implementation records, reports, certificates or proof that the solution is in use.

Step 2: Pay the project costs and keep the receipts

Pay the eligible project expenses in full before submitting your claim. Keep the supplier invoices, receipts and payment records as proof of payment.

Claim only the expenses covered by your Letter of Offer and the grant conditions.

Step 3: Submit your claim through the Business Grants Portal

Prepare the required project documents and proof of payment. Sign in to the Business Grants Portal and submit your claim before the deadline stated in your grant conditions.

Enterprise Singapore may ask for more documents or explanations while reviewing your claim. Check the portal regularly and provide the requested information promptly.

Step 4: Provide your payment details

Follow the Business Grants Portal instructions to provide the required payment details. PayNow Corporate is the preferred payment method, while GIRO is also available.

For activities with published payment timelines, payment is expected within 14 working days after claim approval through PayNow Corporate, or up to eight weeks through GIRO. These timelines start after your claim is approved, not when you first apply for the grant.

Step 5: Check your claim status and payment

Monitor the Business Grants Portal for updates on your claim. Once the claim is approved and payment is processed, check your company's designated bank account to confirm that the funds have arrived.

Conclusion

Applying for the EDGE Grant in Singapore starts with choosing the right activity, not simply finding a project that offers funding. 

Your company's eligibility, proposed scope, vendor selection, supporting documents and project timing all affect whether the application meets the requirements.

Businesses comparing funding options can also refer to the guide to Singapore government grants for broader context on the support available to local businesses.

The most practical approach is to verify the conditions on the relevant Enterprise Singapore activity page, submit a complete application before starting work or making payments, and follow the Letter of Offer carefully after approval. 

Since EDGE reimburses eligible expenses after the project is completed and the claim is approved, plan your cash flow and documentation before committing to the project.

FAQs

1. How much funding can a business receive under the EDGE Grant?

Businesses can receive up to S$100,000 in total grant support per financial year across all eligible EDGE activities. Within this amount, up to S$30,000 can be used for eligible single-function digital solutions, integrated enterprise systems and pre-scoped equipment. Funding support rates depend on the activity and business type, with SMEs generally eligible for up to 50% support and certain internationalisation and sustainability activities eligible for up to 70% support. These are maximum limits, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria and funding conditions. 

2. Can a company apply for multiple EDGE Grant activities at the same time?

Yes. A company can submit multiple applications for different eligible EDGE activities based on its business needs. However, each activity requires a separate application, and the combined grant support remains subject to the annual funding cap. The company must also meet the eligibility requirements and project conditions for each activity. 

3. Can a business apply for the EDGE Grant if it previously received PSG, EDG or MRA funding?

Yes. Businesses that previously applied for or received funding under the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG), Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) or Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) scheme can apply for EDGE for a new eligible project. However, businesses cannot seek EDGE funding for the same project that has already received support under an earlier scheme. 

4. Do businesses need to obtain three vendor quotations to apply for the EDGE Grant?

No. Enterprise Singapore does not require three vendor quotations for every EDGE Grant application. The supporting documents depend on the selected activity and its assessment requirements. Businesses should check the relevant activity page to confirm the quotation, proposal and vendor documentation required before submitting an application. 

5. Can a business receive the EDGE Grant as an advance payment?

No. The EDGE Grant operates on a reimbursement basis rather than providing advance funding. Businesses must complete the approved project, fulfil the required deliverables, pay the eligible expenses in full and submit a claim with the necessary supporting documents. Reimbursement is subject to claim approval and compliance with the grant conditions