Introduction
Singapore Budget 2026, delivered in February 2026, introduced one of the most significant restructurings of the Government’s enterprise support landscape in years: the consolidation of three flagship grant schemes — the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant, and the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) — into a single unified programme called EDGE.
For business owners who have navigated the often-confusing maze of government grants, this is welcome news. EDGE aims to streamline the application process, broaden eligibility, and provide more seamless support for businesses at every stage of growth. But what does this mean in practice, and how should your company prepare?
This article explains the key changes, the transition timeline, and what Singapore businesses need to know to make the most of the new EDGE programme and the enhanced grant support available right now.
What Is the EDGE Grant Programme?
EDGE is a new consolidated grant scheme announced under Budget 2026 by Enterprise Singapore. It combines the EDG, PSG, and MRA into a single, unified framework, making it easier for businesses to access the support they need without having to determine which specific grant applies to their situation.
The key objectives of EDGE are to reduce the complexity of navigating multiple grant schemes, enable businesses to access support more seamlessly across different growth areas, extend eligibility to non-SMEs for certain types of support, and provide enhanced funding levels for SMEs.
EDGE is expected to launch in the second half of 2026. Until then, the existing EDG, PSG, and MRA schemes remain fully operational, and businesses can continue to apply under the current framework.
What Grants Does EDGE Replace?
To understand the significance of EDGE, it helps to know what each of the three existing grants covers. If your company has previously applied for any of these, or if you are considering doing so, here is a brief overview.
Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
The EDG supports projects that help businesses upgrade their capabilities, innovate, and grow. It covers three broad areas: core capabilities development, innovation and productivity enhancement, and market access. The EDG has been one of the most widely used grants for Singapore businesses looking to transform their operations or expand into new markets.
Currently, the EDG provides up to 50% support for qualifying projects, with sustainability-related projects eligible for up to 70% support.
Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
The PSG supports businesses in adopting pre-approved IT solutions and equipment to enhance productivity. It is particularly popular among smaller businesses looking to digitise their operations — for example, by adopting accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, or e-commerce platforms. Companies can receive up to S$30,000 in funding support under the PSG.
Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant
The MRA Grant supports Singapore businesses venturing into overseas markets. It covers costs such as overseas market promotion (including digital marketing, PR, and trade fairs), overseas business development (including business matching and in-market consultancy), and overseas market set-up (including legal, tax advisory, and IP registration). The MRA Grant is capped at S$100,000 per new market.
What Is Changing Under Budget 2026?
Even before EDGE officially launches, Budget 2026 has already introduced several important enhancements to the existing grant schemes. These changes took effect from 1 April 2026.
Enhanced MRA Support Levels
From 1 April 2026, the MRA Grant now provides up to 70% support for SMEs, a significant increase from the previous level. This enhanced support is valid until 31 March 2029. At the same time, the “new to target overseas market” criterion has been removed, meaning companies can now use the MRA to strengthen their presence in existing overseas markets, not just enter new ones.
When EDGE is implemented, MRA eligibility will also be extended to local non-SMEs, with support of up to 50% of eligible costs.
Broadened Support for Internationalisation
Support levels for grant schemes supporting companies to internationalise have been enhanced to up to 70% for SMEs and up to 50% for non-SMEs. This reflects the Government’s emphasis on helping Singapore businesses compete globally.
Enhanced Enterprise Financing Scheme
From 1 April 2026, companies can tap facilities across the Enterprise Financing Scheme up to a maximum of S$50 million per borrower group, providing more flexibility for different financing needs, especially for overseas activities.
Who Is Eligible for EDGE?
One of the most significant aspects of EDGE is its broadened eligibility. While the current EDG and MRA are primarily targeted at SMEs, EDGE will be available to all Singapore businesses, including non-SMEs. This is a notable shift that acknowledges that larger companies also need support for transformation and internationalisation.
For businesses to qualify as SMEs under the current framework, they must meet the following criteria: the company must be registered and operating in Singapore, have a local group annual sales turnover not exceeding S$100 million, or have a group total employment size not exceeding 200 employees.
If you are unsure whether your business qualifies for grant support, our guide on grant eligibility in Singapore provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements.
What Should Your Business Do Now?
With EDGE launching in the second half of 2026, businesses should take the following practical steps:
1. Do not wait for EDGE if you have a project ready now. The existing EDG, PSG, and MRA schemes are still fully operational. If you have a qualifying project, apply now under the current schemes rather than waiting for EDGE. The enhanced MRA support levels (up to 70% for SMEs) are already in effect from 1 April 2026.
2. Review your business growth plans. Consider whether your company could benefit from support in areas such as capability development, productivity enhancement, innovation, or overseas market expansion. These are the core areas that EDGE will continue to support.
3. Ensure your company’s compliance is in order. Grant applications require your company to be in good standing with ACRA and other regulatory bodies. Make sure your annual returns are filed, your compliance checklist is up to date, and there are no outstanding regulatory issues.
4. Understand the costs of running a business in Singapore. Before applying for grants, it is helpful to understand the full picture of how much it costs to incorporate and maintain a Singapore company. This will help you identify where grant support can have the greatest impact.
5. Seek professional advice. The grant application process can be complex, and a well-prepared application is far more likely to succeed. Working with a corporate services provider who understands the requirements can make a significant difference.
How EDGE Fits into Singapore’s Broader Economic Strategy
The consolidation of grants into EDGE is part of Singapore’s broader economic strategy outlined in Budget 2026, which focuses on helping businesses adapt, grow, and compete in an increasingly complex global environment. The Budget Statement emphasised the need to advance Singapore’s refreshed economic strategy, with enterprise development as a key pillar.
For Singapore-based companies — whether you are a startup looking to scale, an established SME seeking to go overseas, or a larger enterprise undertaking digital transformation — EDGE represents a more intuitive and accessible pathway to government support.
The recent amendments to the Companies Act also demonstrate the Government’s commitment to modernising the corporate framework, making it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to operate in Singapore while maintaining high standards of governance and accountability.
Conclusion
The new EDGE grant programme represents a welcome simplification of Singapore’s enterprise support landscape. By consolidating the EDG, PSG, and MRA into a single scheme, the Government is making it easier for businesses of all sizes to access the funding and support they need to grow, innovate, and internationalise.
If your company is considering applying for grants — whether under the current schemes or the upcoming EDGE programme — the team at Raffles Corporate Services can help you understand your eligibility, prepare your application, and ensure your company’s compliance is in order. Do not hesitate to reach out for a consultation.
— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services