Sustainability has moved from a nice-to-have to a business requirement for Singapore companies. Large customers, banks and overseas buyers increasingly ask suppliers about their carbon footprint, energy use and sustainability practices. To help smaller firms respond, Enterprise Singapore runs the Enterprise Sustainability Programme (ESP), a support framework that combines capability-building with funding for sustainability projects. This 2026 guide explains what the ESP offers, who it is for, and how it fits with the rest of Singapore’s green-economy support.
The ESP is deliberately broad. It is less a single grant and more a gateway that channels SMEs toward the training, tools and funding they need to build sustainability into how they operate, and to win business in a market where green credentials increasingly matter.
What the Enterprise Sustainability Programme covers
The programme works on two main fronts: building a company’s knowledge and capabilities, and helping fund the projects that put sustainability into practice.
1. Capability building and training
ESP supports workshops and training that help business owners and staff understand sustainability fundamentals, measure their environmental footprint, and identify practical steps to improve. These range from foundational programmes, which introduce sustainability concepts and the business case, to sector-specific sessions tailored to particular industries. The aim is to demystify the topic so that an SME can move from “we know we should” to a concrete plan.
2. Support for sustainability projects
Beyond training, ESP helps companies fund sustainability projects, such as developing new green products, adopting resource-efficient processes, or building the capabilities to enter green supply chains. This project support is typically delivered through Enterprise Singapore’s flagship grant, the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), where qualifying sustainability projects can attract a meaningful proportion of supportable costs. Companies should confirm the current support tiers when they apply, as grant rates and enhancements are reviewed from time to time.
Who is it for
The ESP is aimed at Singapore-registered companies, particularly SMEs, that want to build sustainability capabilities and capture opportunities in the green economy. Eligibility for the funded project support generally follows the standard Enterprise Singapore grant criteria, which include being registered and operating in Singapore, having a minimum level of local shareholding, and being in a viable financial position. The capability-building and training elements are usually more broadly accessible, making the programme a sensible first stop for a company that is early on its sustainability journey.
How the ESP fits with other green support
The ESP does not stand alone. It works together with several other measures a Singapore company can tap:
Companies financing green assets or projects, such as solar installations or energy-efficient equipment, can look at the Green Loan under the Enterprise Financing Scheme. Those adopting pre-approved sustainability software, for example emissions trackers and ESG reporting tools, may use the Productivity Solutions Grant. And companies that need to report their sustainability performance formally should understand the direction of travel on sustainability reporting, which is increasingly expected up and down supply chains. Note too that Singapore’s broader enterprise grant landscape is being streamlined, so it is worth checking the latest position on how the various schemes are packaged when you plan an application.
How to get started
A practical sequence for an SME is: first, take a foundational sustainability workshop to understand the fundamentals and measure your baseline; second, identify one or two concrete projects, whether a process change, a new green product line, or a certification, that deliver both environmental and commercial value; third, apply for project funding through the appropriate grant, supported by a clear project plan, budget and expected outcomes. As with all Enterprise Singapore support, applications are made through the Business Grants Portal using your company’s Corppass, and a well-scoped project with measurable outcomes is far more likely to succeed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ESP a single grant?
No. It is a programme that combines capability-building with access to funding. The funded project support is typically delivered through the Enterprise Development Grant, while training is offered through workshops. Think of it as a framework rather than one application form.
Do we need to be a large company to benefit?
No. The programme is designed with SMEs in mind. In fact smaller companies, which often lack in-house sustainability expertise, are among those it is most intended to help.
What kind of projects qualify for funding?
Broadly, projects that build genuine sustainability capability or capture green-economy opportunities, such as developing green products, adopting resource-efficient processes, or entering sustainable supply chains. The project must be substantive and have measurable outcomes.
How do we apply for the funded support?
Through the Business Grants Portal, using your company’s Corppass, following the criteria for the relevant grant. A clear project scope, budget and outcomes are essential.
Raffles Corporate Services can help you scope a sustainability project, check eligibility, and prepare a grant application that stands up to assessment. Get in touch through our contact page.
Full details are on the Enterprise Singapore website at enterprisesg.gov.sg, applications go through the Business Grants Portal, and the national context is set out under the Singapore Green Plan.
— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services