What the Enterprise Sustainability Programme Actually Covers
The Enterprise Sustainability Programme (ESP) is Enterprise Singapore’s dedicated umbrella for helping SMEs build sustainability capabilities, from basic carbon footprint measurement through to genuine product and process redesign. Enterprise Singapore has set aside up to S$180 million for the programme, aiming to benefit at least 6,000 enterprises. It is frequently mentioned in passing alongside the carbon tax, the Resource Efficiency Grant for Energy (REG(E)) and the broader EDG framework, but it is worth understanding as its own distinct support structure, because many SMEs qualify for ESP funding without realising it sits apart from the general Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) they may already be using for other projects.
The Three Levels of Support Under ESP
ESP is structured across three broad levels, each aimed at a different stage of an SME’s sustainability journey:
- Developing enterprise capabilities: subsidised training workshops and enhanced EDG support for individual companies building internal sustainability capability, such as carbon footprint measurement, sustainability reporting basics, or energy audits.
- Strengthening sector-specific capabilities: support delivered through partnerships with Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs), aimed at building common sustainability capabilities across an entire sector rather than one company at a time.
- Fostering a vibrant sustainability ecosystem: broader ecosystem support, including green financing through the Enterprise Financing Scheme–Green (EFS-Green), training pipelines, certification schemes and standards development.
Most SMEs engaging with ESP for the first time will do so at the first level, typically applying for project support through the EDG framework for a specific, qualifying sustainability project.
The Support Rate Is Changing: Act Before 31 March 2026 Where Possible
The support rate for sustainability projects under this framework is scheduled to step down. Enterprise Singapore has been defraying 70% of eligible costs for SMEs applying between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2026. For applications submitted from 1 April 2026 to 31 October 2027, the support rate drops to 50%. For an SME already planning a sustainability project, most obviously an energy audit, a carbon measurement exercise, or an early-stage sustainability strategy engagement, this is a meaningful difference in out-of-pocket cost, and it is worth checking whether the project can realistically be scoped, quoted and submitted before the end of March 2026 to lock in the higher support rate.
How ESP Interacts With the Rest of the Grant Landscape
ESP is not a replacement for the EDG or the Productivity Solutions Grant; it is best understood as a sustainability-specific lens applied through the existing EDG application channel, alongside standalone financing and ecosystem support. Companies already pursuing an EDG or EDGE grant application for a broader business improvement project should specifically flag any sustainability component of that project to their Enterprise Singapore contact or grant consultant, since it may qualify for the enhanced ESP support rate rather than the standard EDG rate.
Companies also facing carbon tax exposure should read this alongside our guide on carbon tax in Singapore, since ESP-funded efficiency projects are one of the more direct ways a company can reduce its underlying emissions footprint and, in turn, its carbon tax exposure over time, rather than simply absorbing the tax as a fixed cost.
Typical Qualifying Activities
| Activity Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Capability building | Sustainability strategy development, carbon footprint measurement, staff training |
| Resource efficiency | Energy audits and efficiency retrofits (often co-referenced with NEA’s REG(E) grant) |
| Product/process redesign | Developing more resource-efficient products, services or production processes |
| Standards and certification | Adoption of recognised sustainability standards or certifications |
| Financing | Green financing support via EFS-Green for qualifying sustainability-linked capital expenditure |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ESP a separate application from the EDG?
ESP-funded projects are generally applied for through the same EDG application channel, with the sustainability angle determining eligibility for the enhanced support rate, rather than requiring a wholly separate grant application process.
What happens to the support rate after March 2026?
The rate is scheduled to step down from 70% to 50% of eligible costs for applications submitted from 1 April 2026 to 31 October 2027.
Can a company combine ESP support with the carbon tax REG(E) grant?
The two schemes are administered by different agencies (Enterprise Singapore for ESP, NEA for REG(E)) and address overlapping but distinct needs; companies should check current stacking rules with both agencies before assuming automatic combinability for the same project cost.
Do I need to be GST-registered or a certain size to apply?
ESP follows the general SME eligibility criteria used across Enterprise Singapore’s grant schemes, including local shareholding and group revenue/headcount thresholds; check current thresholds with Enterprise Singapore before applying.
How Raffles Corporate Services Can Help
We help Singapore SMEs assess eligibility for the Enterprise Sustainability Programme, structure the project scope and budget to fit within the current support rate window, and coordinate the paperwork alongside other grant applications the company may already have in progress.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial or grant advisory advice. For advice specific to your project, please consult Enterprise Singapore directly or speak with our team.
The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services