What Is the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit?
The SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) is a government grant that encourages Singapore employers to invest in workforce transformation and enterprise capability development. Eligible employers receive a one-time credit of S$10,000, which can be used to defray up to 90% of out-of-pocket expenses for approved enterprise transformation programmes.
SFEC is administered by the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) agency and was first introduced in 2020. It has since been extended and refreshed to support businesses navigating economic restructuring and skills gaps.
Who Is Eligible for SFEC in 2026?
To qualify for the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit, your company must meet the following criteria:
- Registered and operating in Singapore
- Employed at least three Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents in the preceding 12 months
- Not in the process of winding up or being struck off
- Have made Skills Development Levy (SDL) contributions for at least three Singapore Citizen or PR employees
Eligible employers will be notified by SSG — you do not need to apply. Once notified, you can begin using the credit against qualifying expenditure.
What Can SFEC Be Used For?
The S$10,000 credit can be applied against qualifying costs in two broad categories:
1. Workforce Transformation Programmes
These include courses and programmes supported by SSG, such as:
- Company-sponsored SkillsFuture courses for employees
- Sector-specific Place-and-Train programmes
- Attach-and-Train and Professional Conversion Programmes (PCPs)
- Approved e-learning platforms and licences
2. Enterprise Capability Development
Credits can also go towards capability upgrades, including:
- Adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) or other business software
- Consultancy fees for business improvement projects
- Costs under Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)-supported projects
- Business continuity and process redesign initiatives under Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
How Much Can You Claim?
SFEC covers up to 90% of qualifying out-of-pocket costs, capped at the credit balance of S$10,000. The remaining co-payment (at least 10%) must be borne by the employer. SFEC cannot be used to offset costs already fully funded by other grants.
For example, if a training programme costs S$5,000, and another grant covers S$2,000, your out-of-pocket expense is S$3,000. SFEC can cover up to 90% of that S$3,000 (i.e., S$2,700), so you would only pay S$300.
How to Claim SFEC
Claiming is straightforward:
- Confirm your company has received an SFEC notification from SSG (check the SkillsFuture website or your CorpPass dashboard).
- Enrol employees in approved programmes or engage qualified vendors.
- Submit claims through the Business Grants Portal (BGP) at businessgrants.gov.sg.
- Upload supporting documents: invoices, proof of payment, and attendance records.
- Receive reimbursement within 4–6 weeks upon successful claim assessment.
Key Deadlines and Validity Period
Your SFEC credit is valid for a specific window — typically three years from the date of eligibility. Claims for qualifying expenses must be submitted within the validity period. Unused credits cannot be carried forward after expiry.
Check your notification letter or the BGP dashboard for your company’s specific expiry date.
SFEC vs Other Grants: How They Stack
SFEC is designed to work alongside other enterprise grants, not as a standalone scheme. Common combinations include:
- SFEC + EDG: Use EDG to fund up to 50–70% of consultancy costs, then apply SFEC to cover up to 90% of the remaining co-payment.
- SFEC + PSG: Use PSG for IT solutions or equipment, then offset your co-payment using SFEC.
- SFEC + Training grants: SkillsFuture subsidies reduce course fees, and SFEC covers up to 90% of the residual cost.
This stacking approach can dramatically reduce the net cost of transformation initiatives for SMEs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Claiming ineligible expenses: Salaries, capital expenditure (e.g., hardware), and non-approved vendors do not qualify.
- Missing the claims window: Expenses must be incurred and claimed within the validity period.
- Incomplete documentation: Ensure invoices, payment proofs, and attendance records are properly filed before submitting.
- Double-claiming: You cannot claim SFEC on costs already 100% subsidised by another grant.
How Raffles Corporate Services Can Help
Navigating grant applications can be time-consuming. Our team at Raffles Corporate Services helps SMEs identify eligible programmes, prepare documentation, and submit claims accurately through the Business Grants Portal. Contact us to ensure you make full use of your SFEC credit before it expires.