For first-time founders in Singapore, the hardest capital to raise is the very first tranche — the money that turns an idea into a registered company with a working prototype. Startup SG Founder is the government scheme built precisely for that moment. It pairs a start-up capital grant with structured mentorship, and in 2026 it remains one of the most accessible ways for a new entrepreneur to get off the ground. This guide explains how the scheme works, what it pays, who qualifies, and how to give your application the best chance.
What is Startup SG Founder?
Startup SG Founder is administered by Enterprise Singapore and delivered through a network of Accredited Mentor Partners (AMPs). It is aimed at first-time entrepreneurs with an innovative business concept. Rather than the government assessing applications directly, appointed AMPs screen candidates, provide hands-on mentorship, and disburse the grant to the start-ups they take on. The mentorship is as much the point as the money: founders get a partner who has built or backed companies before.
How much does the grant pay?
With effect from 1 April 2024, Enterprise Singapore revised the scheme to a 1:1 matching ratio (previously 3:1). In practice this means:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grant quantum | S$20,000 to S$50,000 |
| Matching ratio | 1:1 — you inject matching capital dollar-for-dollar |
| Grant period | Up to 12 months |
| Delivered via | Accredited Mentor Partners (AMPs) |
| Also includes | Mentorship, networking, and access to the wider Startup SG ecosystem |
So if you are awarded a S$50,000 grant, you are expected to put in S$50,000 of your own capital. The matching requirement keeps founders committed and ensures the company has real skin in the game.
Who is eligible?
The scheme is designed for genuine first-timers, not established operators. Broadly, applicants must be:
First-time entrepreneurs — you and your key team members should not have previously received Startup SG Founder or run a substantially similar funded venture. The business concept must be innovative and differentiated, not a copy of an existing model. The company, once incorporated, must be a Singapore-registered private limited company with at least 51% local shareholding held by the qualifying founders, and the founders must hold at least a 51% stake and be involved full-time in the business.
Because the AMP is the gatekeeper, each partner may apply its own additional screening — some specialise in deep tech, others in consumer, fintech, or sustainability. Choosing the right AMP for your sector matters.
How to apply, step by step
1. Refine your concept. Prepare a clear pitch covering the problem, your solution, why it is innovative, the market size, and your team’s ability to execute.
2. Choose an Accredited Mentor Partner. Review the list of AMPs on the Startup SG website and shortlist those aligned to your sector.
3. Submit your application to the AMP. The AMP assesses uniqueness, feasibility, market potential, and the strength of the founding team.
4. Incorporate (if selected). You will typically need to register a qualifying Singapore private limited company. New founders often pair this step with professional incorporation and constitution advice so the cap table is right from day one.
5. Inject matching capital and draw down the grant. Over the 12-month period you deploy the funds against your business plan and submit progress updates to Enterprise Singapore through your AMP.
Startup SG Founder in the wider grant landscape
Founder is only the entry point. As the company matures, other support becomes relevant — the Enterprise Development Grant for capability projects and the Market Readiness Assistance grant for overseas expansion. Our comparison of EDG vs PSG vs MRA and our guide to the MRA grant show how these stack across a company’s life. Founders should also check the Start-Up Tax Exemption scheme, which reduces corporate tax in the first three years of assessment.
Common mistakes that sink applications
The most frequent reasons founders are turned away are a concept that is not sufficiently innovative, a team that cannot demonstrate the ability to execute, and a plan with no credible path to revenue. Applying to an AMP that does not cover your sector, or treating the matching-capital requirement as an afterthought, also weakens an application. Prepare as if you were pitching a private investor, because effectively you are.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to incorporate before applying?
Generally you engage an AMP first; the qualifying company is typically incorporated as part of the process. Confirm sequencing with your chosen AMP, as requirements vary.
Can I apply if I already run another company?
The scheme targets first-time entrepreneurs. Prior business ownership can affect eligibility, so disclose it upfront and check with the AMP.
Is the grant taxable?
Government grants can have tax implications depending on their nature and use. Speak to your tax agent, and see our corporate tax guide for the general framework.
What happens after the 12 months?
You continue building the business. Successful companies often progress to equity fundraising or larger capability grants once they have traction.
How Raffles Corporate Services can help
We help new founders incorporate the qualifying company, structure the cap table to meet the local-shareholding requirement, and keep the corporate and accounting records that grant administrators expect to see. If you are preparing a Startup SG Founder application, talk to us early so the company is set up correctly from the outset.
— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services