Enterprise Development Grant (EDG): What Can Be Claimed & How Singapore SMEs Benefit

If you are planning to start a business in Singapore or looking to reposition your existing brand, you may already be familiar with government support schemes such as the Enterprise Development Grant. For businesses focused on branding and marketing, the Strategic Brand and Marketing Development component of the grant is often particularly relevant.

This raises common questions around what types of branding projects are supported, how much funding is available, and which costs are claimable. In this guide, we break down how the Enterprise Development Grant applies to branding and marketing initiatives.

At Venture Studio Singapore, we have supported businesses in developing brand strategies and securing grant support under the Core Capabilities scope. Whether you are building a new brand identity or refining your positioning to reach a wider audience, this guide is designed to help you maximise the value of the Enterprise Development Grant.

Understanding EDG and Its Funding Support

The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) is a national support scheme introduced to help Singapore-based small and medium-sized enterprises strengthen their capabilities and pursue business growth. Launched in 2018, the grant focuses on encouraging companies to invest in transformation initiatives that improve competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

All EDG applications are evaluated and approved by Enterprise Singapore, which oversees the grant’s assessment and disbursement process.

Funding support of up to 50 percent may be available for approved projects, although the final amount varies by case. Factors such as industry sector, total group revenue, and workforce size are taken into account during the evaluation, along with the overall merit and impact of the proposed project.

Who can apply for the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)?

Businesses applying for the Enterprise Development Grant must fulfil a set of baseline requirements to be considered eligible.

• The company must be incorporated and conducting business operations in Singapore

• Local shareholders must hold at least 30% ownership

• The business should be financially sound and capable of completing the proposed project

In most cases, applicants are expected to have an established operating track record. Companies that have been in operation for roughly two to three years and demonstrate consistent revenue performance are generally better positioned. Having audited financial statements for the same period may further support the application.

From a company size perspective, the Enterprise Development Grant is intended for small and medium-sized enterprises. Eligible businesses typically have a workforce of no more than 200 employees, with a core team of five or more staff members being more suitable for project delivery.

Project Scope and Estimated Timeline

At Venture Studio, we focus on building a brand’s outward-facing foundation under the Strategic Brand and Marketing Development component of the Enterprise Development Grant. This scope centres on defining how a brand is positioned and expressed, rather than execution-heavy marketing activities.

Projects typically involve reviewing the existing brand, developing a clear brand strategy, and establishing core brand identity elements that guide future communications.

Certain activities are not covered under the grant. These include the production of marketing materials such as brochures, videos, websites, photography, stock images, and copywriting, as well as the execution of marketing or public relations campaigns. Advertising spend, influencer engagement, website or social media management, and search-related services such as SEO and SEM are also excluded.

Most branding strategy projects are completed within three to six months, depending on the project scope and required deliverables.

What is the project scope and timeline like?

At Venture Studio, we support businesses in developing their outward-facing brand foundation under the Strategic Brand and Marketing Development category of the Enterprise Development Grant. This scope focuses on defining how a brand is positioned and presented to its audience.

The project typically covers a review of the existing brand, the formulation of a clear brand strategy, and the development of core brand identity elements, followed by the design framework for brand communication touchpoints.

Please note that certain activities are not supported under the grant, including:

• The production of marketing or corporate materials such as brochures, videos, websites, photography, stock images, and copywriting

• The execution of marketing or public relations campaigns, including advertising and media spend, influencer engagement, website or social media management, as well as search-related services such as SEO and SEM

Most branding and marketing strategy projects are completed within an estimated timeframe of three to six months, depending on the scope of work and the number of deliverables involved.

How Venture Studio Supports the EDG Application

As a branding consultancy based in Singapore, Venture Studio works closely with businesses throughout the Enterprise Development Grant application process, providing guidance at each key stage.

We assist applicants in preparing the required project materials, including:

• A structured project scope, budget, and quotation

• The EDG project proposal

• Project documentation and reports required for submission

The applicant company will be responsible for providing supporting business information. This typically includes financial statements covering the past two to three financial years, as well as forward-looking projections such as expected revenue, workforce size, and wage forecasts.

Throughout the process, our team provides step-by-step guidance to help ensure the application is properly structured and aligned with grant requirements.

Based on typical processing timelines, application outcomes are usually communicated within approximately two to four months. For successful applications, Enterprise Singapore will issue a Letter of Offer, which must be accepted before the project can officially commence.

In some cases, companies may also be eligible to submit an advance payment claim of up to twenty percent of the approved grant amount, subject to approval by Enterprise Singapore.

Project Completion and Funding Claims

Approved projects under the Enterprise Development Grant are typically expected to be completed within twelve to eighteen months. Companies are encouraged to keep timelines reasonable to ensure project outcomes remain relevant.

Once all approved branding deliverables are completed and ready for use, the funding claim process may begin. Claims should be submitted within six months from the project end date stated in the Letter of Offer.

To submit a claim, companies will need to prepare the required documents, including the final project report, completed deliverables, and invoices. Venture Studio can assist with compiling these materials. Claims are submitted via the Enterprise Singapore grant portal, with disbursement usually taking around one to two months after submission.

Additional Points to Know About the EDG

Businesses often ask whether there is a limit to how many Enterprise Development Grant projects they can undertake. In principle, there is no fixed cap on the number of EDG applications a company may submit, and it is possible to run more than one approved EDG project at the same time.

However, each company can only receive funding once per support category. For example, if a business has already been awarded an EDG for branding and marketing, it will not be eligible for another grant under the same category, though applications in other areas remain possible.

Companies may also be considering other government grants with similar objectives. The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) and the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) grant are separate schemes with different scopes. PSG focuses on helping businesses adopt pre-approved productivity tools or equipment, while MRA supports companies taking initial steps into overseas markets. These grants are generally more prescriptive in nature, with defined solutions and outcomes to facilitate faster adoption.

The Enterprise Development Grant differs in that it is designed to support broader business growth and transformation. Each EDG application requires a project-specific proposal outlining business objectives, project scope, and expected outcomes for assessment.

For reference, Venture Studio is also a Pre-Approved Vendor under the SMEs Go Digital programme and supports businesses in areas such as eCommerce website development to help reach wider audiences.

Disclaimer: The Enterprise Development Grant is administered by Enterprise Singapore. Information shared here is for general guidance and may be subject to change. Additional insights are based on Venturestudio’s experience assisting clients with grant applications.

For the most up-to-date details and official FAQs, please refer to the Enterprise Singapore website.