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Government grants playbook: How Singapore SMEs go global
Government grants playbook: How Singapore SMEs go global
Expanding beyond Singapore is no longer reserved for large corporations only. With the right mix of government grants, tax incentives and smart financing, even lean teams can test, enter and grow in overseas markets without overstretching.
This guide breaks down the main support schemes in plain English, and shows how a banking partner like OCBC can fit into your expansion journey. It is written for Singapore SMEs, small business owners, entrepreneurs and solopreneurs who want practical, next-step advice instead of theory.
Are you ready to cross borders?
Before you start shortlisting grants, do a quick reality check. Have you proven your product or service with paying customers in Singapore, and can you clearly describe your target overseas customer and why they would choose you?
You do not need a perfect 50 page plan, but you do need basic financials, a simple project outline, and realistic timelines. Grants and financing work best as leverage on a solid plan, not as a fix for a weak one.
Your “support stack” for going global
Think of overseas expansion as a stack of support rather than a single scheme. Use government grants to defray project costs, tax incentives to stretch each dollar, and bank financing to keep cash flow healthy while you grow.
Most successful SMEs use a combination. For example, one grant to support overseas marketing, Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi) to claim tax deductions on internationalisation expenses, and an OCBC government-assisted loan to bridge working capital needs.
Key market expansion grants in plain English
Market Readiness Assistance (MRA)
MRA provides support for qualifying overseas market expansion activities, subject to prevailing support levels and programme terms.
Traditional example: an F&B brand working with a distributor in Jakarta, using MRA to co fund tasting events and in market promotions. Digital or tech example: a SaaS startup testing demand in Hong Kong through localised landing pages and targeted campaigns.
Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
EDG supports larger projects that help you upgrade, innovate and internationalise. Examples include restructuring operations for regional growth or building capabilities to serve multiple markets.
It suits founders who are ready to treat overseas expansion as a strategic project, not just a one off experiment, and often involves professional consultancy or system upgrades.
Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
PSG helps SMEs adopt pre-approved digital and productivity tools such as CRM systems, e-commerce platforms and inventory solutions.
For traditional SMEs, these tools become the operating system for managing orders and customer data across markets. For digital or tech firms, they support remote teams and regional client servicing.
EDGE: A new, streamlined grant framework
From the second half of 2026, Enterprise Singapore plans to launch EDGE, a consolidated grant that brings EDG, MRA and PSG into a single scheme based on activities such as digitalisation, market expansion or operational upgrades.
This means future applications can be framed around what you are doing, for example market expansion or digital upgrades, rather than navigating multiple separate grants. This can be easier for time poor founders.
Tax incentives: Do not leave money on the table
The Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi) scheme allows enhanced tax deductions on qualifying overseas market development and investment activities, such as trade fairs, market visits and overseas marketing.
If you are already planning these activities, DTDi can turn necessary costs into smarter, tax efficient investments. Innovation focused schemes can further support SMEs creating new products or technology with global potential.
Funding the journey: How OCBC fits In
Grants rarely cover everything. Government assisted SME loans and other SME financing solutions help you manage cash flow for inventory, hiring, longer payment cycles or unexpected expenses during expansion.
OCBC, as a participating financial institution for government assisted loans, can work with you to align your grant funded plans with appropriate financing, trade facilities and foreign exchange solutions. This allows you to focus on execution instead of worrying about cash gaps.
Disclaimer
You may be directed to third party websites. OCBC Bank shall not be liable for any loss suffered or incurred by any party for accessing such third party websites or in relation to any product and/or service provided by any provider under such third party websites.
The information provided herein is intended for general circulation and/or discussion purposes only. Before making any decision, please seek independent advice from professional advisors. No representation or warranty whatsoever in respect of any information provided herein is given by OCBC Bank and it should not be relied upon as such. OCBC Bank does not undertake any obligation to update the information or to correct any inaccuracy that may become apparent at a later time. All information presented is subject to change without notice. OCBC Bank shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising directly or indirectly howsoever in connection with or as a result of any person acting on any information provided herein. Any reference to any specific company, financial product or asset class in whatever way is used for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation on the same.
Ready to take your SME global?
Visit OCBC’s Business Banking for SMEs or speak to a Business Banking specialist today
or call us at 1800-BIZLOAN (1800-2495626).
FAQs
Who can apply for Singapore SME overseas expansion grants?
What is the main difference between MRA and EDG?
MRA supports specific market entry activities; EDG funds broader business transformation and internationalisation projects.
Do grants cover 100 percent of my overseas expansion costs?
No. Grants co-fund eligible costs. You still need your own capital or financing.
Can I combine grants with financing for overseas expansion?
Yes. Many SMEs use grants to offset eligible project costs while relying on financing to support working capital, inventory purchases, hiring and other business expenses during expansion. OCBC offers government-assisted financing solutions and SME loans that can help bridge funding gaps throughout your growth journey..
How does OCBC support my overseas expansion beyond financing?
In addition to financing solutions, OCBC offers trade finance, foreign exchange solutions and cross-border banking support to help businesses manage international transactions, overseas customers and suppliers, and foreign currency exposure as they grow regionally.
