Read on to learn more about what the EDG grant is, who is eligible to apply, and how to apply.
Supportable Items and Activities Under EDG
Enterprise Singapore offers the grant under 3 project categories you can apply for – core capabilities, innovative productivity, or market access.
Core Capabilities
Strengthening the core capabilities of your business equips you with the ability to adapt to rapid growth and transformation. The following aspects are covered under Enterprise Development Grant (EDG):
1. Business Strategy Development
Objective: To improve or redesign business strategies
Through sound Business Strategy Development, a business can strengthen its core capabilities for sustainable and scalable growth.
- Development of strategies to maximise opportunities and boost competitiveness
- Optimisation of research and development operations
- Improvement of management systems based on Business Excellence Framework to achieve “Singapore Quality Class” certification
Objective: To improve financial management strategies
- Establishment of plans to improve finance-related areas such as investment
- Analysis of risk exposure and implementation of the risk management process
Objective: To support the human resource (HR) team
Human capital development service includes:
- HR management and recruitment
- Compensation and benefits
- Employee skills training and development
Objective: To improve service excellence to delight customers
- Analysis of customer needs and decision-making process
- Implementation of research and revamping service excellence processes to improve customer experience
5. Strategic brand and marketing development
Objective: To boost company branding and marketing via differentiation of products and services
- Creation of brand strategy that focuses on unique selling point to attract customers
- Development of marketing and communications plan
Innovation and Productivity
Innovation and productivity involve assessing and upgrading workflow processes to boost efficiency. For example, businesses can automate their processes by using technologies. EDG grant puts significance on the use of technology as it assures improved success, especially for business expansion.
1. Automation
Objective: To move towards automation and usage of technology to improve innovation and productivity.
- Development of hardware and software solutions, involving machinery and systems integration
- Staff training to implement solutions
Objective: To evaluate and restructure current workflow processes before automation
- Examine the incorporation of technology to automate processes
- Development of comprehensive timeline to guide actions to achieve automation
Objective: To invent technology and products for commercialisation purposes
- Market viability assessment
- Making of prototype and production of small batch
- Crafting of commercialisation plan
Market access
Market access encourages expanding into overseas markets to broaden the reach and potential of your business. EDG grant covers part of the cost for the following items:
1. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
Objective: To prepare for and evaluating potential M&A
- Development and implementation of M&A procedures
- Assessment of target for acquisition in areas such as financial and legal
- Generation of a change management plan to promote seamless integration
2. Overseas marketing presence (OMP)
Objective: To build OMP to achieve optimal business development and market access.
2.1 Pilot project and test-bedding
Objective: To prove the feasibility of product to aid international expansion
- Development of material to exhibit usability and effectiveness of product or service
2.2 Standards adoption*
Objective: To achieve internationally recognised standards and certifications
*Does not cover basic standards, i.e. ISO 9001, ISO 14001,OHSAS 18001, SS 506, and ISO 45001
EDG Grant Eligibility: Who can apply?
You are eligible to apply for the grant enterprise development Singapore offers if:
- Your company is registered and operating in Singapore
- You have at least 30% of local shareholding
- Your company is financially able to execute and complete the project
- Your project is new, i.e. no contracts have been signed and it is not generating any revenue yet
All applications will be assessed by Enterprise Singapore depending on the nature of the project, intended results, and proficiency of project management consultants.
Note: As of 1 April 2020, EDG applications will be assessed for their commitments to worker outcomes as well.
Also, unionised companies and e2i partners under the Labour Movement will be qualified to receive an additional 10% funding, dependent on NTUC-e2i’s endorsement.
EDG Application: How to apply?
Before you apply for EDG, check whether you qualify for the grant (refer to the previous section). Next, identify the project category you are applying for – core capabilities, innovative productivity or market access. Refer to the category details in the first section of our article to determine which category your project belongs to.
Here are the next steps for the application:
1. Contact qualified providers to guide you through your project.
You can choose to engage management consultants with Enterprise Singapore-recognised certification or Astreem Consulting Services.
2. Do up the project proposal.
Refer to the proposal templates available to prepare your proposal.
- Core Capabilities Proposal Template
- Innovation Productivity Proposal Template
- Market Access Proposal Template
3. Prepare the relevant documents.
- ACRA information
- Audited financial statements
- Relevant proof of quotation or proposal
- Management consultancy scopes
- Relevant consultants’ certification
- Additionally, refer to this EDG application checklist for the other documents you need to prepare.
4. Set up a CorpPass account (if your company doesn’t have one)
5. The last step is to submit your EDG grant application.
These steps can be overwhelming especially for a business owner like you who manages your business’s day-to-day. As the core decision-maker, you want to set your eyes on your company’s growth and not just firefight every day. For additional help in applying for an enterprise development grant, EDG as it is commonly known, you can also approach SME centres or contact Astreem to discuss your projects.
Frequently Asked Questions about EDG Grant
Can projects with both domestic and overseas items be supported under EDG?
EDG supports projects carried out locally and it also aids companies in expanding overseas.
How much grant can my business receive under EDG?
From now till 2023, SMEs can receive up to 70% project funding, while non-SMEs can receive up to 50% from Enterprise Singapore.
Qualified project costs include third-party consultancy fees, software and equipment, and incremental internal manpower cost.
How long is the duration of an EDG funded project?
Projects have to be completed within 12 – 18 months upon successful grant application. Note that OMP projects must be completed within 12 months.
EDG projects typically take between 4 – 12 months to complete, depending on the scale of each project that is undertaken.
A typical franchise development project by Astreem can take between 4 – 6 months, while an international business expansion project in a specific country may take 3 – 4 months to complete.
What is the difference between EDG, Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) and Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant?
The PSG and MRA grant support the initial adoption stage of
- incorporating technology to strengthen business processes and
- bringing your business overseas respectively.
As part of Budget 2020, PSG has been replaced by the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit from 1 March 2020.
MRA will continue funding up to 70% for qualifying activities till 31 March 2020.
Subsequently, the EDG comes in to support your business growth and transformation to enhance adaptability.
What is the difference between EDG, Capability Development Grant (CDG), and Global Company Partnership (GCP)?
Previously, the CDG only offers funding for core capability development, and the GCP assists companies to expand internationally. These grants have been phased out and replaced by EDG.
As an improved grant, the EDG offers more holistic funding coverage as it aids companies in developing 3 areas:
- Core Capabilities,
- Innovation and Productivity, and
- Market Access.
Will I be affected if I have an existing project under CDG/GCP?
You will not be affected if you have an existing project under CDG/GCP. After your project is completed, follow these instructions to submit claims.
Can I try applying for EDG if my CDG/GCP application was rejected previously?
Yes. Before applying, you may want to examine why the previous application was rejected. You are advised to consult any of the SME centres or our Astreem team for guidance.
What are the other programmes/grants designed for SMEs?
Enterprise Transform
For businesses seeking to improve core capabilities, the government has launched the Enterprise Transform package that includes leadership transformation.
The EDG is also under this package.
Enterprise Leadership for Transformation (ELT)
This one-year programme is designed to support business leaders of promising SMEs in achieving the next phase of growth through
- structured modular training in business growth capabilities and
- business coaching in developing business growth plans.
It is delivered by a network of partners including Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), financial institutions and industry experts.
Enterprise Grow
To help drive growth and sustainability, the government has designed the Enterprise Grow package that includes the launch of:
SMEs can get access to more straightforward and better processes when applying for licenses, permits and certificates. All G2B transactions have been digitalised through the GoBusiness licensing portal.
Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) has been expanded to drive greater adoption of digital technology with 3 simple steps.
- Assess your business’s digital readiness using the Industry Digital Plan for your sector.
- Adopt pre-approved solutions with grant support.
- Contact the nearest SME Centre for assistance.
Solutions offered are sector-specific that cut across different areas, such as customer management, data analytics, financial management, and inventory tracking.
Now is the Time
For additional help in applying for an Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), contact us to discuss your projects.
