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Startup SG is the Singapore government's umbrella for start-up support, run by Enterprise Singapore. The grant most new founders mean when they search for it is Startup SG Founder. Enterprise Singapore describes it as mentorship and funding support for first-time entrepreneurs, and it pays from S$20,000 to S$50,000. The details below were read on the Enterprise Singapore pages on . Terms change, so check the live page before you plan around a figure.
What is the Startup SG Founder grant?
It is a matching grant. Enterprise Singapore supports successful recipients at a 1:1 ratio, with a grant amount from S$20,000 to S$50,000. If you put S$20,000 of paid-up capital into your company, the grant can match it. If you put in S$50,000, the grant tops out at S$50,000.
The programme also gives you access to mentors. Accredited Mentor Partners (AMPs) provide mentorship, pitch training and links to investors and corporates. Enterprise Singapore says first-time founders reach funding and mentorship through these partners. The mentor side is part of the value, not a formality.
How much do you have to put in yourself?
You need matching paid-up capital at a 1:1 ratio to the grant amount you ask for. Enterprise Singapore also says at least 50% of that matching capital must already be paid up on ACRA Bizfile when the application is submitted.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Grant amount | S$20,000 to S$50,000 |
| Support ratio | 1:1 |
| Your matching capital | Same as the grant you apply for |
| Paid up when you apply | At least 50% of the matching capital, on Bizfile |
A worked case: you apply for S$20,000. You need S$20,000 of matching capital, and at least S$10,000 of it must be paid up on Bizfile before you submit. Confirm the exact wording and timing with your mentor partner, because the programme page loads by script and the numbers above come from Enterprise Singapore's published summary.
Who qualifies and how do you apply?
The grant is for first-time entrepreneurs. Enterprise Singapore says applicants are judged on four things: the business concept, whether the business model is feasible, the strength of the management team and the potential market value.
You cannot apply straight to Enterprise Singapore. The steps look like this:
- Register your company with ACRA. See company registration.
- Pick an Accredited Mentor Partner and pitch your idea to them.
- Pay in at least half of your matching capital so it shows on Bizfile.
- Your partner submits the application to Enterprise Singapore.
The partner decides whether to back you, so you are really applying to two parties. If one partner turns you down, you can ask another, but each will judge the idea on its merits.
Which company type does the grant need?
A private limited company is the normal route, because the matching capital is paid-up share capital recorded with ACRA. A sole proprietorship has no share capital, so it cannot meet that rule. The private limited company page shows the S$315 ACRA cost and the officers you need. If you are a foreigner, read about an Employment Pass or EntrePass before you plan the company, since visa rules are separate from the grant.
Are there other Startup SG grants?
Startup SG lists several programmes under one name. Founder is the starting point for first-time founders. Other Enterprise Singapore schemes sit with it:
- Enterprise Development Grant (EDG). For established companies that want to grow, upgrade or go overseas.
- Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant. For companies preparing to enter new markets.
We do not quote amounts or co-funding rates for those here, because we have not verified current figures. Read the Enterprise Singapore page for each before you rely on it.
Does a grant change your tax or filing duties?
No. Grant money goes into the business, and the company still has to register, file an annual return with ACRA at S$60 and file its tax return with IRAS. A separate IRAS scheme, the start-up tax exemption, takes 75% off the first S$100,000 of chargeable income and 50% off the next S$100,000 for the first three years, for companies with no more than 20 shareholders. It has nothing to do with the grant, and the conditions differ. Our corporate tax guide sets them out, and the company set-up overview shows the order of steps.
What should you watch for?
- Capital is yours. The grant matches money you invest, so you need it in the bank first.
- Mentor terms. We found no published fee for partners' own services. Ask each partner for a written scope and cost before you agree.
- Timing. Pay-in, registration and the mentor pitch all take time. Plan the order, not just the amount.
- Changing rules. Enterprise Singapore has revised the scheme before. Use the live page as the final word.
Independent guide, not Enterprise Singapore
SingaporeCompanySetupGuide.com is not Enterprise Singapore, ACRA or IRAS, and we do not decide who gets a grant. We summarise public pages and show the date we read them. Partners pay us for referrals, which our how we earn page explains.
Once the grant plan is clear you still need a registered company. Use the next-step link below to see the Pte Ltd, and a provider can handle the filing if you ask for one through the form there.
Sources
- Enterprise Singapore, Startup SG Founder, https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-support/startup-sg-founder (grant range, 1:1 ratio, matching paid-up capital, AMP route)
- Enterprise Singapore, Join Startup SG, https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/grow-your-business/partner-with-singapore/innovation-and-startups/join-startup-sg (mentors, assessment criteria)
- Enterprise Singapore, Enterprise Development Grant, https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-support/enterprise-development-grant (scheme for established companies)
- IRAS, Corporate income tax rates, https://www.iras.gov.sg/quick-links/tax-rates/corporate-income-tax-rates (start-up exemption)
- ACRA, Service and transaction fees: Companies, https://www.acra.gov.sg/manage/companies/service-transaction-fees/ (S$315 set-up, S$60 annual return)
