Overview of Singapore's Three Main Business Grants
Singapore offers several government grants to help SMEs grow and digitalise, but three stand out for businesses looking to invest in digital marketing, websites, and technology: the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG), and the Enterprise Growth and Digitalisation (EDGE) programme. Each grant serves different purposes and has different funding levels, so choosing the right one can save you significant money and time.
Understanding the differences between these grants is essential because applying for the wrong one wastes weeks of effort. Many Singapore business owners default to PSG simply because it is the most well-known, but depending on your project scope and business goals, EDG or EDGE may actually provide better funding support. Let us break down each grant in detail so you can make an informed decision.
Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG): Best for Quick Digital Adoption
The PSG grant is designed for SMEs looking to adopt off-the-shelf, pre-approved digital solutions. It is the simplest and fastest grant to apply for, with processing times of just 4 to 6 weeks. The grant covers up to 50% of qualifying costs for solutions like website development, e-commerce platforms, accounting software, CRM systems, and cybersecurity tools.
PSG is ideal if you want a standard business website or e-commerce site built by a pre-approved vendor. The typical website package under PSG costs between S$3,500 and S$15,000. You cannot customise the scope significantly because you must choose from pre-approved packages. For a detailed walkthrough, see our PSG grant guide.
- Funding level: Up to 50% of qualifying costs
- Typical website budget: S$3,500 to S$15,000
- Processing time: 4 to 6 weeks
- Best for: Standard website builds, e-commerce setup, CRM adoption, accounting software
- Limitations: Must use pre-approved vendors and packages; limited customisation
Enterprise Development Grant (EDG): Best for Custom Projects
The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) is a more flexible and generous grant, supporting up to 50% of qualifying project costs (and up to 70% for businesses that qualify for enhanced support). Unlike PSG, EDG allows you to work with any vendor and customise your project scope entirely. This makes it ideal for larger, more complex digital transformation projects.
EDG covers three main pillars: Core Capabilities (business strategy, financial management), Innovation and Productivity (technology adoption, process redesign), and Market Access (overseas expansion, branding). For digital marketing, you would apply under Innovation and Productivity, which covers custom website development, mobile app development, digital marketing strategy, and marketing automation implementation.
The downside is that EDG requires a more detailed application, including a project proposal and business plan. Processing times are longer — typically 8 to 12 weeks — and the minimum project size is usually S$30,000 and above. This makes EDG less suitable for small website projects but excellent for comprehensive digital marketing overhauls.
- Funding level: Up to 50% (up to 70% for qualifying SMEs)
- Typical project budget: S$30,000 and above
- Processing time: 8 to 12 weeks
- Best for: Custom website builds, mobile apps, comprehensive digital marketing strategies, market expansion
- Limitations: Longer processing time, requires detailed proposal, higher minimum budget
EDGE Programme: The Newest Option for Growth-Stage Businesses
The Enterprise Growth and Digitalisation (EDGE) programme is Singapore's newest business support initiative, launched to bridge the gap between PSG and EDG. EDGE provides a more holistic approach, combining digital adoption with business growth advisory. It is designed for SMEs that have outgrown basic PSG solutions but are not yet ready for large-scale EDG projects.
EDGE provides access to curated digital solution packages combined with mentorship from industry experts. The funding support varies based on the specific programme track, but typically covers up to 70% of qualifying costs. What makes EDGE unique is the bundled approach — you do not just get a website or marketing tool, you get a comprehensive growth plan that includes digital adoption, business process improvement, and capability building.
EDGE is particularly valuable for businesses in sectors like F&B, retail, logistics, and professional services that need to digitalise multiple aspects of their operations simultaneously. The programme is administered through appointed EDGE partners who guide you through the entire journey.
- Funding level: Up to 70% of qualifying costs (varies by track)
- Best for: Growth-stage SMEs needing holistic digital transformation
- Key advantage: Combines technology adoption with business advisory and mentorship
- Limitations: Newer programme with fewer approved partners; must fit specific industry tracks
Side-by-Side Comparison: EDG vs PSG vs EDGE
Here is a quick comparison table to help you decide which grant is right for your business:
- Application complexity: PSG (simple) vs EDGE (moderate) vs EDG (detailed proposal required)
- Funding percentage: PSG (50%) vs EDG (50-70%) vs EDGE (up to 70%)
- Vendor flexibility: PSG (pre-approved only) vs EDG (any vendor) vs EDGE (appointed partners)
- Project size: PSG (S$3,500-S$15,000) vs EDG (S$30,000+) vs EDGE (varies by track)
- Processing time: PSG (4-6 weeks) vs EDG (8-12 weeks) vs EDGE (6-8 weeks)
- Best for websites: PSG (standard sites) vs EDG (custom builds) vs EDGE (website + growth strategy)
For most Singapore SMEs looking to build their first business website, PSG is the recommended starting point. If you need a custom digital marketing strategy or a large-scale project, go with EDG. If you want a guided digital transformation journey, explore EDGE.
How to Decide Which Grant to Apply For
Ask yourself these three questions to determine the right grant for your situation:
- What is your budget? If your total project budget is under S$15,000, PSG is your best bet. For S$15,000 to S$50,000, consider EDGE. For S$50,000 and above, EDG provides the most support
- How custom does your solution need to be? If a standard website template works for you, PSG's pre-approved packages are fine. If you need a custom-built platform with unique features, EDG gives you the freedom to work with any developer
- Do you need ongoing advisory support? If you want hands-on mentorship alongside digital adoption, EDGE's bundled approach is the most holistic option
You can also stack grants — for example, use PSG for your website and separately apply for EDG for a digital marketing strategy. Just ensure the scopes do not overlap, as double-dipping on the same cost item is not allowed.
For more information on using grants for your website, read our comprehensive guide to government grants for websites.
Can I apply for both PSG and EDG at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for both PSG and EDG simultaneously, but they must be for different project scopes. For example, you could use PSG for a website build and EDG for a separate digital marketing strategy project. You cannot claim both grants for the same deliverable or cost item.
Which grant has the highest approval rate?
PSG generally has the highest approval rate among the three grants because the application is simpler and uses pre-approved solutions. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and submit complete documentation, your chances of approval are high. EDG has a lower approval rate due to the more rigorous assessment of project proposals.
Is the EDGE programme available for all industries?
EDGE currently targets specific industry sectors that have been identified as priorities for digitalisation. These include F&B, retail, logistics, and professional services. The programme is gradually expanding to more sectors, so check the Enterprise Singapore website for the latest list of eligible industries and appointed EDGE partners.
