Top 5 Ways the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) Can Help Your Business Succeed in 2025

As we step into 2025, Singapore’s business landscape continues to evolve with growing emphasis on digitalisation, innovation, sustainability, and overseas expansion. For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), staying ahead means embracing transformation—but that can come with significant costs.

That’s where the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) comes in.

The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), administered by Enterprise Singapore, is a government initiative that helps Singapore-based businesses upgrade their capabilities, innovate their operations, and expand into global markets. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 ways the EDG can help your business succeed this year and beyond.

💡 Need help applying for the EDG? Visit https://grantconsultant.sg/enterprise-development-grant-edg-singapore/ to get professional assistance for your application.

1. Strengthening Your Core Capabilities

To grow sustainably, every business needs a solid foundation. The EDG supports projects that help companies build their core capabilities, setting the stage for long-term growth. This includes support in areas like:

Business strategy development
Financial management
Human capital development
Service excellence
Branding and marketing

For example, if your business needs to revisit its branding strategy to appeal to a broader customer base or redesign internal SOPs for better service delivery, EDG can subsidize these efforts through funding support.

This makes it easier for SMEs to work with consultants to professionalise their operations, restructure for efficiency, or better position themselves in a competitive market—all while keeping project costs manageable.

2. Driving Innovation and Productivity

Innovation is more than just creating new products—it’s about reimagining how your business operates. Whether it’s improving internal workflows or adopting new technologies, the EDG supports transformation projects that aim to boost efficiency and reduce costs.

Eligible projects under this pillar include:

Process redesign
Automation
Product development
Implementation of digital solutions

For instance, a manufacturing SME might apply for the EDG to automate parts of its production line, reducing manual labor while increasing output. Or a retail business may look to implement a cloud-based point-of-sale system to streamline inventory tracking and sales analytics.

As 2025 ushers in new advancements in AI, machine learning, and robotics, the EDG gives businesses a leg-up by lowering the financial barrier to innovation.

3. Supporting Overseas Expansion

In today’s globalised economy, many Singapore businesses are looking to expand overseas. However, venturing into new markets comes with challenges—from understanding local regulations to setting up distribution channels.

That’s where the EDG’s Market Access pillar comes into play. It helps companies take their first steps into international markets through:

Overseas market setup
Market research and feasibility studies
Participation in overseas trade shows and missions

For example, a homegrown F&B brand may use EDG funding to assess market demand in Jakarta, conduct a feasibility study, and hire consultants to guide them through local compliance and franchising models.

With increasing ASEAN integration and demand for Singapore quality abroad, internationalisation presents enormous growth opportunities in 2025—and EDG helps make it financially feasible.

4. Enhancing Sustainability and Green Practices

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. In 2025, consumers and clients alike are placing greater emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. The Singapore government has responded by encouraging SMEs to adopt green strategies through the EDG.

Under the Innovation and Productivity pillar, companies can apply for funding to support sustainability projects such as:

Energy-efficient upgrades
Waste reduction and recycling initiatives
Sustainable sourcing and supply chain optimisation
Carbon footprint tracking systems

If your company wants to reduce electricity consumption by installing energy-efficient machinery or incorporate environmentally-friendly materials into your products, EDG can help cover a significant portion of the costs.

These improvements don’t just help the planet—they often result in long-term savings and greater appeal to eco-conscious consumers and investors.

5. Unlocking Talent Development and Workforce Transformation

As the workforce continues to evolve, businesses need to invest in talent development and capability building. EDG supports projects that help SMEs improve their human capital strategies, including:

Leadership development
Succession planning
Performance management systems
Job redesign

In 2025, businesses face both challenges and opportunities related to remote work, Gen Z workforce integration, and digital skill gaps. EDG allows companies to engage HR consultants or build internal frameworks to address these issues.

An SME in the IT sector, for example, may use EDG to re-skill its workforce for cybersecurity roles and improve staff retention through structured training pathways and KPIs.

By enabling workforce transformation, EDG helps businesses become more resilient, agile, and competitive in a changing economy.

Bonus: Up to 50% Support for Approved Projects

One of the key advantages of the EDG is its generous funding support. Eligible companies can receive up to 50% co-funding for qualifying project costs, including:

Consultancy fees
Equipment and software costs
Internal manpower costs

This financial assistance significantly lowers the barrier for SMEs to embark on projects that they might otherwise delay due to budget constraints.

While support levels can vary depending on the project type and business size, the EDG remains one of the most accessible and practical grants for SMEs seeking real, measurable growth.

Is Your Business Eligible?

To qualify for the EDG, your business must:

Be registered and operating in Singapore
Have at least 30% local shareholding
Be financially capable of carrying out the project

The application process is done via the Business Grants Portal and can take 8 to 12 weeks for approval. That’s why it’s crucial to prepare a strong project proposal and supporting documents before submission.

Need Help With the Application?

The EDG application can be detailed and technical, especially when it comes to scoping the project, preparing documentation, and budgeting. Many SMEs choose to work with grant consultants who understand the process inside out.

Whether you’re unsure where to begin or want to increase your approval chances, a grant consultant can guide you from start to finish.

✅ Visit https://grantconsultant.sg/enterprise-development-grant-edg-singapore/ to connect with an experienced grant application team today.

Final Thoughts

The Enterprise Development Grant is more than just financial support—it’s a growth enabler. In 2025, as businesses navigate transformation, technology, and global opportunities, the EDG serves as a powerful tool to support your next step.

From strengthening your internal operations to pushing into new international markets, the EDG is designed to future-proof Singapore SMEs.

If you’re ready to transform and grow, now is the time to explore what the EDG can do for your business.