How a Grant Consultant Can Help You Secure the MRA Grant in Singapore

Expanding your business beyond Singapore’s borders is a bold and exciting step—but it’s also filled with financial and operational challenges. To help Singapore SMEs overcome those hurdles, Enterprise Singapore offers the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant, a valuable government initiative that supports overseas market entry. While the MRA Grant provides generous funding, the process of applying can be complex and time-consuming, especially for businesses unfamiliar with its requirements.

This is where a grant consultant comes in. Engaging a knowledgeable consultant can be the key to securing approval and making the most out of your MRA Grant application. In this article, we’ll explore what the MRA Grant covers, why it’s important, and how a grant consultant can support you at every stage of your application journey.

What is the MRA Grant?

The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant is a scheme administered by Enterprise Singapore. It provides financial support to Singapore-based SMEs that are taking their first steps into international markets. The grant aims to reduce the risks and costs associated with overseas expansion.

As of the current guidelines, the MRA Grant offers up to:

• 70% support for eligible costs

• Capped at S$100,000 per new market per fiscal year

The grant is segmented into three key support areas:

1. Overseas Market Promotion – E.g., participation in trade fairs, digital marketing

2. Overseas Business Development – E.g., hiring overseas market consultants

3. Overseas Market Setup – E.g., business matching, in-market presence setup

The goal is to help Singapore SMEs build a presence in new countries while minimising the initial financial burden.

Challenges of Applying for the MRA Grant

While the benefits are clear, applying for the MRA Grant is not as straightforward as it may seem. Businesses often run into hurdles such as:

• Understanding grant criteria and eligibility

• Gathering and formatting required documents

• Selecting Enterprise Singapore-recognised vendors

• Defining measurable KPIs for overseas success

• Handling claims and audits post-approval

Many SMEs make critical errors during the application process—resulting in delays, rejections, or clawbacks.

How a Grant Consultant Can Help

1. Assess Your Readiness and Eligibility

Before you even begin the MRA application, a grant consultant will evaluate your business’s eligibility. Not all companies or projects qualify, and consultants help you save time by clarifying:

• Whether your target market qualifies as a “new market”

• If your proposed project fits within the supported categories

• What scope of services are eligible under MRA terms

• Whether your chosen vendors are pre-approved or eligible

This early-stage consultation ensures that your business does not waste resources on ineligible applications.

2. Match Your Project with the Right Strategy

A good grant consultant does more than assist with paperwork—they take the time to understand your expansion goals. Whether you’re entering Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, or Australia, your consultant will:

• Recommend the best approach for entering your selected market

• Help you decide whether to prioritise digital marketing, in-market business development, or setting up a physical presence

• Suggest cost-effective strategies that still qualify for grant support

This strategic alignment is critical not only for funding approval but also for the actual success of your overseas venture.

3. Prepare a Strong and Compliant Application

The MRA application is detailed and includes:

• A project proposal outlining your overseas strategy

• Quotations and scopes of work from eligible vendors

• KPIs that demonstrate return on investment

• Cost justifications and timelines

A grant consultant knows exactly what Enterprise Singapore is looking for. They will help you:

• Draft clear and concise proposals

• Select the right vendors that meet MRA requirements

• Ensure documentation is complete, accurate, and audit-ready

• Create realistic yet measurable KPIs that satisfy funding requirements

This significantly increases your approval chances and reduces the likelihood of rework or rejections.

4. Liaise with Vendors and Enterprise Singapore

Coordinating with vendors and communicating with government agencies can be time-consuming and intimidating, especially if you’re doing it for the first time.

Grant consultants will:

• Liaise with your chosen vendors to ensure quotations meet the grant’s technical and financial standards

• Clarify issues with Enterprise Singapore officers on your behalf

• Ensure that all project milestones are clearly documented and aligned with your grant timeline

Having a professional point of contact makes the process smoother and more efficient.

5. Manage the Post-Approval Process

Once your application is approved, your responsibilities don’t end. You’ll need to:

• Execute the project according to the approved timeline

• Track expenses and outcomes

• Submit claim documentation

• Prepare for potential audits

This is another area where grant consultants shine. They help you:

• Organise and submit your claims on time

• Ensure all supporting documents meet audit requirements

• Track progress to ensure your KPIs are being met

• Avoid disallowed claims or non-compliance issues

With proper post-approval management, your business can fully realise the benefits of the grant without running into complications.

Why Choose a Specialist in MRA Applications?

While many consultants offer general grant advisory services, not all are experienced with the MRA Grant specifically. It’s important to work with someone who:

• Has a proven track record with successful MRA applications

• Understands overseas market entry challenges

• Knows how to align marketing and expansion strategies with grant objectives

That’s where https://grantconsultant.sg stands out. As a Singapore-based consultancy focused on helping SMEs with MRA and other grant applications, their team offers:

• Comprehensive pre-application assessments

• Hands-on support for proposal preparation

• Compliance guidance for claims and disbursement

• Strategic advice tailored to your target market and business model

Their deep experience ensures that your application isn’t just complete—it’s compelling.

Final Thoughts

The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant is one of the most valuable schemes available to Singapore SMEs looking to expand overseas. But unlocking its full benefits requires careful planning, detailed application work, and post-approval compliance.

A grant consultant serves as your guide and partner throughout the entire journey—helping you avoid costly mistakes, save valuable time, and secure funding with confidence.

If you’re planning to bring your products or services to a new international market, consider working with an expert. For professional support with your MRA Grant application, visit https://grantconsultant.sg and take the first step towards global expansion—without the guesswork.