How the MRA Grant Helps Singapore SMEs Go Global

In today’s interconnected world, going global isn’t just a luxury for big corporations—it’s a necessity for growth-driven small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) too. But for many SMEs in Singapore, the idea of expanding overseas can be intimidating. It involves significant investment, research, and risk. Fortunately, there’s government support available to ease the burden—the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant by Enterprise Singapore.

In this article, we’ll explore how the MRA Grant helps Singapore SMEs venture into international markets, and how your business can benefit from it in a strategic and sustainable way.

The Need for Global Expansion

Singapore is a compact, mature market. For SMEs to sustain long-term growth, they often need to look beyond local shores. Whether it’s to increase revenue, tap into new customer bases, diversify risk, or achieve economies of scale, internationalisation offers countless opportunities.

However, expanding into overseas markets comes with challenges:

• High upfront marketing and setup costs

• Lack of knowledge about foreign regulations

• Difficulty finding the right local partners

• Complex logistics and cultural differences

That’s where government schemes like the MRA Grant come in to bridge the gap between ambition and affordability.

What is the MRA Grant?

The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant is a government initiative managed by Enterprise Singapore, designed to help SMEs take their first step towards internationalisation.

It supports up to 70% of eligible costs, capped at S$100,000 per company per new market, broken down as follows:

• Overseas Market Promotion – Up to S$20,000

• Overseas Business Development – Up to S$50,000

• Overseas Market Set-up – Up to S$30,000

Each new target market is treated independently. That means if your business is expanding to three different countries, you could be eligible for up to S$300,000 in total MRA funding.

How the MRA Grant Helps SMEs Go Global

Let’s break down the ways in which this grant benefits SMEs looking to venture overseas:

1. Reduces Financial Risk

For many SMEs, cost is the biggest barrier to internationalisation. The MRA Grant helps alleviate this by covering a substantial portion of expenses, including:

• Trade fair participation fees

• Overseas advertising and PR costs

• Market entry consultancy services

• Legal, tax, and accounting fees

This support allows SMEs to explore new markets without taking on excessive financial risk.

2. Facilitates Market Research and Strategy

Before entering a new country, businesses need to understand the local landscape—consumer behavior, competition, pricing models, and regulatory requirements. Under the Overseas Business Development component of the MRA Grant, companies can engage professional consultants to conduct:

• In-depth market research

• Business matching services

• Strategic market entry planning

This expert insight ensures a more targeted and efficient expansion strategy.

3. Enhances Brand Visibility Abroad

Getting your name out in a foreign market isn’t easy. MRA’s Overseas Market Promotion component allows SMEs to invest in international advertising, digital marketing campaigns, and public relations activities. Whether it’s through Google ads targeting regional keywords or participating in global trade shows, the grant subsidises key activities that increase brand awareness overseas.

4. Encourages Sustainable Long-Term Expansion

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the MRA Grant encourages SMEs to develop a tailored strategy for each market. By requiring specific deliverables and outcomes, it ensures that companies don’t just enter new markets blindly—they do so with purpose and planning.

This structured process supports sustainable, long-term expansion rather than one-off market entry attempts.

5. Provides Credibility and Confidence

Receiving government funding through the MRA Grant gives your company added credibility in the eyes of overseas partners and customers. It shows that your business is vetted, supported by the Singapore government, and serious about global growth. This can go a long way in helping you negotiate partnerships, distribution deals, and even regulatory approvals in new markets.

Real-World Examples of MRA in Action

Here are a few scenarios of how Singapore SMEs use the MRA Grant to go global:

• A local skincare brand used the grant to fund a market entry study and PR campaign in Indonesia, eventually signing a distribution agreement with a regional retailer.

• A SaaS company used MRA to run Google Ads and social media campaigns in Australia, resulting in a steady stream of inbound leads and a 20% increase in revenue.

• A food packaging firm engaged a legal consultant with MRA support to help them navigate product registration and labeling laws in the UAE.

These examples highlight how versatile the grant is—it’s not limited to any one industry or market.

What the MRA Grant Doesn’t Cover

While the MRA Grant is generous, it doesn’t cover everything. Ineligible costs include:

• In-house staff salaries

• Travel and accommodation expenses

• Retrospective applications (you must apply before starting the project)

• Activities in markets you’ve already received MRA support for

• Vendors that are related to the applicant company

Understanding what’s not covered can help you avoid common pitfalls when planning your budget.

How to Get Started

The application process is managed through the Business Grants Portal. To apply, you’ll need:

• ACRA Bizfile

• Financial statements

• A detailed project proposal

• Quotations from third-party vendors

• Cost breakdown and expected outcomes

Once approved, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer, after which you can commence the supported activities. After project completion, submit your claims along with supporting documents like invoices, proof of payment, and final reports.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

To maximise your chances of approval:

• Apply early – The grant doesn’t support retrospective claims.

• Work with qualified vendors – They must not be related to your company.

• Be clear and specific – Your proposal should outline measurable outcomes.

• Keep records – Proper documentation is essential for a successful claim.

Need Help Applying for the MRA Grant?

Applying for grants can be complex—especially if you’re focused on running your business. From eligibility assessment to preparing a compelling proposal and compiling all necessary documentation, professional help can make a significant difference.

👉 If you need assistance with your MRA Grant application, visit GrantConsultant.sg. Their experienced consultants specialise in helping Singapore SMEs maximise their MRA Grant funding and handle the entire process from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

Global expansion doesn’t have to be a leap of faith. With the right support, planning, and execution, your SME can tap into international markets with greater confidence. The MRA Grant offers not just financial support, but strategic value—enabling you to build a smarter, more sustainable global footprint.

If you’ve been sitting on the idea of going global, now’s the time to take action. The world is waiting. And the MRA Grant is here to help you reach it.