Top 5 Things to Prepare Before Applying for the MRA Grant in Singapore

The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant by Enterprise Singapore has become one of the most popular support schemes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to expand overseas. With up to 70% of eligible costs covered (capped at S$100,000 per new market), the grant offers a significant boost for companies hoping to tap into international opportunities.

But while the grant is generous, it’s not automatically approved. A successful application requires planning, proper documentation, and alignment with the grant’s objectives. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone who’s been through the process before, preparation is key.

Here are the top 5 things you should prepare before applying for the MRA Grant in Singapore to increase your chances of a smooth approval.

1. Define Your New Target Market Clearly

The MRA Grant is structured per new market, meaning you must identify a foreign country or region where your company has not previously received MRA support.

Before you even begin the paperwork, ask yourself:

• Which country or region am I expanding into?

• Is this truly a new market for my company?

• Is there a strong business case for entry into this market?

You’ll need to justify your market selection clearly in your proposal. This means including market insights, such as:

• Market size and potential

• Growth trends in your industry

• Target customer demographics

• Competitive landscape

A well-defined new market shows Enterprise Singapore that your overseas plans are well-considered and viable, which improves the chances of grant approval.

Pro tip: Focus on one market per application. Trying to cover multiple countries in a single proposal may dilute your objectives and reduce your chances of success.

2. Identify and Get Quotations from Qualified Third-Party Vendors

The MRA Grant only funds activities carried out by third-party service providers. These include marketing consultants, business development professionals, legal advisors, and market-entry specialists. Importantly, these vendors must:

• Be external to your company

• Have no related interests (e.g., not owned by your directors or shareholders)

• Provide official written quotations on company letterheads

• Deliver clearly defined scopes of work

You’ll need at least one quotation per category of supportable activity (you may include a second for comparison).

Here’s an example of what to request quotes for:

• Market entry consultancy: market analysis, business matching

• Marketing support: digital ad campaigns, media buying

• Legal or compliance advisory: entity registration, IP protection

Be sure that quotations break down costs and deliverables clearly. Vague or lump-sum pricing may lead to rejection or delays in your application.

3. Prepare Required Corporate Documents

One of the biggest bottlenecks for MRA Grant applicants is missing or outdated documents. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:

• ✅ Latest ACRA Bizfile (within the last 6 months)

• ✅ Audited financial statements for the latest financial year (or management accounts if audit is not required)

• ✅ Quotations from third-party vendors (as outlined above)

• ✅ Bank account details (linked to the applying company)

• ✅ Board resolution (if needed, for larger or more complex companies)

You’ll also be required to submit this information via the Business Grants Portal (BGP), which will require your CorpPass login and company details.

Having these documents ready before you begin the application process helps you avoid last-minute delays or incomplete submissions, which could derail your timeline.

4. Craft a Strong Project Proposal with Clear Outcomes

Enterprise Singapore wants to see that you’re using the MRA Grant for activities that lead to measurable business outcomes.

In your application, you’ll need to include a detailed project proposal that outlines:

• Project objectives: What do you hope to achieve (e.g., distributor partnerships, brand exposure, market share growth)?

• Key deliverables: What will be completed by your vendors (e.g., ad campaigns, registration documents)?

• Timeline: When will each part of the project be executed?

• Expected results: Quantifiable outcomes like number of leads generated, sales conversions, or store sign-ups

The more specific and realistic your goals are, the stronger your case becomes. Avoid generic statements like “increase brand awareness” without explaining how and why your approach will work.

Example:
Rather than writing “expand business to Australia,” say:

“We plan to launch targeted digital campaigns in Sydney and Melbourne to generate 300 qualified leads over 3 months, supported by legal entity setup and local partner outreach.”

5. Understand the Grant Rules and Timeline

Before submitting your application, make sure you fully understand how the MRA Grant process works:

✅ Key rules:

• No retrospective support: You must apply and receive a Letter of Offer before starting the project.

• 70% support cap: Up to 70% of eligible costs, not 100%.

• S$100,000 limit per new market: This includes all three components—market promotion, business development, and market setup.

• Activities must be completed within 12 months from approval.

🕒 Timeline overview:

• Application preparation: 1–3 weeks

• Submission to Enterprise Singapore: Online via BGP

• Evaluation & approval: 6–8 weeks

• Project execution: Up to 12 months

• Claim submission: Within 3 months of project completion

• Disbursement: 6–12 weeks after claim approval

If you miss any critical steps—like starting your project before approval or failing to provide proof of payment—you risk forfeiting your grant support.

Bonus Tip: Get Help from Professionals

While it’s possible to complete the MRA application process on your own, it can be time-consuming and prone to error if you’re unfamiliar with grant requirements. A professional consultant can help you:

• Confirm eligibility

• Match you with qualified vendors

• Prepare a strong, structured proposal

• Ensure full compliance with submission requirements

• Maximise your grant claim and avoid delays

👉 Need help with your MRA Grant application?
Visit https://grantconsultant.sg/market-readiness-assistance-mra-grant-singapore/ to get expert guidance from grant professionals who’ve helped hundreds of SMEs succeed in going global with MRA.

Final Thoughts

The MRA Grant is one of the most powerful tools available to Singapore SMEs looking to scale internationally. But as with any government scheme, preparation is key. By clearly defining your market, securing the right vendors, gathering proper documentation, and crafting a well-thought-out proposal, you significantly increase your chances of getting funded.

Use this checklist as a foundation—and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance if needed. The world is full of opportunities, and the MRA Grant is your gateway to tap into them confidently and effectively.