How to Apply for the MRA Grant Effectively

Identify Your Target Market

First, identify your target overseas market. The target market must qualify as either new (no prior operations) or early-stage (sales under S$100,000 in each of the past 3 years). Markets with established sales exceeding S$100,000 annually are ineligible.

Pro tip: If you're expanding to multiple countries, you'll need separate applications for each one.

Choose Your Activity

MRA funding covers three main categories of activities. Pick the one that fits your expansion plan:

• Promotion: Trade fairs, exhibitions, marketing campaigns, product testing
• Business Development: Feasibility studies, market research, meeting potential buyers/partners
• Market Setup: Setting up office/showroom, hiring local staff, getting certifications, establishing supply chains

Important: You'll submit one activity per application. So if you're doing promotion AND market setup, that's two separate applications.

Gather Your Documents

Time to gather what you need. Collect these documents:

• BizFile Confirmation: From Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) showing your company details
• Financial Statements: Latest available financial statements (to prove you're a legit SME)
• Vendor Quotation: Quote from your vendor/service provider for the activities you're planning
• Proposal: Detailed proposal of your overseas expansion plan (timeline, budget, expected outcomes)

Tip: Make sure your quotations are itemised and clear. Vague quotes will slow down your application.

Engage a Consultant (Like Firefish)

You *can* apply solo, but honestly? Working with an MRA consultant like Firefish makes life so much easier. Here's why:

• We know exactly which activities qualify and which don't
• We'll ensure your documents are complete and properly formatted (saves you from rejection letters)
• We'll write your proposal in a way that Enterprise Singapore loves
• We'll guide you through the Business Grants Portal (it can be confusing on your own)
• We'll help you maximise your grant amount

Note: Consultant support significantly improves approval rates and grant optimization outcomes.

Submit on Business Grants Portal via CorpPass

Submit your application through the Business Grants Portal using CorpPass. Prepare the following:

• CorpPass credentials (your company's digital identity with Singapore government)
• All your supporting documents uploaded
• Your proposal and budget breakdown
• Details of your target market and timeline

Remember: One activity per application. If you're doing two activities, submit twice.

Portal link: Business Grants Portal

Wait for Approval (4-8 Weeks)

Enterprise Singapore reviews your application. This usually takes 4-8 weeks (sometimes faster if everything's in order). You'll get a Letter of Offer that outlines:

• The approved grant amount (up to 70% of eligible costs, capped at S$100,000 per market)
• Approved activities
• Project execution timeline (usually up to 12 months from Letter of Offer date)
• Conditions and requirements for reimbursement

The Letter of Offer is critical documentation. Retain it securely as it specifies all project requirements and conditions.

Execute Your Project (Up to 12 Months)

Now the fun part — actually do the work! Proceed with your overseas expansion activities exactly as outlined in your Letter of Offer. Keep track of:

• All invoices and receipts
• Payment records (bank statements, credit card statements)
• Contracts and agreements signed
• Photos, event materials, attendance records (for trade fairs/promotions)
• Evidence of activities (reports, meeting notes, etc.)

Timeline: You must complete all activities within the approved timeline, usually up to 12 months from your Letter of Offer date.

Heads up: If you need more time, you can usually request an extension before the deadline.

Get Audited (ESG Pre-Qualified Panel, S$500 Coverage)

Once you've finished your activities, you need to get an independent audit done. Here's the good news: Enterprise Singapore covers up to S$500 of the audit cost. You need to engage an auditor from ESG's Pre-Qualified Panel.

• The auditor will verify all your receipts, invoices, and payments
• They'll confirm you spent the money on approved activities
• They'll produce an Audit Report

Finding an auditor? Your consultant can recommend one, or you can check Enterprise Singapore's list. This process takes 1-2 weeks.

Budget tip: Most auditors on the Pre-Qualified Panel charge within the S$500 cap, so you often pay little to nothing out of pocket.

Submit Claim on BGP

Once you have your Audit Report, it's time to claim your money. Go back to the Business Grants Portal and submit your claim. You'll need:

• Audit Report from the approved auditor
• All original invoices and receipts (scanned or photographed)
• Bank statements proving you paid
• Project completion report (what you did, outcomes, learnings)

Deadline: Submit by the deadline specified in your Letter of Offer. Missing this deadline = no money. Set a reminder.

Pro tip: Submit a few days early. Government systems require more due diligence.

Receive Disbursement (6-8 Weeks via GIRO)

Enterprise Singapore reviews your claim (usually 2-4 weeks) and then... money hits your business bank account!

Once approved, the grant will be transferred to the bank account you specified via GIRO (automatic bank transfer). This usually takes 6-8 weeks from claim submission to actual disbursement.

Grant Disbursement: Funds are transferred to your designated business bank account via GIRO, concluding the application process.