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Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant: A Guide for SMEs Going Overseas
A practical MRA Grant guide for Singapore SMEs expanding overseas, including support levels, market-entry pillars, application checks and claims.
An SME entering Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, or another new market may need to spend on promotion, business development, or market set-up before sales become predictable. The Market Readiness Assistance Grant, or MRA Grant, helps Singapore companies defray qualifying costs for overseas expansion. For business owners, the main job is to keep the application focused on one new market, one activity, and a clear commercial objective.
MRA Grant support in 2026
EnterpriseSG states that MRA support is capped at S$100,000 per company per new market. Enhanced support of up to 70% for SMEs takes effect from 1 April 2026, as announced in Budget 2026.
MRA pillar | Cap | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
Overseas market promotion | S$20,000 | Trade fairs, marketing campaigns, and market promotion. |
Overseas business development | S$50,000 | Business matching, market development, and overseas sales support. |
Overseas market set-up | S$30,000 | In-market set-up, advisory, and establishment work. |
Total per new market | S$100,000 | Combined support cap across the three pillars. |
Who should consider MRA
- SMEs planning to enter a new overseas market.
- Companies with a clear target country or market.
- Businesses preparing a specific promotion, business development, or set-up activity.
- Owners who can document deliverables and claim evidence after the activity.
Application checks before committing
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| One activity | EnterpriseSG states each application is limited to one activity. |
| Single overseas market | The application should focus on one overseas market. |
| No retrospective commitment | Do not sign, pay, or start before approval unless official terms allow it. |
| Claim evidence | Plan invoices, payment proof, deliverables, reports, and audit needs. |
Common MRA mistakes
- Trying to combine multiple markets into one application.
- Mixing promotion, business development, and set-up without understanding pillar caps.
- Starting a campaign before approval.
- Using vague overseas expansion goals without a target customer or market.
- Forgetting audit or claim documentation requirements.
Official sources to check
This guide was reviewed on 28 June 2026. Check the official pages before applying because support levels, eligibility, claim rules, and deadlines can change: EnterpriseSG PSG, EnterpriseSG EDG, EnterpriseSG MRA, Business Grants Portal, Startup SG Founder, and SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much MRA Grant support can SMEs receive?
EnterpriseSG states that MRA support is up to 70% from 1 April 2026 and capped at S$100,000 per company per new market.
What are the MRA Grant pillars?
The three pillars are overseas market promotion, overseas business development, and overseas market set-up.
Can one MRA application cover several countries?
EnterpriseSG states that each application is limited to one activity in a single overseas market.
Can SMEs apply for MRA after starting the project?
SMEs should not sign, pay, or start before approval unless official terms clearly allow it.
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