Why the MRA Grant Matters for Singapore SMEs
The MRA Grant short for Market Readiness Assistance Grant is a critical support tool for Singapore SMEs aiming to expand internationally. Among the most popular destinations for expansion is Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy. With its population of over 270 million, growing middle class, and increasing demand for quality goods and services, Indonesia offers immense opportunities for Singapore companies.
However, venturing into this market also means navigating local equity ownership regulations, understanding customs compliance, handling market entry activities, and building local networks. This is where the MRA Grant comes in backed by Enterprise Singapore, it provides up to 50% financial assistance (capped at S$100,000 per new market) to cover eligible costs associated with overseas expansion.
At Cipta Mata, we specialise in helping businesses leverage this grant effectively. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know—from eligibility and application to compliance and execution—so your journey into Indonesia is set up for success.
Understanding the MRA Grant for Indonesia Expansion
The market readiness assistance grant is designed to encourage market diversification by funding overseas business activities in three categories:
- Overseas Market Promotion – Digital ads, PR, virtual trade fairs, and other promotional campaigns.
- Overseas Business Development – Business matching, hiring consultants, market entry support, and lead generation.
- Overseas Market Set-up – Legal, financial, and company incorporation support.
All activities must be carried out in a country where your overseas sales limit is under S$100,000 annually in the past three years.
To qualify:
- Your business must be registered in Singapore
- Have at least 30% local equity ownership
- Have a group annual turnover below S$100 million or fewer than 200 employees
- Activities must be conducted by a third-party vendor with no shareholding ties
The grant supports businesses that are serious about long-term expansion, rewarding those who approach market entry activities and business development activities with strategic intent and operational clarity.
Why Indonesia? Key Strategic Advantages for Singapore SMEs
Expanding into Indonesia through the MRA Grant offers:
- Access to a large, growing consumer base
- Strong bilateral ties through free trade agreements and regional cooperation
- A vibrant digital economy with rising demand for Singaporean goods and services
- High receptiveness to Singapore brands perceived as high-quality and trustworthy
Indonesia’s proximity to Singapore also means easier logistics, cultural overlap, and the ability to test and iterate your product or service with relatively lower costs than more distant markets.
It also aligns with national global expansion strategy efforts to build resilience by exploring new revenue sources beyond Singapore’s domestic market. Many Singaporean SMEs that used to rely solely on local demand are now viewing Indonesia as the natural next step in their growth journey, contributing to capability building within their organizations.
Planning Your MRA Grant Application for Indonesia
When targeting Indonesia, your application to apply for MRA grants must be backed by:
- Feasibility studies and market research that justify your move into Indonesia
- A clear roadmap of which MRA-supported activities will be used and why
- Quotations and detailed scopes of work from vendors with proven Indonesian market experience
- Projected KPIs such as target sales, number of leads, or successful distributor onboarding
Make sure to align your application with the following guidelines:
- Use your Corppass account to access the Business Grant Portal
- Upload all supporting documents including vendor quotations, work scopes, and timelines
- Submit before the activity begins; retrospective applications will be rejected
This is also a good time to outline potential risks and how you’ll mitigate them—this shows maturity in your planning and confidence in your go-to-market strategy.
Also, remember to clearly define your target overseas market—in this case, Indonesia—as well as how your efforts will contribute to new overseas market presence.
Popular MRA Grant Activities for Indonesia Expansion
1. Digital Market Entry
Run promotional campaigns targeting Indonesian consumers via social media, search engines, and influencer marketing. These can include Facebook ads, YouTube campaigns, TikTok content, and localised Google Ads. Success is often measured by impressions, click-through rates, and conversions.
2. Business Matching Services
Use third-party providers to identify joint venture partners, local distributors, and resellers. Business matching activities can include curated meetings, distributor due diligence, and even market visits to assess business fit.
3. Company Incorporation
Engage legal firms to navigate regulatory compliance, tax registration, and intellectual property applications. This is a must-have if you’re looking to set up a physical entity or sign contracts under Indonesian law.
4. Marketing Collateral Creation
Translate and localise brochures, product packaging, websites, and digital assets for the Indonesian audience. This ensures not just clarity but cultural resonance, helping you build trust faster in a new market and increase your brand visibility.
5. Trade Compliance Assessment
Ensure customs documents, tariffs, and procedures meet Indonesian standards. Working with compliance specialists will help you avoid delays at the border and fines that could eat into your operating margins.
Staying Compliant and Audit-Ready
Post-approval, companies must:
- Track activity timelines and costs carefully
- Maintain original receipts, contracts, and reports
- Align vendor deliverables with approved grant proposal
International Enterprise Singapore may request audits, so prepare for:
- Verifying that your activities matched your application
- Proving payment through bank statements or other financial documents
Remember: the MRA Grant is disbursed on a reimbursement basis, meaning you only receive funds after proving that activities have been executed according to your approved plan. That’s why it’s crucial to stay audit-ready and understand the audit requirements.
At Cipta Mata, we offer grant management support to make sure your MRA grant claim is accurate and aligned with expectations. This includes helping you prepare reports, cross-check documents, and communicate with auditors where necessary.
How Cipta Mata Helps Singapore SMEs Enter Indonesia
With experience in both Singapore and Indonesian markets, Cipta Mata offers:
- Strategic advice on activity selection and sequencing
- Vendor sourcing with proven Indonesian track records
- Proposal structuring to meet grant portal standards
- Coordination of application processing time, reporting, and compliance
- Post-approval assistance with claim submission, timelines, and deliverables
We understand the cultural nuances, regulatory landscape, and commercial realities of doing business in Indonesia. We also understand what Enterprise Singapore expects from your application. That makes us the ideal partner to guide your MRA journey.
Our team ensures that your grant claim is not only compliant but also optimised for maximum impact. We work closely with you and your vendors to keep the project on track and deliver measurable results.
Business Grants Portal: A Critical Tool for Application Success
The Business Grants Portal is your central hub for applying to the MRA Grant. With a valid Corppass account, applicants can track progress, upload documents, and monitor deadlines. Use the portal to:
- Access latest eligibility rules from Enterprise Singapore
- Check current grant application status
- Submit your final MRA grant claim online
Familiarity with the portal helps prevent errors and speeds up your application turnaround.
Take Your First Step with Confidence
Expanding from Singapore to Indonesia doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance and funding support from the Market Readiness Assistance Grant, your SME can unlock new growth opportunities in Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economy.
The MRA Grant is more than just financial assistance it’s your launchpad into Indonesia, with the peace of mind that comes from co-funded support and structured planning. It supports various aspects of overseas market setup and helps in capability building for your organization.
Whether you’re launching a new product line, exploring distribution partnerships, or setting up your first overseas office, now is the time to act. Let the MRA Grant support your 50% co-funding expansion plans into Indonesia.
Contact Cipta Mata today to begin your MRA Grant application and take your first confident step towards the Indonesian market. We’ll guide you through the process, from initial planning to receiving your letter of offer, ensuring you make the most of this valuable opportunity for international growth.
