The MRA Grant in a Shifting Global Landscape
The MRA Grant, short for Market Readiness Assistance Grant, is more than just a funding scheme; it is a lifeline for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore aiming to thrive on the international stage. As regional trade, digitalisation, and global supply chains evolve, the need for local businesses to think beyond borders has become a necessity rather than an option.
Administered by Enterprise Singapore, the MRA Grant supports businesses in expanding their market presence overseas through financial assistance covering market promotion, business development, and overseas set-up. With 50% co-funding of eligible costs (capped at S$100,000 per new overseas market), the scheme empowers SMEs to confidently pursue international expansion.
As Singapore continues to strengthen its position as a global business hub, the government’s push for enterprise internationalisation has only grown stronger. With well-developed infrastructure and a strategic location, local businesses have an unparalleled opportunity to tap into regional and global demand. However, this ambition must be matched with accessible funding and structured support – exactly what the MRA grants provide.
Why Internationalisation Is No Longer Optional
The global business climate has shifted rapidly, especially in the post-pandemic era. SMEs that once relied solely on domestic demand now face saturated markets and rising competition. Expansion through international enterprise is no longer a growth strategy reserved for big corporations.
With free trade agreements opening up more opportunities and lower barriers to entry in ASEAN and beyond, Singapore SMEs are uniquely positioned to lead regional growth. Whether it’s tapping into Indonesia’s consumer base or Australia’s digital sector, cross-border opportunities are abundant—but only if SMEs are equipped to seize them.
This is where the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant plays a critical role: it reduces the risk, cost, and complexity of expansion. As foreign markets present varying cultural norms, regulatory frameworks, and competitive dynamics, many SMEs hesitate. The MRA Grant fills this confidence gap by offering practical support that de-risks expansion efforts and facilitates capability building for SMEs.
What Makes the MRA Grant Essential Today
Let’s explore what makes the MRA Grant uniquely relevant in today’s climate:
1. Market Entry Support During Uncertain Times
Global markets are volatile. From inflation to geopolitical shifts, entering a new market now comes with more risks. The MRA Grant’s co-funding model helps SMEs de-risk expansion by supporting feasibility studies, regulatory assessments, and customs compliance for their target overseas market.
2. Stronger Brand Visibility in Competitive Markets
Whether it’s through promotional campaigns, marketing collateral creation, or digital advertising, the MRA helps businesses elevate their brand visibility in crowded markets as part of their market entry activities.
3. Protection of Intellectual Property
IP is currency in knowledge economies. The grant covers intellectual property applications to safeguard trademarks, patents, and digital assets as companies scale internationally.
4. Adaptation to Local Norms and Regulations
The MRA Grant ensures businesses can access local consultants to assist with regulatory compliance, audit requirements, and application processing time in each country. This reduces risk and boosts chances of long-term success in the target overseas market.
5. Support for Business Development Activities
Beyond marketing, the MRA Grant covers hiring of business development personnel, in-market consultants, and business matching services. These are critical resources for building distribution networks and forming strategic alliances.
What Can SMEs Claim Under the MRA Grant?
The MRA Grant allows claims across three key areas:
1. Overseas Market Promotion
- Social media advertising and virtual trade fairs
- Print and digital marketing
- Content localisation and PR campaigns
2. Overseas Business Development
- Business matching services
- Hiring of local business development personnel
- Consultancy services for market entry
3. Overseas Market Setup
- Company incorporation and overseas market setup
- Legal and tax advisory
- Intellectual property applications
- Joint venture partners sourcing
By focusing on these areas, SMEs can build credibility and competitiveness in new markets. It also allows businesses to establish sustainable operations, not just short-term campaigns.
The Role of Enterprise Singapore and the Business Grant Portal
All applications are reviewed and processed by Enterprise Singapore through the Business Grant Portal. To apply for the MRA Grant, applicants must:
- Have a valid Corppass account
- Meet the SME eligibility criteria (including 30% local equity ownership and a group annual turnover of less than S$100 million)
- Provide full supporting documents, such as vendor quotations, project scopes, and a signed letter of offer
Once approved, businesses can begin activities and later file their mra grant claim with invoices, reports, and proof of delivery—all via the Business Grant Portal. The portal ensures end-to-end transparency and traceability for grant usage. It’s important to note that the grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning businesses need to incur the expenses first before claiming.
Real Barriers the MRA Grant Helps Overcome
Despite globalisation, SMEs often hesitate due to challenges such as:
- Limited market insights
- High upfront marketing and consultancy costs
- Lack of internal expertise
- Complex documentation requirements
- Trade compliance assessment across jurisdictions
By covering these costs, the market readiness assistance grant significantly lowers the barrier for internationalisation.
The grant also provides a structured framework for companies to align their objectives, budgets, and outcomes, making them more accountable and result-driven. This clarity can often be the difference between success and failure in a foreign market.
Pitfalls to Avoid When Applying
To maximise the MRA, SMEs must avoid common mistakes:
- Submitting retrospective applications (applications made after activities begin)
- Missing critical attachments like supporting documents or proof of vendor independence
- Applying through the wrong portal (confusing Grants Portal with the Business Grants Portal)
- Underestimating the time needed for application processing and follow-ups
- Misaligning activities with grant categories
- Overlooking the overseas sales limit criteria for eligibility
Working with grant consultants like Cipta Mata can help businesses avoid these errors and speed up approval. Our team is familiar with the nuances of the grant process and can advise on how to make your proposal stand out.
How SMEs Can Future-Proof Their Growth with MRA
Here are practical ways SMEs can use the MRA strategically:
- Test one new overseas market at a time, with full support
- Develop sustainable sales funnels via market diversification
- Build capability through global exposure and business development activities
- Secure partners for long-term scaling, from overseas business development to global expansion strategy
SMEs that use the MRA as part of a larger international roadmap tend to gain more from the grant’s structure. Rather than treating it as a one-time subsidy, companies can integrate it into multi-year global scaling plans.
Why Cipta Mata Is Your Strategic Partner
Cipta Mata has successfully guided multiple Singapore businesses through the mra grant application journey. Our services include:
- Pre-assessment and eligibility checks
- Vendor sourcing and documentation support
- Application writing and submission
- Post-approval support, claim filing, and audit preparation
We understand what evaluators look for and help SMEs present stronger, more fundable proposals. As your trusted advisor, we take the stress out of the grant process so you can focus on expansion.
Conclusion: The Time to Expand Is Now
The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant is not just another business grant—it’s the backbone of Singapore’s internationalisation efforts. For SMEs ready to explore new frontiers, the MRA offers clarity, structure, and support for international expansion.
In a world that rewards agility and forward-thinking, your business’s future lies beyond Singapore’s shores. The key to unlocking that future? A well-planned, properly executed MRA Grant strategy that leverages the 50% co-funding to maximize your market entry activities in your target overseas market.
Let Cipta Mata guide you from idea to international success—with precision, insight, and results that speak for themselves. Don’t let the overseas sales limit hold you back; apply for the MRA Grant today and take the first step towards global growth.
