Startup SG Founder supports first-time founders in Singapore with a capital grant and mentorship from an accredited mentor partner, typically on a co-matching basis. It is aimed at new startups rather than established SMEs planning a capability project; those projects should be checked against current EDGE activities.
- For first-time founders
- Capital grant plus accredited-mentor mentorship
- Usually provided on a co-matching basis
- Aimed at new startups, not operating SMEs
- Confirm current terms on the official portal
If you are starting a new business in Singapore, the Startup SG Founder grant offers capital and mentorship to get going. Here is how it works and whether you qualify.
Note on accuracy: grant amounts and eligibility are set by EnterpriseSG and change over time. The details below reflect what has been announced — confirm the current terms with EnterpriseSG or an Accredited Mentor Partner before applying.
What is the Startup SG Founder grant?
Startup SG Founder supports first-time entrepreneurs with a capital grant plus mentorship. It sits at the very start of the journey — before the capability grants like the EDG become relevant — and is delivered through Accredited Mentor Partners (AMPs).
How much and how the co-matching works
The grant provides start-up capital on a co-matching basis — you put in your own capital and the grant matches it up to the applicable amount. The idea is to share the early risk while making sure the founder has genuine skin in the game.
Who qualifies?
- First-time founders — the grant is aimed at entrepreneurs who have not previously received this support.
- A new, innovative business with a viable idea and commercial potential.
- Willingness to work with an Accredited Mentor Partner, who assesses the application and provides mentorship.
The mentorship is not a formality — the AMP relationship is part of the value, and part of what the grant is designed to provide.
What it can be used for
The capital supports getting the business off the ground — the early costs of turning an idea into an operating venture. As the business grows and stabilises, other schemes in the grant landscape become relevant for building capability and scaling.
The short version
Startup SG Founder backs first-time entrepreneurs with co-matched start-up capital plus mentorship through an Accredited Mentor Partner. You qualify as a first-time founder with a new, innovative, commercially viable business. Confirm current amounts and criteria with EnterpriseSG before applying.