Knowledge-first financing guidance for Singapore businesses and individuals.
Explore grants, business loans, property financing, personal loans, and debt restructuring advice. PM us if you want help mapping your next step.
Common Misconceptions
"Government grants are too complicated to apply"
Many grants like PSG and EDG have streamlined application processes. With the right guidance, approval rates are high and the funding can cover up to 50-80% of costs.
"My business is too small for proper financial planning"
Small businesses need planning more than large ones - one bad decision can be fatal. Keyman coverage, cashflow management, and proper personal/business separation are critical.
"I can mix personal and business finances"
Mixing finances creates tax issues, makes you personally liable, and endangers your family's security. Separate accounts and structures protect both your business and personal assets.
"I should wait until I need money to explore financing options"
The best time to build banking relationships and understand your options is when you don't urgently need funds. Desperate borrowing often leads to unfavorable terms and rushed decisions.
Filter by your situation
What do you need funding for?
Explore the areas most relevant to your business needs
Government Support
EDG, PSG, MRA, Startup SG and other schemes for capability development and growth.
Learn more âEarly-stage Capital
Financing options for newer businesses including government-backed schemes.
Learn more âDay-to-day Operations
Short-term financing for inventory, payroll, and bridging cashflow gaps.
Learn more âReceivables-based
Unlock cash from outstanding invoices and trade receivables.
Learn more âAsset-based
Finance machinery, vehicles, fit-out, and business equipment.
Learn more âDocuments & Ratios
Understanding what banks look for: documents, ratios, and requirements.
Learn more âHigh-level Overview
Basic understanding of corporate tax, GST, and compliance obligations.
Learn more âPersonal & Corporate
Commercial, industrial, and residential property loans for individuals and companies.
Learn more âIndividual Financing
Unsecured personal loans, credit lines, and individual financing options.
Learn more âAdvisory & Solutions
Guidance on consolidating debts, restructuring repayments, and improving cash flow.
Learn more âA practical overview of government support schemes for Singapore businesses.
Business grants are conditional support schemes offered by government agencies to help businesses undertake specific projects. They typically reimburse a portion of qualifying costs after project completion.
Not automatic
Subject to eligibility criteria and documentation
Reimbursement-based
You pay first, then claim back qualifying costs
Project-specific
Must align with scheme objectives and outcomes
Best for: SME, Growth stage
Docs: Project proposal, consultant quotations
Best for: All stages
Docs: Vendor quotations, solution specs
Best for: SME, Scaling
Docs: Market entry plan, vendor quotes
Best for: Startup, Tech
Docs: Technical proposal, IP considerations
Best for: All stages
Docs: Training plan, employee records
Best for: F&B, Retail, Manufacturing
Docs: Equipment specs, energy assessment
Varies by industry
Docs: Varies by scheme and agency
Eligibility Check
Verify criteria
Project Scope
Define outcomes
Quotations
Get vendor quotes
Submission
Apply via portal
Review
8-12 weeks typical
Approval
Letter of offer
Claims
Submit for reimbursement
SCOPE ISSUE
Not aligned to scheme intent
WEAK OUTCOMES
Unclear KPIs and deliverables
QUOTATIONS
Missing or non-comparable quotes
VENDOR DOCS
Poor vendor documentation
FINANCIALS
Incomplete financial statements
ELIGIBILITY
Wrong entity or shareholding
TIMELINE
Project timeline not realistic
CLAIMS PREP
Claims docs not prepared early
| Grant | Focus | Support Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) | Capability, innovation, market access | Up to 50% (70% for sustainability) | SME / Growth |
| Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) | Pre-approved IT solutions | Up to 50% | All stages |
| Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) | Overseas expansion | Up to 50% ($100k cap per market) | Expanding SME |
| Startup SG Founder | First-time entrepreneurs | Up to $50k (co-matching) | Startup |
| Startup SG Tech | Tech commercialisation | Up to $500k-$800k | Tech startup |
| Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) | Energy-efficient equipment | Up to 70% | F&B / Retail |
đĄ Planning Note: Grants are useful as a support layer, but strong business planning should not depend on grant approval. Build your project assuming no grant, then treat approval as a bonus.
Share your business stage and what you're trying to build. We'll point you to relevant schemes to explore.
Understanding your financing options and what lenders look for.
Business loans are repayable financing assessed based on your credit profile, cash flow, business history, and documentation. Various loan types serve different business needs at different stages.
Repayment required
Principal plus interest over agreed tenure
Credit-assessed
Based on business and director credit profiles
Purpose-driven
Clear use of funds improves approval
Funds day-to-day operations, inventory, payroll, and short-term needs.
Approval focus: Cash flow, revenue consistency
Needs stable income track record
Fixed amount with structured repayments for growth projects.
Approval focus: Business plan, financials
Requires clear purpose
Revolving facility to draw and repay as needed.
Approval focus: Banking relationship, turnover
Interest on drawn amount
Unlock cash from outstanding invoices and receivables.
Approval focus: Debtor quality, invoice validity
Depends on customer creditworthiness
Purchase machinery, vehicles, or equipment with asset backing.
Approval focus: Asset value, depreciation
Asset serves as collateral
Temporary financing for seasonal cash flow or timing gaps.
Approval focus: Exit clarity, repayment source
Higher rates for shorter terms
Financing options for newer businesses with limited history.
Approval focus: Director profile, business plan
Stricter criteria, may need guarantees
Revenue & Cash Flow
Consistency and strength of income
High importance
Time in Business
Operating history and track record
High importance
Director Credit
Personal credit profile of key directors
High importance
Existing Liabilities
Current debt and obligations
Medium-high
Industry Stability
Sector-specific risk assessment
Medium
Purpose & Documents
Clear use and supporting docs
Medium
Borrowing without repayment buffer
Always factor in buffer for unexpected slowdowns
Using short-term loans for long-term projects
Match loan tenure to the purpose of funds
Applying everywhere without preparation
Multiple rejections hurt your credit profile
Mixing personal and business cashflows
Keep clean separation for clearer assessment
đĄ Government Support: The Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS) provides government risk-sharing with participating financial institutions, which may improve approval chances for eligible SMEs. Ask about EFS-backed options when exploring financing.
Financing solutions for property acquisition and investment â available for both personal names and company ownership.
Best for: Primary residence, first investment property
Best for: Investment portfolio, commercial properties
Financing for private condos, landed properties, and HDB flats.
Personal ownership preferred
Offices, retail shops, shophouses, and mixed-use developments.
Both personal & company
Factories, warehouses, B1/B2 industrial units, and logistics facilities.
Commonly under company
Short-term financing when buying before selling existing property.
Timing-dependent solution
Unlock cash from existing property equity without selling.
Leverage existing assets
Progressive financing for land purchase and construction projects.
Development projects
đ
TDSR Limit
Total Debt Servicing Ratio capped at 55% of gross monthly income
đˇī¸
Stamp Duties
BSD, ABSD (for additional properties), and SSD for early sale
đ
Interest Rate Risk
Consider rate movement for floating packages (SORA-based)
đ
Lock-in Period
Early redemption penalties typically 1.5% of outstanding
đ¤ For Personal Name:
đĸ For Company Name:
Share your property goals and we'll help map out financing paths.
Financing options for individuals â for personal needs, emergencies, or bridging requirements.
Personal loans are unsecured or secured financing extended to individuals based on their credit profile, income, and existing obligations. They can be used for various purposes including debt consolidation, home renovation, education, or personal emergencies.
Income-based
Loan amount typically tied to monthly income multiples
Fixed repayments
Structured monthly instalments over agreed tenure
Credit-assessed
Based on CBS credit score and debt obligations
No collateral required. Based purely on income and creditworthiness.
Quick approval
Transfer high-interest credit card balances to a lower-rate loan.
Debt consolidation
Specifically for home renovation and interior works.
Purpose-specific
Finance tuition fees, certifications, or professional courses.
Invest in yourself
Revolving credit facility â draw and repay as needed.
Flexible access
Loan backed by collateral â property, shares, or fixed deposits.
Collateral required
Annual Income
Minimum $20,000-$30,000 p.a. for most lenders
Credit Score
CBS credit report rating matters significantly
Existing Debts
Total debt-to-income ratio assessed
Employment
Stability and tenure with employer
The Monetary Authority of Singapore regulates unsecured personal loans:
Income $20,000-$30,000
Maximum unsecured credit: 2x monthly income
Income $30,000-$120,000
Maximum unsecured credit: 4x monthly income
Income above $120,000
No regulatory cap (lender discretion)
Age requirement
21 years old and above (18 for some)
đĄ Smart Borrowing Tips: Always compare EIR (Effective Interest Rate), not just advertised rates. Check for processing fees, early redemption penalties, and late payment charges. Borrow only what you can comfortably repay.
Share your situation and we'll help identify suitable options.
Guidance on managing and restructuring debt for healthier cash flow â for individuals and businesses.
Debt restructuring isn't just for crisis situations. It's a proactive strategy to optimize your debt obligations, reduce interest costs, and improve cash flow. Consider it when:
High Interest Burden
Significant portion of income goes to interest payments
Multiple Debts
Managing multiple loans with different rates and tenures
Cash Flow Strain
Monthly repayments affecting operational or personal needs
Better Rates Available
Interest rates have dropped since you took your loans
Income Changes
Salary cut, job change, or business revenue decline
Life Events
Marriage, children, medical issues affecting finances
Debt Consolidation
Combine multiple debts into one loan with lower interest rate.
Balance Transfer
Transfer credit card balances to promotional 0% or low-rate plans.
Mortgage Repricing/Refinancing
Switch to lower interest rates on existing home loan.
Debt Management Programme (DMP)
Formal arrangement through Credit Counselling Singapore.
Facility Restructuring
Renegotiate terms with existing bankers for better rates or tenure.
Debt Refinancing
Replace existing debt with new financing at better terms.
Asset-Based Restructuring
Use business assets as collateral to secure better rates.
Creditor Negotiation
Work with creditors to modify payment terms during difficulty.
Assessment
List all debts, rates, tenures
Analysis
Identify high-cost debts
Options
Explore restructuring paths
Execution
Apply and implement
Monitor
Track and adjust as needed
Minimum payments only
Can only afford minimum on credit cards
Borrowing to repay
Taking new loans to service old ones
Creditor calls
Receiving calls from collections
Using savings
Emergency funds depleting for repayments
If you're experiencing these signs, seek help early. The sooner you address debt issues, the more options you'll have.
đ Helpful Resources:
Share your debt situation confidentially. We'll help explore options together.
Understanding the key differences helps you identify what may be relevant to your situation.
| Factor | đ Business Grants | đĻ Business Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Repayment Required | No | Yes + Interest |
| Approval Basis | Project fit, eligibility, documentation quality | Credit profile, cash flow, business history |
| Speed to Funds |
8â12+ weeks
Requires project completion + claim
|
1â4 weeks
Once approved, funds disbursed quickly
|
| Documentation Intensity |
|
|
| Best For | Specific projects: digitalisation, capability upgrading, expansion | Working capital, equipment, cash flow bridging |
| Risk if Business Underperforms | May not complete project or receive reimbursement | Still required to repay loan obligations |
Common documents you may need to prepare. Specific requirements vary by scheme and lender.
Common questions about business grants and financing in Singapore
Yes, grants and loans serve different purposes. Grants typically cover project costs while loans provide working capital. They can complement each other in your financing strategy. However, you cannot use grants to repay loans or vice versa.
Timeline varies by grant type. EDG typically takes 8-12 weeks for review. PSG with pre-approved solutions may be faster. Complex projects or applications requiring clarifications may take longer. Plan your project timeline accordingly.
You can typically re-apply after addressing the feedback. Common reasons include weak project scope, incomplete documentation, or eligibility issues. Review the rejection feedback carefully and strengthen the weak areas before resubmitting.
Some lenders offer startup financing, though criteria differs. Government-backed schemes like Enterprise Financing Scheme may have more flexible requirements. Track record and cash flow history remain important factors. Director's personal credit profile often plays a bigger role for newer businesses.
EFS is a government risk-sharing scheme that helps SMEs access financing from participating financial institutions. The government shares a portion of the loan risk (up to 70% for some categories), which may improve approval chances for eligible businesses.
Grant treatment varies. Generally, grants used to offset revenue expenditure are taxable while those for capital expenditure may have different treatment. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation as this depends on the nature of the grant and how the funds are used.
Most government grants are applied through the Business Grants Portal (BGP) at businessgrants.gov.sg. Some schemes may have different application channels through specific agencies. You'll need a CorpPass account to access the portal.
Most grants require at least 30% local shareholding (Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents). This is determined by the ultimate individual ownership. Corporate shareholders are traced to their individual owners.
Generally, no. Most grants require that the project has not commenced before the Letter of Offer is issued. Starting work, making payments, or signing contracts before approval typically disqualifies those costs from reimbursement. Always check the specific grant's terms.
Key factors: maintain clean and up-to-date financial records, keep personal and business finances separate, ensure director's credit profile is healthy, have a clear purpose for the funds, and prepare all documents before applying. Consider EFS-backed options if you meet eligibility criteria.
PM us your business stage, purpose, and timeline. We'll suggest whether grants, loans, or a mix makes sense to explore.
PM usThis page is for educational purposes only. We do not guarantee any grant approval or loan outcomes.