Startup SG Founder 🎁 Program
S$20,000-S$50,000 (up to about $38,500) grant, matched 1:1 by your capital, plus mentoring for first-time founders.
| What you get | Up to $38.5k |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Singapore citizens/PRs; first applicant a full-time first-time founder; company under 6 months old when approaching the AMP, 51%+ local ownership, 1:1 matching capital. |
| Open in | Southeast Asia |
| Partner code needed | Yes: through an accelerator, VC or partner |
| Deadline | Rolling, apply any time |
| Terms last checked | 2026-10-11 |
About Startup SG Founder
What you get
Startup SG Founder (SSGF) gives first-time founders a startup grant of S$20,000 to S$50,000 (up to about $38,500), plus mentoring from an Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP): pitch training, investor and corporate networking, and company secretarial and accounting support. Enterprise Singapore supports grants on a 1:1 basis: you must put in matching paid-up capital equal to the grant you ask for. Matching money can also come from the AMP's or a third party's investment (for example a convertible note or SAFE), but at least 50% must already be paid-up capital on ACRA Bizfile when you apply.
Who qualifies
Singapore citizens and permanent residents. The first applicant must be a first-time founder with no prior private limited company, full-time on the startup and not employed elsewhere, with evidence of entrepreneurship training; a second applicant can be experienced and part-time. First-time founders must hold at least 30% equity together. The company must be at least 51% owned by citizens or PRs, registered as a private limited company for less than six months when you approach the AMP, run its key HQ activities in Singapore, and not have received other government funding for the same idea. Cafes, restaurants, bars, massage, gambling, employment agencies and several other businesses are excluded.
Good to know
You cannot apply directly: you need a Letter of Recommendation from an AMP first, and the grant is paid in tranches over 12 months.
Verdict
A modest but useful first cheque for Singaporean first-time founders. Talk to an AMP before you incorporate.
How to apply
- Speak to an Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP) before or soon after incorporating.
- Complete entrepreneurship training and prepare your business plan with the AMP.
- Inject paid-up capital (at least half of the 1:1 match) and register it on ACRA Bizfile.
- Get a Letter of Recommendation from the AMP.
- Submit your application to Enterprise Singapore through the Startup SG portal.
Who it is for
Steps Startup SG Founder helps with
Pros
- Grant plus hands-on mentoring
- Matching can partly come from a SAFE or note
- Open all year
Cons
- Needs an AMP recommendation
- Only for Singapore citizens and PRs, first-time founders
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