Startup SG Founder
Startup SG Founder (SSGF) is a government-backed programme administered by Enterprise Singapore that provides mentorship support and startup capital grants to first-time entrepreneurs with innovative business concepts. It operates through a network of Accredited Mentor Partners (AMPs) who assess applicants based on business uniqueness, feasibility, team strength, and market potential. With effect from 1 April 2024, ESG revised the programme to support successful recipients on a 1:1 matching ratio (previously 3:1), with grants ranging from S$20,000 to S$50,000 over a 12-month period. The second applicant can now be a non-first-time founder, encouraging collaboration between experienced and novice entrepreneurs to bring in experienced researchers, scientists, engineers, and serial entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
Primary applicant must be a first-time founder (never registered/incorporated any business)
- 02
Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
- 03
Must hold or propose to hold at least 30% equity in the company
- 04
Must be a key decision-maker and commit full-time to the business
- 05
Must not be employed full-time by another employer
- 06
Company must be Singapore private limited company
- 07
Company must not be incorporated for more than 6 months at application
- 08
Must have at least 51% local (SC/PR) shareholding
- 09
Business not in excluded categories (cafes, restaurants, bars, massage parlours, gambling, employment agencies, geomancy)
How to Apply
1. Identify an Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP) from the list of 17+ approved organizations 2. Apply through the chosen AMP (direct applications to ESG not accepted) 3. AMP evaluates your business concept, team, and market potential 4. If approved by AMP, they recommend your application to Enterprise Singapore 5. Enterprise Singapore makes the final approval decision 6. Upon approval, receive Letter of Offer with terms and conditions 7. Execute project according to agreed milestones over 12 months
Claims and Disbursement
Grant is disbursed in 2 tranches based on agreed project milestones. Progress updates must be regularly submitted to Enterprise Singapore throughout the 12-month grant period. Must meet milestones within the grant period from the date of Letter of Offer. AMP assists with milestone tracking and reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you can apply before incorporation. However, if already incorporated, the company must not be more than 6 months old at application.
No. All applications must go through an Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP). AMPs evaluate and recommend applications to ESG.
As of 1 April 2024, ESG supports on a 1:1 ratio — you inject $1, ESG matches $1, for a total grant of $20,000 to $50,000.
Yes, from 1 April 2024, the second applicant can be a non-first-time founder, allowing experienced entrepreneurs and serial entrepreneurs to participate part-time.
No. Supported companies cannot pursue other government funding for the same project, with limited exceptions. The same qualifying items cannot be double-funded.
The remaining grant tranche will not be disbursed. You have 12 months from the Letter of Offer to meet milestones and draw down the grant.
No. The primary applicant must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident. The company must have at least 51% local shareholding.