Written reply to PQ on streamlining SME grant applications and approvals through Enterprise Singapore as a single point of contact

Question:

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether Enterprise Singapore relationship managers systematically refer SME grant inquiries to SME centres; (b) if so, whether Enterprise Singapore relationship managers can provide direct assistance to such inquiries by providing a single point of contact; and (c) if not, why must SMEs navigate multiple agencies for grant inquiry services. 

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.             EnterpriseSG partners the SME Centres to provide a wide range of support for the SMEs beyond just grant enquiries. The centres would typically assign a business advisor to guide the SMEs through their needs, by ensuring they receive coordinated support tailored to their specific business requirements through a single point of contact. 

2.             For more straightforward enquiries on grants, SMEs can access information on selected business grants administered by different Government agencies on EnterpriseSG’s corporate website and the GoBusiness website, which include eligibility criteria and step-by-step guides for grant applications. These online channels are available for SMEs as the first port of call, so that they can more conveniently find and apply for the resources they need.