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Startup SG Founder Grant: A Launchpad for Small Business Owners in Singapore

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship is both exciting and challenging. For aspiring small business owners in Singapore, the Startup SG Founder Grant is a vital resource designed to support those venturing into business for the first time. This initiative provides not only financial assistance but also invaluable mentorship, fostering a spirit of innovation and growth within Singapore’s dynamic startup ecosystem.

1. Overview of the Startup SG Founder Grant

The Startup SG Founder Grant is a government-backed initiative aimed at assisting first-time entrepreneurs by offering financial grants and mentorship opportunities. The primary goal of this programme is to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation by equipping entrepreneurs with the necessary funding and guidance to succeed in their business endeavours.

2. Key Features

Financial Support:

  • Entrepreneurs can access funding of up to S$50,000.
  • The programme employs a co-matching scheme, where S$5 is provided for every S$2 the entrepreneur raises independently, encouraging them to seek additional funding.

Mentorship:

  • Each participant is matched with an Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP), who offers critical guidance in areas such as:
    • Business strategy development
    • Networking opportunities
    • Assistance in refining business plans and pitches

3. Main Benefits of the Startup SG Founder Grant

The Startup SG Founder Grant offers a host of benefits specifically tailored for small business owners in Singapore:

3.1 Financial Assistance

Significant Grant Amount:

  • Entrepreneurs can receive funding up to S$50,000, providing substantial support for their business ventures.

Investment Commitment:

  • To qualify for the full grant, entrepreneurs must contribute at least S$10,000 of their own funds, reinforcing their commitment to the business.

Example: For a digital marketing startup, if the founder secures S$20,000 from private investors, they can obtain an additional S$50,000 through the grant, enabling them to expand their operations effectively.

3.2 Mentorship and Support

AMP Guidance:

  • Each entrepreneur works closely with an Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP), receiving crucial mentorship that aids in both business planning and growth strategies.

Skill Development:

  • The programme provides access to training sessions aimed at enhancing the essential skills needed for crafting a robust business model.

Example: A budding entrepreneur in the food tech industry might collaborate with Counto to navigate challenges in regulatory compliance, receiving tailored advice that is critical for their success.

3.3 Structured Support Tracks

“Train” Track:

  • Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, this track offers foundational training covering essential business topics such as market research and financial management.

Networking Opportunities:

  • Participants are invited to exclusive networking events, connecting them with potential investors and industry professionals.

Example: A startup founder in the retail sector could benefit from a workshop on e-commerce strategies, gaining insights to effectively market their products online.

3.4 Promotion of Innovation

Focus on Creative Concepts:

  • The programme targets startups that propose innovative ideas, encouraging creativity across various sectors.

Local Ownership Requirement:

  • A minimum of 51% of the company’s shares must be owned by Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, fostering local entrepreneurship.

Example: A startup creating a new educational app may find that the programme actively supports their innovative approach, aligning with the initiative’s goal of promoting groundbreaking ideas.

3.5 Long-Term Impact

Strengthening the Startup Ecosystem:

  • By supporting new ventures, the programme aims to enrich Singapore’s overall landscape of innovation, creating growth avenues for both entrepreneurs and the broader economy.

Example: Successful participants may choose to give back by mentoring new entrepreneurs, cultivating a collaborative community that benefits future generations of startups.

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4. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Startup SG Founder Grant, applicants must meet several important criteria:

  • First-Time Entrepreneurs: Applicants must not have previously set up a Private Limited entity with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
  • Local Shareholding: At least 51% of the shares in the company must be held by Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents.
  • Full-Time Commitment: Founders must devote themselves full-time to the business and cannot engage in other employment contributing to the Central Provident Fund (CPF).
  • Equity Requirement: Founders collectively need to maintain a minimum of 30% equity in the business.
  • Training Requirement: Completing an entrepreneurship training programme is a prerequisite before applying for the grant.
  • Business Registration: The company must be registered as a Private Limited entity in Singapore for less than six months at the time of application.
  • No Prior Funding: The business should not have previously received funding from other government bodies for the same project.

5. Application Process

The application for the Startup SG Founder Grant involves several key steps:

  • Select an AMP: Entrepreneurs must choose an Accredited Mentor Partner (AMP) who will guide them throughout the application and beyond.
  • Prepare Necessary Documents: Required documents typically include:
    • A recommendation letter from the AMP
    • A detailed business plan and pitch deck
    • CVs of all key applicants
    • ACRA profiles for all main applicants and the incorporated company.
  • Submit the Application: The complete application is submitted through the selected AMP, who will review it for eligibility before forwarding it to Enterprise Singapore for approval.
  • Funding Disbursement: Once approved, funds are released in stages based on the achievement of specified milestones over a 12-month period.

6. Available Tracks

The Startup SG Founder programme features two distinct tracks:

  • Start Track: This track is designed for entrepreneurs who are ready to launch their business with a comprehensive plan in place.
  • Train Track: This track caters to individuals who require foundational training before initiating their business ventures, offering a three-month venture-building programme that includes stipends for participants.

Summary

The Startup SG Founder Grant is an invaluable resource for small business owners in Singapore, providing essential funding and mentorship. By tapping into this initiative, entrepreneurs can enhance their chances of transforming innovative ideas into thriving businesses. With the right support, the path to entrepreneurship becomes not just attainable but also a significant contributor to Singapore’s dynamic startup ecosystem.

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