Experience Step-Up Fund

Who qualifies

• Open to all legal entities, including businesses, associations, and government bodies.
• Foreign entities are encouraged to partner with local entities in the form of a joint venture or a consortium.
• Projects must not have commenced before application; commencement includes work, payment, or a signed supplier contract.
• Applicants may not apply for more than one grant to support the same project, and must declare any other grant, tax or financial incentive applied for or obtained.
• The grant applicant and the grantee must be the same entity.

What it funds

• R&D, product development, prototyping, IP
• Adopting digital tools, software, e-commerce, cybersecurity
• Domestic marketing, events, branding campaigns

Costs covered: Third-party consultant or professional service fees; Hardware, machinery, IT equipment; Software licences and SaaS; Physical materials and consumables consumed by the funded project (e.g. construction materials, prototypes); Marketing, advertising, trade-fair booth costs; Overseas travel and logistics; Explain in notes.

Payment: Paid after the company incurs the cost and files a claim.

How to apply

Use STB’s Chatbot to check eligibility, prepare and email the executive summary to STB_Incentives@stb.gov.sg, then complete the project proposal template and submit the formal application through the Business Grants Portal after STB advises that the project may proceed.

1. Check eligibility using the Chatbot.
2. Prepare an executive summary with project objectives, description, schedule, and costing.
3. Email the executive summary to STB_Incentives@stb.gov.sg and wait for STB eligibility advice.
4. Download and complete the project proposal template.
5. Submit the formal application through the Business Grants Portal with supporting documents.

Before applying

• The project must not have commenced before application.

Documents

• Executive summary — Use the official ESF executive-summary template. Agency document ↗
• Project proposal template — Download and complete before applying on the Business Grants Portal; the vaulted text does not state a file format.
• Formal application form — Submit after STB advises the project may proceed.
• Supporting documents (if applicable) — If any, as stated on the scheme page.

Processing time: Up to 90 days upon receipt of the completed and signed application form and supporting documents, if any.

Claiming support

Submit an Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) Report by Practitioner and supporting documents to prove qualifying costs and agreed deliverables or milestones.

Contact: STB_Incentives@stb.gov.sg

Application window: No closing date stated on the scheme page.