MRA Grant for Cambodia: Empowering Singapore SMEs to Expand into an Emerging ASEAN Market

For Singapore SMEs seeking cost-effective internationalisation opportunities, Cambodia is emerging as a strategic market. Its fast-growing economy, youthful population, and increasing demand for modern products and services make it an appealing destination for business expansion. To support this journey, Enterprise Singapore offers the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant for Cambodia, helping companies defray market entry costs and establish a presence in this dynamic ASEAN nation.

This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to understanding how the MRA Grant Cambodia works, why Cambodia is a valuable market, and how Singapore businesses can leverage this grant to accelerate overseas growth.

Why Cambodia is Worth Exploring for Singapore Businesses

While often overshadowed by its larger neighbours, Cambodia offers a compelling mix of business-friendly conditions and untapped opportunities for SMEs.

1. Young and Growing Population

Over 65% of Cambodia’s population is under the age of 30. This digitally savvy, aspirational demographic is actively embracing technology, consumer goods, financial services, and education.

2. Rapid Economic Development

Cambodia has consistently posted GDP growth rates above 6% in recent years (pre-pandemic), with steady recovery expected in the coming years. Urbanization and infrastructure improvements are creating new commercial hubs across the country.

3. Low Entry Barriers

The cost of doing business in Cambodia is relatively low compared to other ASEAN countries, making it a cost-effective expansion choice, especially for early-stage regional growth.

4. Bilateral Relations with Singapore

Singapore is among Cambodia’s top foreign investors, and both countries share good diplomatic relations. Trade agreements and business collaborations are supported at the policy level, enhancing investment security.

Overview of the MRA Grant Cambodia

The MRA Grant for Cambodia is part of Enterprise Singapore’s internationalisation strategy to help local SMEs venture abroad. The grant provides up to 50% funding support on eligible activities, with a cap of S$100,000 per new market per fiscal year.

This support makes entering Cambodia more financially accessible for SMEs, allowing them to test the market, set up operations, and reach local consumers with significantly reduced risk.

Eligibility Requirements for the MRA Grant Cambodia

To qualify for the MRA Grant Cambodia, companies must meet the following criteria:

• Registered and operating in Singapore

• At least 30% local shareholding

• Group annual sales turnover of under S$100 million or less than 200 employees

• Not already benefited from the MRA Grant for Cambodia in the same fiscal year

The grant is not automatic—applications must be submitted and approved through the Business Grants Portal (BGP) before any activities begin.

Activities Covered Under the MRA Grant for Cambodia

The MRA Grant supports a comprehensive set of activities that are essential to entering a new market. These are grouped into three main categories:

1. Overseas Market Promotion

• Participation in trade fairs and exhibitions in Cambodia (e.g., in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap)

• Advertising and digital marketing targeted at Cambodian audiences

• Public relations and media outreach in Cambodia

2. Overseas Business Development

• Business matching with Cambodian distributors, wholesalers, or franchisees

• Appointment setting and lead generation by consultants

• Engagement of Cambodian business development experts

3. Overseas Market Set-Up

• Legal, tax, and company registration advisory services in Cambodia

• Intellectual property (IP) registration and brand protection

• Office rental and employment advisory for establishing local teams

These supported activities aim to help SMEs understand the Cambodian market, connect with the right partners, and lay the operational groundwork.

Funding Caps for the MRA Grant Cambodia

The S$100,000 grant ceiling is divided into the following category limits:

Activity Category	Maximum Support Amount
Market Promotion	Up to S$20,000
Business Development	Up to S$50,000
Market Set-Up	Up to S$30,000

Planning activities within these caps ensures optimal use of the grant without overspending.

MRA Grant Cambodia Application Process

Applying for the MRA Grant for Cambodia involves several well-defined steps. Here’s how to navigate the process:

Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation

• Confirm your company meets the eligibility criteria

• Identify the services and activities you plan to carry out in Cambodia

• Obtain cost quotations and a detailed scope of work from third-party vendors

Step 2: Submit Application on Business Grants Portal

• Log in to the Business Grants Portal (BGP) using CorpPass

• Select “Market Readiness Assistance Grant”

• Fill in the Cambodia-specific activity details and attach required documentation

Step 3: Wait for Approval

• Enterprise Singapore will review your application

• Start your activities only after official approval is received

Step 4: Project Execution and Claim Submission

• Carry out the activities exactly as described in your application

• Maintain documentation such as reports, invoices, receipts, and proof of deliverables

• Submit your claim for reimbursement via BGP
  

Avoid These Common Mistakes

To ensure a smooth application and claim process, avoid these frequent pitfalls:

• Starting activities before approval – Disqualifies the expenses from being claimable.

• Lack of supporting documentation – Can delay or invalidate the claim.

• Exceeding activity caps – Plan and budget carefully within category limits.

• Engaging unqualified vendors – Only work with relevant and, where applicable, pre-approved service providers.

Proper planning can save you time, cost, and effort in both application and reimbursement.

Case Examples: MRA Grant Cambodia in Action

Case Study 1: Retail Franchise Expansion

A Singapore-based wellness brand used the MRA Grant Cambodia to run a targeted Facebook ad campaign in Khmer, engage a PR firm in Phnom Penh, and secure a distribution partner. The grant covered half their expenses, allowing them to open their first retail counter within 6 months.

Case Study 2: LegalTech Services Launch

A legal technology provider expanded into Cambodia using the grant to localize its SaaS platform, run in-market demos for law firms, and hire a local compliance consultant to ensure regulatory alignment.

Case Study 3: F&B Brand Discovery

An F&B SME tested market demand in Cambodia by participating in a regional food expo in Phnom Penh. The MRA grant funded their booth setup, sampling logistics, and follow-up business matching.

These real-life examples showcase the diverse ways the MRA Grant Cambodia helps Singapore SMEs penetrate and test the Cambodian market.

Consultants and Support for MRA Grant Cambodia

Engaging a consultant or internationalisation partner familiar with Cambodia and the MRA process can improve the likelihood of approval and maximise results. Consultants assist in:

• Drafting applications and aligning activities with MRA grant guidelines

• Connecting with reputable vendors or partners in Cambodia

• Preparing deliverables and evidence for successful claim submission

This is particularly valuable for SMEs new to the Cambodian regulatory or cultural environment.

Industries with High Potential in Cambodia

Not all sectors perform equally in Cambodia. The following industries have shown the strongest demand and growth potential:

• Education & EdTech – With increasing demand for international education and digital learning platforms

• Retail & Lifestyle – Urban consumers are seeking higher quality brands and wellness products

• Digital Services & Software – Rapid digitalisation creates space for fintech, e-commerce, and cloud platforms

• F&B – Cambodian consumers are open to new cuisines and Singaporean food brands

• Healthcare & Medical Devices – Underserved healthcare market provides ample space for expansion

Singapore SMEs in these areas can expect meaningful returns when supported by a strategic MRA-funded entry.

Conclusion: Tap into Cambodia’s Growth Potential with MRA Grant Support

The MRA Grant for Cambodia offers a well-structured, government-backed solution for Singapore SMEs to enter one of Southeast Asia’s most promising emerging markets. Cambodia’s youthful population, rapid economic development, and openness to foreign businesses make it an ideal location to test and grow your offerings.

Whether you are launching marketing campaigns, sourcing local partners, or incorporating a subsidiary, the MRA Grant Cambodia lightens the financial burden and empowers your SME to internationalise with confidence.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get up to S$100,000 in support as you explore and expand into Cambodia.