MRA Grant for Indonesia: A Launchpad for Singapore SMEs into Southeast Asia’s Largest Economy

Indonesia, home to over 270 million people, is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and one of the most promising emerging markets in the world. Its youthful population, growing middle class, and rapid digitalisation make it a compelling destination for Singapore SMEs looking to expand overseas. For those ready to explore this high-growth market, the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant for Indonesia provides essential support to reduce entry costs and streamline the internationalisation process.

This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to leveraging the MRA Grant Indonesia, helping your business establish a strong foothold in this thriving market.

Why Indonesia is an Attractive Market for Singapore SMEs

Expanding into Indonesia offers multiple advantages for Singapore companies across sectors. Here’s why this market should be on your radar:

1. Massive Consumer Base

With the fourth-largest population in the world, Indonesia offers a huge domestic market. The rising middle class is driving demand for consumer goods, healthcare, education, fintech, and digital services.

2. Digital Economy Boom

Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest digital economy, with strong adoption of mobile apps, e-commerce, digital payments, and online platforms. SMEs offering tech solutions can thrive in this environment.

3. Proximity and Connectivity

Singapore’s geographic closeness to Indonesia, particularly cities like Batam and Jakarta, makes it ideal for frequent travel, logistics management, and operational oversight.

4. Singapore–Indonesia Business Ties

Bilateral investment and trade relationships between Singapore and Indonesia are strong, with Singapore consistently being one of Indonesia’s top foreign investors.

Overview of the MRA Grant for Indonesia

The MRA Grant for Indonesia is a co-funding scheme offered by Enterprise Singapore to support SMEs in their early stages of overseas expansion. It provides up to 50% reimbursement of qualifying costs, with a cap of S$100,000 per new market per fiscal year.

This grant helps Singapore SMEs mitigate the financial risks of expanding into Indonesia while accelerating market entry and scaling opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for MRA Grant Indonesia

To apply for the MRA Grant Indonesia, your business must meet the following requirements:

• Be registered and operating in Singapore

• Have at least 30% local shareholding

• Group annual sales turnover not exceeding S$100 million OR fewer than 200 employees

• Not have received MRA support for Indonesia in the same fiscal year

Applications must be submitted via the Business Grants Portal (BGP) before any activity begins.

Activities Covered Under MRA Grant for Indonesia

Enterprise Singapore has grouped MRA-supported activities into three categories. The grant supports both strategic planning and operational execution of internationalisation efforts.

1. Overseas Market Promotion

• Exhibiting at trade shows or business missions in Jakarta, Surabaya, or Bali

• Running digital marketing campaigns targeted at Indonesian consumers

• Engaging in media coverage and PR outreach in Indonesia

2. Overseas Business Development

• Business matching with Indonesian distributors, agents, or corporate clients

• Appointment setting with qualified buyers or investors

• Market research, feasibility studies, and competitive benchmarking in Indonesia

3. Overseas Market Set-Up

• Legal and tax advisory for company incorporation in Indonesia

• Trademark or intellectual property registration in Indonesia

• Human resource compliance and recruitment advisory

These activities provide end-to-end support for companies at all stages of market entry, from brand awareness to local operations.

Grant Caps for Indonesia-Specific Activities

Under the MRA Grant for Indonesia, the following maximum support levels apply:

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

It’s essential to plan your budget accordingly and stay within these caps to ensure full eligibility.

Application Process for the MRA Grant Indonesia

Applying for the MRA Grant Indonesia involves the following steps:

Step 1: Preparation

• Determine your eligibility

• Select suitable third-party vendors (consultants, service providers, etc.)

• Gather quotations, project scopes, and proposals

Step 2: Application Submission

• Log into the Business Grants Portal using your CorpPass

• Select “MRA Grant” and specify “Indonesia” as the target market

• Upload the necessary supporting documents and submit the application

Step 3: Approval and Execution

• Do not commence any activity before receiving Enterprise Singapore’s approval

• Once approved, carry out the planned activities as outlined

Step 4: Claim Submission

• Collect all relevant invoices, reports, media outputs, and payment proofs

• Submit a claim for reimbursement via BGP once the activities are completed
  

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Mistakes during the MRA grant process can lead to rejection or reduced funding. Avoid the following:

• Starting work before approval – All claimable work must begin only after grant approval.

• Insufficient documentation – Maintain clear records of all costs, outcomes, and deliverables.

• Hiring unqualified vendors – Ensure you use approved vendors where required.

• Misalignment with goals – Activities must be directly tied to internationalisation efforts in Indonesia.
  

Real-World Examples of MRA Grant Indonesia Use

Case Study 1: Tech Startup Expansion

A Singapore SaaS company expanded into Indonesia by using the grant to hire a local consultant for customer acquisition, run LinkedIn ads in Bahasa Indonesia, and register a local entity.

Case Study 2: Fashion Retail Brand Launch

An SME in lifestyle apparel entered Indonesia’s retail scene by showcasing their collection at a Jakarta trade show. The grant funded booth design, translation of marketing materials, and business matching with Indonesian retailers.

Case Study 3: F&B Cloud Kitchen Setup

A F&B business used MRA funding to establish a cloud kitchen operation in Jakarta, covering advisory costs, legal registration, and local advertising.

These examples show that MRA Grant Indonesia supports varied industries with different modes of expansion.

Benefits of Engaging a Consultant for MRA Grant Indonesia

Navigating the Indonesian market can be complex due to regulatory, cultural, and linguistic differences. Hiring a consultant experienced in both MRA grants and Indonesian business practices offers several advantages:

• Expertise in grant writing and application preparation

• Access to in-market partners and business networks

• Guidance on Indonesian legal and business norms

• Support for post-project claim submission

This allows SMEs to focus on growth, leaving the technicalities to professionals.

Promising Sectors in Indonesia for Singapore SMEs

Certain industries have demonstrated higher success and demand when entering Indonesia:

• E-commerce & Digital Services – One of the fastest-growing sectors due to digital-native consumers

• Education & Training – Demand for international standards and digital learning platforms is rising

• F&B & Franchising – Indonesian consumers are eager to explore premium dining and food experiences

• Healthcare & Wellness – The middle class is seeking better private healthcare and health products

• Fintech & Payments – Indonesia’s large unbanked population is creating space for financial innovation

By aligning your business offering with these trends, you can improve your chances of success in Indonesia.

Conclusion: Take Your SME Global with the MRA Grant Indonesia

The MRA Grant for Indonesia offers timely, structured, and impactful financial support for Singapore SMEs exploring Southeast Asia’s largest economy. With up to S$100,000 in eligible funding per year, your business can gain the financial agility to research, promote, and set up operations in Indonesia with reduced risks.

Whether you're running ads in Bahasa, meeting potential distributors in Jakarta, or setting up a local presence, the MRA Grant Indonesia gives you the leverage to grow confidently and sustainably.

Now is the perfect time to seize the opportunities in Indonesia and elevate your business beyond Singapore’s borders.