MRA Grant for Philippines: A Strategic Tool for Singapore SMEs Entering the Philippine Market

The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, known for its young population, growing digital infrastructure, and a strong affinity for international brands and services. As a fellow ASEAN member with close ties to Singapore, the Philippines presents numerous opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking regional growth. The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant for Philippines, offered by Enterprise Singapore, helps Singapore-based SMEs overcome financial and operational barriers to expanding into this vibrant market.

This article will explore how Singapore businesses can successfully enter the Philippine market using the MRA Grant Philippines, outlining its benefits, eligibility, supported activities, and best practices for successful application and expansion.

Why Choose the Philippines for International Expansion?

The Philippines is increasingly seen as a strategic destination for Singapore SMEs, and here’s why:

1. Young, Urban, and Digitally Connected Population

The Philippines has a population of over 110 million, with a median age of around 25 years. The population is highly urbanised and tech-savvy, with strong adoption of mobile internet, e-commerce, and digital services.

2. English Proficiency and Cultural Familiarity

As one of the largest English-speaking populations in Asia, communication barriers are minimal. The country’s Western-influenced culture also resonates with Singaporean businesses offering consumer and professional services.

3. Singapore–Philippines Economic Relations

Bilateral ties between Singapore and the Philippines are robust, supported by multiple trade and investment agreements. Singapore is a top investor in the Philippines, and both countries are part of the ASEAN Free Trade Area.

4. Rapid Growth in Services and Digital Sectors

Industries such as fintech, education, e-commerce, healthtech, and outsourcing are expanding rapidly, offering ample room for Singapore SMEs to contribute innovative solutions and services.

What Is the MRA Grant for Philippines?

The MRA Grant for Philippines is part of the broader Market Readiness Assistance Grant scheme provided by Enterprise Singapore. It supports Singapore SMEs entering new overseas markets by co-funding eligible expansion-related activities.

Businesses can receive up to 50% support on eligible expenses, capped at S$100,000 per new market per fiscal year, helping reduce the risk and financial burden associated with international expansion.

MRA Grant Philippines Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the MRA Grant Philippines, your business must:

• Be registered and operating in Singapore

• Have at least 30% local shareholding

• Have a group annual sales turnover of less than S$100 million OR fewer than 200 employees

• Not have already claimed MRA support for the Philippines in the same financial year

Applications must be approved by Enterprise Singapore through the Business Grants Portal before you commence any activities.

Activities Covered Under the MRA Grant for Philippines

The MRA Grant Philippines covers a wide range of market entry activities. These are classified under three main categories:

1. Overseas Market Promotion

• Participating in trade shows, conferences, or expos in Metro Manila, Cebu, or Davao

• Running digital marketing campaigns targeted at Filipino audiences

• Engaging PR or media agencies in the Philippines to increase brand visibility

2. Overseas Business Development

• Business matching with Filipino partners, distributors, franchisees, or resellers

• Appointment setting and B2B networking

• Hiring in-market consultants to provide advisory or local market intelligence

3. Overseas Market Set-Up

• Legal and tax advisory services for company registration in the Philippines

• Intellectual property rights filing and trademark registration

• Human resource compliance support for hiring local staff

These activities ensure that Singapore SMEs receive holistic support from initial market promotion to full business establishment.

Breakdown of MRA Grant Philippines Support Caps

Here’s how the funding is distributed across the activity categories:

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

By leveraging each category strategically, businesses can maximise their exposure, outreach, and operational setup in the Philippines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the MRA Grant Philippines

Follow these key steps to apply for and successfully utilise the MRA Grant for Philippines:

Step 1: Plan and Prepare

• Verify your company’s eligibility

• Decide on the specific market entry activities to carry out

• Identify qualified vendors or service providers (some categories may require ESG-recognised consultants)

• Collect quotations and prepare detailed project scopes

Step 2: Apply via Business Grants Portal (BGP)

• Access the Business Grants Portal using your CorpPass

• Choose the “Market Readiness Assistance Grant” and select “Philippines” as the target market

• Submit all required documentation and wait for approval

Step 3: Execute the Project

• Only begin activities after receiving official grant approval

• Keep all deliverables and expense records well-documented

Step 4: Submit Claim

• Once the activities are completed, log into BGP to submit your claim

• Provide evidence such as invoices, marketing materials, attendance records, and final reports

• Enterprise Singapore will review and reimburse the approved amount
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your MRA Grant Application

Ensure the success of your grant application by avoiding the following pitfalls:

• Starting work before approval – This disqualifies the activity for reimbursement

• Poor documentation – Incomplete invoices, vague reports, or missing media evidence can lead to rejected claims

• Exceeding the grant caps – Stick to the individual limits for each activity category

• Choosing unqualified vendors – Use only pre-approved or recognised vendors when required

Proper planning and execution are essential for a smooth grant experience.

Case Examples: MRA Grant Philippines in Practice

Case Study 1: E-Learning Platform Expansion

A Singapore-based edtech company used the MRA Grant Philippines to localise its platform for Filipino students, conduct influencer-driven digital campaigns, and run school outreach programmes in Metro Manila.

Case Study 2: Beauty Brand Market Entry

A wellness and skincare SME expanded into Cebu and Davao using MRA funding for market research, retail pop-up campaigns, and local product registration advisory.

Case Study 3: Fintech Service Launch

A Singapore fintech startup used the MRA grant to appoint a business development consultant in the Philippines, run Facebook ads, and incorporate a local subsidiary to serve B2B clients.

These examples show how versatile the MRA Grant Philippines is across industries and business models.

Working with Consultants for MRA Grant Philippines

While not always mandatory, engaging a consultant can make a big difference in your MRA journey. Consultants help with:

• Structuring your grant application and proposal

• Providing access to approved vendors

• Managing project timelines and deliverables

• Ensuring compliance with Enterprise Singapore’s guidelines

This is especially helpful for businesses entering the Philippines for the first time or managing multiple activities across various cities.

High-Potential Industries in the Philippines for Singapore SMEs

Singapore SMEs in the following sectors are well-positioned to succeed in the Philippines:

• Education & Training – High demand for digital learning, international programmes, and upskilling

• Healthcare & Wellness – Rising middle-class demand for premium services and wellness products

• Consumer Goods & Retail – Filipinos are open to foreign brands and e-commerce experiences

• Technology & SaaS – Cloud software, logistics platforms, and payment systems are in growing demand

• F&B Franchising – Singapore F&B concepts are gaining traction, especially in malls and tourist areas

By identifying product-market fit and adapting to local culture, Singapore SMEs can tap into the Philippines' expanding consumer base.

Conclusion: Let the MRA Grant Philippines Fuel Your Expansion Plans

The MRA Grant for Philippines is a game-changing opportunity for Singapore SMEs that are ready to scale across borders. With up to S$100,000 in funding, you can confidently enter one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and English-speaking markets without absorbing the full financial risk.

Whether you’re launching a digital marketing campaign in Metro Manila, exploring franchise partners in Cebu, or setting up a legal entity, the MRA Grant Philippines gives you the financial runway to make a lasting impact.

Now is the perfect time to explore the Philippines—and with the MRA Grant, you won’t be doing it alone.