Singapore’s business funding program includes financing programs, tax advantages, cash awards, and business-incubating infrastructure. The Lion City government continues to push out programs that boost the country’s startup scene.
Singapore has been a respected financial and regional commercial center for four decades and is a prominent innovation hub. Since the 1990s, it has topped the World Bank’s list of the easiest places to do business. So it’s no wonder the country has a growing rate of startups.
Looking for business funding?
Half of Singapore’s small business founders identify a lack of working cash or funding as the cause for their failure. This financial handicap affects companies’ and entrepreneurs’ capacity to realize company objectives, conduct operations, or expand to other markets. Thankfully, new entrepreneurs can take advantage of loans/funding for online business Singapore is expanding.
We’ve compiled a list of funding sources for startups wanting to raise capital:
Government funding
Singapore has many financing schemes and platforms to encourage the government. Each government funding scheme targets different markets or industries and is suitable for different business growth phases.
Startup SG – The Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board Spring (SPRING) has consolidated its previous startup support schemes under one program. Under Startup SG, qualifying startups can get cash grants, equity financing, and business loans.
Startup SG Equity – Startup SG Equity is an investment fund managed by SPRING Seeds Capital and SGInnovate. Singapore co-invests with private investment partners in startups that require capital expenditure and may take longer to be available commercially.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a new way to finance a business or project by gathering small donations from many individuals. This fundraising strategy is popular in the U.S., where small business owners pitch their ideas, plans, and tactics online to inspire others to help and pledge money.
Popular crowdfunding platforms in Singapore include Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Funding Societies, which help small business startups.
Investors
Angel investors are private individuals that invest funds and business skills in early-stage startups in exchange for a major portion of the business. Angel investors are usually successful businesspeople or rich HNWIs looking for high-risk startups with high ROI potential.
You can usually find an angel investor through your current networks, as they use ‘word of mouth to find businesses of interest.
Capitalists
Singapore’s V.C. industry is modest compared to Europe and the U.S. Due to tax advantages and other business-friendly legislation, high-net-worth individuals, huge enterprises, and government organizations set up venture capital firms.
Venture capitalists are professional investors specializing in investing in startups on the condition that they are given a more hands-on role to ensure their client’s profitability.
Incubators/accelerators
Incubators and accelerators are often used interchangeably, yet they’re different. An incubator is a funding system that works with businesses in their early stages of development and is aimed at getting the business off the ground. An accelerator helps those ready to run the business or take a giant leap, such as expanding overseas or into a new market or industry.
While you don’t have to follow a defined schedule with incubators, businesses on accelerator funding must work closely with investors, mentors, and other startups for several months before graduating.
There’s a lot of money out there. Whether starting a purely physical or online business Singapore is expanding rapidly; you can acquire easy-to-pay funding/loans from top banks. When choosing a banking partner, make sure to do ample research and read the fine print.
