SME Go Digital Grant: Eligibility, Funding Support, and NCSS Grant Options for SMEs & SSAs
- aaronsinduartha
- Jan 19
- 6 min read
By Chiou Hao Chan, Chief Growth Officer at CRS Studio
Singapore’s digital push has never been stronger—and for many SMEs, charities, and Social Service Agencies (SSAs), the biggest question is no longer “Should we digitalise?” but “How do we fund it?”
The SME Go Digital Grant and NCSS Tech-and-GO! grants have become two of the most important pathways for organisations that want to modernise operations, improve service delivery, and build long-term resilience.
Yet despite their popularity, many leaders still struggle to understand eligibility requirements, which solutions qualify, and how to navigate the application process.
This guide breaks everything down in clear, practical terms—so you know exactly which grant fits your organisation, how funding works, and how partners like CRS Studio support SMEs and SSAs from planning to implementation.
Key Takeaways
SME Go Digital helps Singapore-registered SMEs adopt digital solutions using grants like Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) and Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS).
SMEs can receive up to 50–70% subsidy depending on solution type.
NCSS Tech-and-GO! provides dedicated digitalisation funding for SSAs, typically subsidising 80–90% of implementation costs.
Eligibility differs significantly between SMEs and non-profits—choosing the right pathway is essential.
Partners like CRS Studio help organisations identify the right solutions, prepare quotations, and support grant applications through the Business Grants Portal (BGP) or NCSS channels.
What Is the SME Go Digital Grant?
Launched in 2017 by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the SME Go Digital programme aims to make digitalisation simple, structured, and accessible for small and medium enterprises.
The programme includes:
Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) – supports pre-approved digital solutions
Chief Technology Officer-as-a-Service (CTOaaS) – advisory and needs assessment
Industry Digital Plans (IDPs) – sector-specific blueprints
Advanced Digital Solutions – funding for more integrated, high-impact technologies
The objective is straightforward: help SMEs use digital tools to improve productivity, streamline operations, and stay competitive in Singapore’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Who Is Eligible for SME Go Digital & PSG Grants?
Grant eligibility is designed to support genuinely local SMEs with strong intent to digitalise. To qualify:
Eligibility Criteria for SMEs
Your company must:
Be registered and operating in Singapore
Have at least 30% local shareholding
Have < 200 employees OR annual revenue < S$100 million
Use the purchased solution within Singapore
These conditions are assessed through the Business Grants Portal (BGP) during application.
Who Is NOT Eligible?
Foreign-registered organisations
Entities without local shareholding
Businesses purchasing solutions for overseas use
Organisations must also select a pre-approved vendor for PSG-funded solutions, ensuring the deployment meets IMDA and Enterprise Singapore standards.
What Solutions Are Supported Under SME Go Digital?
1. Pre-Approved Digital Solutions (PSG)
These are curated, market-tested tools that help SMEs digitalise essential functions. They include:
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Accounting and finance software
HRMS and payroll tools
Digital marketing and e-commerce systems
Cybersecurity protection
Sector-specific solutions under Industry Digital Plans
Because they are pre-approved, funding levels and solution scope are clearer, making it easier for SMEs to estimate cost and ROI.
2. Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS)
Designed for more sophisticated, integrated transformation projects—such as AI automation, workflow orchestration, or data analytics.
These projects typically involve:
Multiple integrated systems
Higher upfront costs
A longer time horizon
ADS is suited for organisations that are already digitally mature and ready for deeper transformation.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for SME Go Digital / PSG
The application process is structured but manageable, especially when supported by a vendor like CRS Studio.
Step 1: Identify Your Digital Needs
You can use:
CTO-as-a-Service
Vendor consultations
Industry Digital Plans
For example, an SME struggling with sales follow-up may explore a Salesforce CRM implementation.
Step 2: Obtain a Quotation from a Pre-Approved Vendor
This quotation is required to submit your PSG application.
Step 3: Submit Application Through Business Grants Portal
You will need:
CorpPass login
Latest financial statements
Vendor quotation
Project description
Processing time is normally 4–6 weeks.
Step 4: Implement Solution & Submit Claims
Once approved:
Vendor deploys the solution
Organisation makes payment
Claims are submitted with invoices and deployment evidence
When deployed correctly, SMEs can reclaim a significant portion of project costs.
Can Non-Profits or SSAs Apply? Understanding NCSS Funding
A common misconception is that non-profits can apply for SME Go Digital. In reality:
SME Go Digital is meant for businesses (SMEs).
NCSS provides separate grants for SSAs and charities.
SME Go Digital vs NCSS Grants: Key Differences
Criteria | SME Go Digital / PSG | NCSS Tech-and-GO! |
Target Group | SMEs | Social Service Agencies (SSAs) |
Funding Level | ~50–70% | ~80–90% |
Solution Type | Productivity & business apps | Case management, CRM, cybersecurity, back-office |
Application Channel | Business Grants Portal | NCSS Tech-and-GO! portal |
SSAs benefit from higher subsidy levels because digitalisation directly improves social service delivery.
Eligibility for NCSS Grants
Your organisation generally qualifies if:
You are a registered SSA under NCSSYou serve communities in areas such as eldercare, disability, youth, or family services
The digital project improves service delivery, productivity, or reporting
Types of Support Under NCSS Tech-and-GO!
IT Solutions Grant – for software such as CRM, case management, or volunteer systems
Consultancy Support – digital readiness, needs assessments
Implementation Funding – deployment, training, change management
Cybersecurity Funding – enhancing safety and compliance
For example, a charity wanting to improve volunteer engagement may implement a volunteer management system or donor management system with funding support.
Funding Amounts: How Much Support Can You Receive?
SME Go Digital / PSG
Typical funding levels range from:
Up to 50%–70% depending on the digital solution
Some sectors have enhanced support under temporary incentive schemes
Exact percentages depend on IMDA and Enterprise Singapore (ESG) updates.
NCSS Tech-and-GO!
NCSS typically funds:
Up to 80–90% of digital projects
Additional support for manpower training, onboarding, or change management
This is one reason SSAs often digitalise faster than SMEs once they secure the right implementation partner.
Startup SG Grants and Related Funding
Although not directly part of SME Go Digital, many searchers also explore other funding options.
What Is the Startup SG Grant?
Startup SG offers capital and mentorship to early-stage startups, including support for innovation and commercialisation.
How Much Is the Startup SG Tech Grant?
The Tech Grant supports deep-tech startups through Proof-of-Concept (POC) or Proof-of-Value (POV) phases, with funding typically covering a significant portion of development costs.
Exact percentages depend on Enterprise Singapore’s latest guidelines.
Can SMEs Combine Multiple Grants?
Generally:
Organisations cannot receive two grants for the same cost component.
However, they can apply for different grants for different phases of their digital journey.
How CRS Studio Supports SMEs & SSAs in Grant-Backed Projects
Digitalisation is not just about buying software—it’s about implementing the right system with the right processes.
CRS Studio supports organisations through:
1. CRM Implementation for SMEs (PSG-Ready Solutions)
We help SMEs implement platforms such as Salesforce, ensuring:
Custom workflows tailored to business needs
Proper onboarding and training
Analytics setup for real-time visibility
2. Digital Transformation for SSAs with NCSS Funding
We support:
Case management systems
Donor and volunteer management
Data centralisation and workflow automation
3. Proposal Support for Grant Applications
Our team works with SMEs and SSAs to:
Identify grant-funded solutions
Provide quotations and detailed scope
Support the BGP or NCSS application process
This reduces guesswork and improves the likelihood of approval.
FAQ: SME Go Digital, PSG, and NCSS Grants
Who is eligible for the IMDA grant?
Singapore-registered SMEs with at least 30% local shareholding and fewer than 200 employees or annual revenue under S$100M.
How do I get a PSG grant?
Obtain a quotation from a pre-approved vendor, submit an application via the Business Grants Portal, and implement the solution once approved.
What is the Startup SG grant?
A suite of grants supporting startup growth, mentorship, and innovation through Enterprise Singapore.
How much is the Startup SG Tech grant?
Funding varies by POC/POV stage and ES guidelines but generally covers a substantial portion of development costs for deep-tech innovations.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Grant for Your Digital Journey
The right grant depends on your organisation type and digital maturity:
SMEs: Start with PSG pre-approved solutions to simplify operations and reduce manual tasks.
SSAs: Use NCSS Tech-and-GO! to implement digital tools that directly support communities and streamline case or volunteer management.
Startups: Explore Startup SG if you're building new technology rather than adopting existing systems.
Whether you're a growing SME or an SSA improving service delivery, the next step is the same: identify your needs, choose a trusted implementation partner, and apply with confidence.
To support SSAs that must meet NCSS digitalisation standards, we provide a complete Salesforce for NCSS Grant Eligible setup.
This includes NCSS-ready CRM implementation, case and programme management workflows, volunteer management tools, donor and fundraising automation, IRAS-compliant receipting, and dashboards tailored for funders, boards, and audits.
These Salesforce deployments are PDPA-ready, in compliance with Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and designed for daily operational efficiency.