Knowing that the PSG Grant exists is one thing. Knowing how to structure a claim around your actual marketing needs is another.
For many SMEs, the challenge is not deciding whether digital marketing would help. It is understanding which solution category fits the project, what must happen before applying, and which costs can actually be supported. The most important rule is simple: the project should be planned around an eligible, pre-approved solution package rather than treated as a general marketing budget.
What Is the PSG Grant?
The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) supports eligible Singapore businesses that adopt approved IT solutions and equipment to improve productivity. Enterprise Singapore states that eligible local SMEs can receive up to 50% support for eligible costs, subject to the applicable solution package, grant cap and conditions.
The current PSG process is application-first. Businesses should identify a relevant solution and approved vendor, obtain a quotation, submit the application through the Business Grants Portal, and wait for the Letter of Offer before committing to the project. Companies must not sign a contract or make payment to the vendor before applying.
This means a business should not begin work and then ask whether the invoice can be claimed. The scope, vendor, costs and intended start date need to be aligned before the application is submitted.
What Counts as Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing support is not a single unrestricted category. Depending on the current approved solution list and package specifications, SMEs may be able to use supported digital solutions for areas such as:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Social media content and account management.
- Search engine optimisation and search engine marketing.
- Website and e-commerce development.
- Other approved digital tools that improve business productivity.
The exact coverage, funding percentage, supported deliverables and vendor requirements can change. Always confirm the current package on the official Enterprise Singapore or GoBusiness platform before preparing an application.
A useful way to plan is to start with the business problem, then match the problem to the approved solution. For example, a restaurant may need better visual assets and a more consistent social presence, while a professional services firm may need a website that clearly explains its services and generates enquiries.
The Basic Claim Process
1. Identify the right solution
Define the business problem first. Are customers struggling to find the company online? Is the business posting inconsistently? Are product images outdated? Is the current website difficult to update or unable to support online sales?
Then check which pre-approved solution package addresses that problem. PSG supports approved solutions and packages, not every service that a marketing agency may offer.
2. Select the approved vendor
For IT solutions, the vendor and solution usually need to match the approved PSG listing. Enterprise Singapore advises applicants to obtain a quotation from the relevant pre-approved vendor and ensure that the scope and cost match the approved package.
Do not assume that any agency, freelancer or web developer can be used. A quotation from a non-approved vendor may not support a claim under the relevant package.
3. Submit the application before commitment
The company applies through the Business Grants Portal using CorpPass. The application may require company details, the vendor quotation, a project proposal, cost breakdown, deployment information and an explanation of the expected business impact.
The applicant company must apply directly and manage the grant application through Business Grants Portal. A vendor may help explain the solution or prepare documents, but the company remains responsible for the accuracy of the submission.
4. Wait for the Letter of Offer
If the application is approved, the Letter of Offer will state the approved solution, support amount, conditions and qualifying period. Review the document carefully before accepting it.
The approved scope is important. Work that falls outside the approved solution, package or cost may not be supported later.
5. Complete the approved project
The solution must be purchased, subscribed to or deployed as approved. For IT solutions, Enterprise Singapore indicates that the solution must be deployed and installed for at least 30 days before the claim is submitted.
Keep records throughout the project rather than trying to reconstruct them at the end.
6. Submit the claim
A claim normally requires proof that the approved solution was delivered and paid for. Supporting documents can include invoices, proof of payment, usage information and other records specified in the Letter of Offer. Enterprise Singapore states that payment documents should identify the applicant, vendor, payment date and amount.
Grant disbursement takes place only after the claim is approved. PayNow Corporate can be faster, while GIRO may take longer.
Scenario 1: Claiming for Content Production
A retail SME may have good products but lack the visual assets needed to market them consistently. Product images may be outdated, brand videos may be missing, and every social post may require new work from scratch.
In this situation, the business may explore an approved media asset or photography and videography package, where available. The project could be planned around a defined library of professional product photographs, lifestyle images and short-form video assets.
What the project could support
A well-scoped content project may include:
- Product photography for an agreed number of products.
- Lifestyle or campaign photography.
- Short brand videos or product demonstrations.
- Edited image and video files in agreed formats.
- A structured asset library for use across approved marketing channels.
The business should not describe the project simply as “more marketing content”. The quotation and proposal should explain the deliverables, quantity, format, production period and business purpose.
Example claim structure
Imagine a homeware retailer preparing to launch a new collection. Its project could be structured around professional photography and short product videos that will be used on its website, social channels and online catalogues.
The business impact could include:
- Faster product listing and campaign production.
- More consistent brand presentation.
- Better product information for online shoppers.
- Reusable assets for future digital campaigns.
The company should confirm that the intended service is part of the relevant pre-approved PSG package and that the quotation matches its requirements before applying.
What to avoid
Do not assume that every creative expense is eligible. Ad spend, influencer fees, printing, unrelated branding work, event costs, delivery fees and other administrative charges may be treated differently or excluded depending on the package. Enterprise Singapore notes that, unless otherwise stated, support is generally limited to the actual cost of the approved equipment or IT solution, excluding related administrative charges such as delivery and installation.
Scenario 2: Claiming for Social Media Management
A service business may know that social media matters but struggle to post consistently. Content may be created at the last minute, messages may vary from week to week, and the business may lack the time or expertise to manage its channels properly.
An approved social media solution may help the business establish a structured content system. Depending on the package, this could cover social media management and content for channels such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or Instagram Reels.
What the project should clarify
A strong quotation should make the service specific. It may set out:
- The platforms covered.
- The number and type of posts or videos.
- The content planning and approval process.
- Account management responsibilities.
- Reporting or performance review arrangements.
- The project duration and deliverables.
The company should be clear about what it needs before selecting the package. A business that wants short-form video production may need a different scope from one that mainly needs calendar planning, copywriting and community management.
Example claim structure
A dental practice may want to improve its educational content and build a regular presence on Instagram and TikTok. Instead of requesting general “social media help”, it could define a project around a content calendar, short-form videos, captions, scheduled publishing and monthly reporting.
The business impact could include:
- More consistent communication with potential patients.
- A repeatable content workflow for the internal team.
- Better use of professional visual assets.
- Clearer measurement of content activity and engagement.
The project should still be assessed against the exact approved package. A social media grant is not necessarily a reimbursement for every type of advertising or promotional activity.
Scenario 3: Claiming for a Website Refresh
A website is often the foundation of a company’s digital marketing. An outdated site may be difficult to update, slow on mobile devices, unclear about services or unable to support online enquiries and sales.
An SME may explore an approved website or e-commerce solution for a new build or structured refresh. The project should focus on the approved deliverables rather than treating the grant as funding for an unlimited redesign.
What the project could include
Depending on the approved package, the scope may address:
- Website structure and page development.
- Mobile-responsive design.
- Basic content and image placement.
- Enquiry forms or booking functions.
- E-commerce features and product catalogues.
- Content management system setup.
- Basic analytics or tracking configuration.
Example claim structure
A small B2B consultancy may have a website that lists services but generates few enquiries. Its project could focus on reorganising the site, clarifying service pages, improving calls to action and adding an enquiry workflow.
An online retailer may instead need product categories, payment functionality, delivery information and an easier process for managing product listings.
The proposal should connect the website work to the business problem. “Make the website look better” is weaker than “create a mobile-responsive website with clear service pages and enquiry forms to improve how customers discover and contact the business.”
Combining website work with SEO and SEM
A website alone does not guarantee visibility. Depending on the relevant pre-approved offerings, an SME may consider combining website development with SEO or SEM support. The business should confirm whether the services can be included in one application, whether they are separate packages, and whether each vendor and scope meets the applicable requirements.
Do not treat SEO as a promise of rankings. A responsible scope should describe the activities, such as keyword research, technical improvements, on-page optimisation, content recommendations or campaign setup, rather than guaranteeing a particular position on Google.
Can You Combine Digital Marketing Claims?
Many SMEs assume that content, social media and website work must always be treated as separate projects. In practice, the answer depends on the relevant PSG packages, approved vendors, application structure and current grant rules.
Some services may be coordinated as part of one application or wider digitalisation plan. Others may need separate applications because they are separate pre-approved packages with different vendors, scopes or qualifying periods.
Do not assume that combining services automatically makes a claim more efficient. First confirm:
- Whether the categories can be bundled under the same application.
- Whether one approved vendor can provide the relevant packages.
- Whether each scope is eligible and clearly itemised.
- Whether the total cost remains within the applicable grant cap.
- Whether the work has the same project period and business objective.
- Whether the Letter of Offer covers every deliverable being claimed.
A coordinated plan is useful even when separate applications are required. The website can be designed around the content assets, while social media can direct customers to the new pages. The important point is to coordinate the strategy without assuming that all related marketing costs are automatically claimable.
Common PSG Claim Mistakes
Applying after work has started
One of the most serious mistakes is signing a contract, paying a deposit or starting the project before the application is submitted. Enterprise Singapore states that companies must not make payment or commit to the purchase before applying.
Choosing the wrong vendor
A strong proposal does not overcome the requirement to use the relevant pre-approved vendor for an approved IT solution. Confirm the vendor listing before requesting a quotation.
Using vague project language
“Improve online marketing” does not provide enough detail. Explain the business problem, approved solution, deliverables, project period, cost and expected productivity or business impact.
Treating the grant as a marketing rebate
PSG is not a general reimbursement for any marketing invoice. Only approved solutions and eligible costs within the relevant package are supported. Expenses outside the approved scope may be rejected.
Forgetting the claim stage
Approval is not the final step. The company still needs to complete the project, pay the vendor, maintain records and submit the claim by the deadline stated in the Letter of Offer.
Assuming support is guaranteed
The final support amount depends on the approved package, eligible cost, grant conditions and claim approval. A vendor quotation or marketing plan should not be presented as confirmation that a grant will be awarded.
How to Build a Stronger Application
A practical application should answer five questions clearly:
- What business problem is the company trying to solve?
- Why is the selected digital solution appropriate?
- What exactly will be delivered?
- How much will the approved project cost?
- How will the solution improve productivity, customer access or business operations?
For a content project, describe the asset library and how it will reduce repeated production work. For social media, explain how the structured process will improve consistency and management. For a website project, connect the build to enquiries, bookings, product discovery or online sales.
It is also useful to create an internal timeline covering application, approval, project delivery, payment, deployment and claim submission. This reduces the risk of beginning work before approval or missing the claim deadline.
Check the Current Rules Before Applying
Grant schemes and approved solution packages can change. Enterprise Singapore’s official PSG information states that eligible companies must be Singapore-registered, meet the local shareholding and size criteria, use the solution in Singapore and remain eligible until claim disbursement.
The official PSG FAQ also states that the annual grant cap for supported Enterprise Singapore solutions is S$30,000 per company for the stated grant year, with the relevant period running from 1 April to 31 March.
Always check the current Enterprise Singapore PSG page, PSG FAQ and Business Grants Portal before committing to a vendor or communicating a funding amount to customers. This article is intended as a practical guide, not confirmation that a particular business, vendor or service package will qualify.
Plan the Claim Around the Business Need
The strongest PSG applications do not begin with the question, “How much marketing can the grant pay for?” They begin with, “What digital capability does the business need to build?”
A retailer may need a reusable content library. A service business may need a reliable social media workflow. An online seller may need a website that makes it easier for customers to discover and buy its products. Once the business need is clear, the next step is to match the project to the correct approved solution and document the scope carefully.
FAQs: PSG Grant for Digital Marketing
1. What digital marketing services can the PSG Grant cover?
Depending on the current approved solutions list, PSG may support eligible digital marketing services such as content and media production, social media management, SEO and SEM, and website or e-commerce development. The exact support depends on the approved vendor and package, so check the Business Grants Portal before applying.
2. Can I claim the PSG Grant for content, social media and website work together?
Potentially, yes, but each service must match an eligible pre-approved solution and package. Your vendor should confirm whether the services can be included in one application or need to be submitted separately.
3. Can I apply for PSG after starting the project?
No. You should submit your application before making any payment, signing a contract or starting work with the vendor. Retrospective applications are generally not supported, so applying after the project has begun can make the costs ineligible.
4. How much funding can an SME receive?
Eligible businesses may receive up to 50% support for qualifying costs, subject to the approved package terms and the applicable grant cap. Enterprise Singapore states that the PSG cap is S$30,000 per company per financial year for EnterpriseSG-supported solutions.
5. What documents are needed for a PSG digital marketing claim?
Businesses typically need the approved quotation, Letter of Offer, final invoice, proof of payment and evidence that the solution or service was delivered and used. The exact documents depend on the approved package, so keep project records, deliverables and payment documents from the start.
