Ref: LEAD · Enterprise Singapore · reviewed 05 Jul 2026
Local Enterprise and Association Development (LEAD) Programme
Funds trade associations and chambers (TACs) to run industry-wide projects that upgrade capabilities and take local enterprises overseas, covering up to 70% of eligible costs. SMEs benefit indirectly: TACs use LEAD to subsidise members' participation in international trade fairs and business missions at up to 70% of eligible expenses.
Not published; scoped per project with EnterpriseSG
Who qualifies
- ✓Singapore-registered trade associations and chambers, societies, professional bodies, and companies limited by guarantee
- ✓TACs representing a key industry with sizeable membership
- ✓TACs with a strong track record of helping enterprises and capable leadership
- ✓SMEs benefit as members via LEAD-supported trade fairs and missions
What it pays for
- Salaries, equipment, and materials for industry development projects
- Professional and consulting services
- Trade fairs and overseas business missions (booth rental, construction, publicity)
- Technology adoption, industry standards/certification, and IP licensing
How to apply
Rolling applications; project-based
- 1TAC scopes an industry development or internationalisation project
- 2Contact EnterpriseSG via the LEAD page to discuss eligibility
- 3Submit a project proposal for evaluation
- 4On approval, run the project and claim on a reimbursement basis
Advisor's note
Individual SMEs cannot apply directly; the play is to join an active TAC in your industry and ride its LEAD-supported trade fairs and missions, which effectively gets you 70% off overseas exhibition costs.
Planning a digitalisation or overseas-expansion project? Those usually run under EDG or MRA, which our team delivers end to end.
Common questions
How much does the LEAD cover?
Up to 70% of eligible project costs, not published; scoped per project with EnterpriseSG. Funds trade associations and chambers (TACs) to run industry-wide projects that upgrade capabilities and take local enterprises overseas, covering up to 70% of eligible costs. SMEs benefit indirectly: TACs use LEAD to subsidise members' participation in international trade fairs and business missions at up to 70% of eligible expenses.
Who is eligible for the LEAD?
Singapore-registered trade associations and chambers, societies, professional bodies, and companies limited by guarantee TACs representing a key industry with sizeable membership TACs with a strong track record of helping enterprises and capable leadership SMEs benefit as members via LEAD-supported trade fairs and missions
What does the LEAD pay for?
Salaries, equipment, and materials for industry development projects Professional and consulting services Trade fairs and overseas business missions (booth rental, construction, publicity) Technology adoption, industry standards/certification, and IP licensing
How do I apply for the LEAD?
1. TAC scopes an industry development or internationalisation project 2. Contact EnterpriseSG via the LEAD page to discuss eligibility 3. Submit a project proposal for evaluation 4. On approval, run the project and claim on a reimbursement basis
How long does the LEAD take?
Rolling applications; project-based
Find out what the LEAD will co-fund for you.
15 minutes on WhatsApp. We check your eligibility, the realistic support amount, and whether a different grant fits better. No fee, no obligation.
WhatsApp us nowOften claimed together
MRA · Enterprise Singapore
Market Readiness Assistance
Co-funds up to 70% of the cost of entering a NEW overseas market for SMEs (raised from 50% at Budget 2026), capped at S$100,000 per market: overseas marketing, business development, and market entry setup.
DTDi · Enterprise Singapore / IRAS
Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation
Deduct 200% of qualifying overseas expansion expenses (market trips, trade fairs, overseas marketing) against taxable income, with an automatic claim up to a yearly cap.
OMIP · WSG / SWDA (Programme Partner: Singapore Business Federation)
Overseas Markets Immersion Programme (for Employers)
Posting a Singaporean employee overseas to open a new market? OMIP pays up to 70% of their salary and 70% of their overseas living allowance for up to nine months. Total support can reach S$72,000 per employee posted.