The PSG grant for Singapore SME websites — and the alternative most agencies don't tell you about.
If you're a Singapore SME shopping for a website, you've probably heard "use the PSG grant" three times this week. Here's how it actually works, who qualifies, and when skipping it is the smarter move.
What the PSG grant actually is
The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) is a Singapore government co-funding scheme administered by Enterprise Singapore. It helps SMEs adopt pre-approved IT solutions — including business websites and digital marketing packages.
The mechanics:
- Eligible SMEs can claim a percentage of the cost of a pre-approved solution (the rate has been adjusted multiple times — currently up to 50%, but verify on the Business Grants Portal).
- Cap is SGD 30,000 per financial year across all PSG claims.
- The vendor and the specific solution package must both be on the IMDA pre-approved list at the time you apply.
- You apply before engaging the vendor. Retroactive claims are not allowed.
Who qualifies
To be eligible, your business must:
- Be registered and operating in Singapore (UEN required)
- Have at least 30% local shareholding
- Have group annual sales under SGD 100 million, OR fewer than 200 employees
- Use the solution within Singapore (the entity buying must be the entity using)
How to apply (the 6-step process)
- Pick a pre-approved solution. Browse GoBusiness PSG for "Website Development" or "Digital Marketing" packages.
- Get a quote from a pre-approved vendor for the specific listed package.
- Apply on the Business Grants Portal (CorpPass required) — upload the quote and supporting docs.
- Wait for approval from Enterprise Singapore (typically 4–8 weeks).
- Engage the vendor only after approval. They build the solution.
- Submit a claim with proof of payment and project completion. Disbursement follows.
End-to-end, expect 6–12 weeks from first quote to live website, depending on vendor capacity and Enterprise Singapore review queue.
What "pre-approved website packages" usually include — and what they don't
Pre-approved PSG website packages are designed for compliance and consistency, not customisation. A typical package includes:
- 5–10 page template-based website (often WordPress or a closed-source SaaS)
- Basic SEO setup
- 1 year of hosting and basic maintenance
- Limited revisions during build
What's typically not in pre-approved packages:
- Custom React or Next.js builds
- Built-in AI agents (chatbots, lead qualifiers)
- Bespoke design beyond template variations
- You owning the source code
- Anything that isn't already on IMDA's spec sheet
PSG vs free-first: side by side
| Criterion | PSG pre-approved package | Free-first model (Aphyx) |
|---|---|---|
| Time to live website | 6–12 weeks | 24–48 hours to preview |
| Cash out of pocket | ~50% of package after grant | SGD 0 for first 30 days |
| Customisation | Within template variations | Custom-coded, anything you want |
| AI included | Rarely; usually add-on | Yes, in base build |
| You own the code | No | Yes |
| Paperwork | CorpPass + Business Grants Portal + claim | None |
| Best for | Eligible SMEs not in a rush, want a known cap | SMEs that want to launch fast or test first |
So — is Aphyx a PSG pre-approved vendor?
Honestly: no, Aphyx is not currently on the IMDA PSG pre-approved vendor list. We didn't pursue it because the certification box constraints would force us to template our work — and our differentiation is exactly the opposite (custom-coded React, built-in AI, you own the code).
Two ways we work with PSG-eligible SMEs:
- Partner mode. If grant co-funding is essential to your project, we can pair with a pre-approved vendor for the website portion, while we layer in the AI, custom integrations, and ongoing engineering on top.
- Free-first mode. Most SMEs we talk to don't actually need PSG once they see the alternative. Your first build is free; you only subscribe if it earns its keep. The total annual cost often comes in below the post-grant net of a typical PSG package — without the 6–12 week wait.
Decision tree
Use PSG if: you've got 6–12 weeks to spare, you need a known cost cap, you have CorpPass set up, and there's a pre-approved vendor on the list whose work you actually like.
Skip PSG if: you need to launch fast, you want custom design beyond template variations, you want built-in AI from day one, or the paperwork-to-payoff ratio doesn't feel worth it.
FAQs
Is the PSG grant the same as EDG?
No. The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) is for larger transformation projects with custom scope. PSG is for off-the-shelf, pre-approved IT solutions with fixed scope and pricing. Different applications, different timelines.
Can I claim PSG retroactively?
No. You must apply and receive approval before engaging the vendor and signing the contract. Retroactive claims are rejected.
Can I use PSG more than once?
Yes — up to the SGD 30,000 annual cap across all PSG claims combined. So you could split between a website package and a CRM package, for example, as long as each individual solution is pre-approved.
Is digital marketing included under PSG?
Yes — PSG has a separate "Digital Marketing" category covering SEO, SEM, social media management, and e-commerce listing services. Same eligibility rules apply.
What if my business doesn't qualify?
If your local shareholding is under 30%, your group revenue is over SGD 100M, or you have over 200 employees, PSG isn't open to you. The free-first model is one alternative; full custom engagement is another.