The PSG grant for Singapore SME websites — and the non-grant alternative most agencies don't tell you about.
If you're a Singapore SME shopping for a website, you've heard "use the PSG grant" three times this week. Here's what the Productivity Solutions Grant actually is, who qualifies — and why, for many SMEs we talk to, going direct without the grant ends up faster, simpler, and surprisingly close in net cost.
What the PSG grant actually is
The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) is a Singapore government co-funding scheme administered jointly by Enterprise Singapore and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). It helps SMEs adopt pre-approved IT solutions — including business websites and digital marketing packages.
The mechanics, as published on the Business Grants Portal:
- Eligible SMEs can claim a percentage of the cost of a pre-approved solution (the support rate is revised periodically; verify the current value on the Business Grants Portal before applying).
- An annual claim cap applies across all PSG claims (cap value is also revised periodically — confirm on the Portal).
- 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 (per the Business Grants Portal eligibility criteria):
- Be registered and operating in Singapore (UEN required)
- Have at least 30% local shareholding
- Meet the SME size threshold — group annual sales under SGD 100 million, or fewer than 200 employees (confirm current thresholds on the Portal)
- Use the solution within Singapore (the entity buying must be the entity using)
Verify all eligibility criteria on the Business Grants Portal and IMDA's SMEs Go Digital programme before applying — criteria are revised periodically.
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 around compliance and consistency, not customisation. In our experience working with SMEs that have considered or used PSG, a typical package advertises:
- A 5–10 page template-based website (often WordPress or a closed-source SaaS)
- Basic SEO setup
- A year of hosting and basic maintenance
- Limited revisions during the 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 the IMDA solution spec sheet
Exact deliverables vary by vendor — review the specific package listing on the GoBusiness PSG solution directory before signing a quote.
PSG vs going direct: side by side
| Criterion | PSG pre-approved package | Going direct with Aphyx (no grant) |
|---|---|---|
| Time to live website | 6–12 weeks (application + review + build) | 24–48 hours to preview, 1–3 weeks to finished site |
| Cash out of pocket | Co-funded share (per current PSG rate) | Subscription — see /plans |
| 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 |
| Agency choice | Restricted to IMDA pre-approved vendor list | Any agency — pick on craft and fit |
| Best for | SMEs that need grant co-funding and have 6–12 weeks to spare | SMEs that want to launch fast and pick their own agency |
So — is Aphyx a PSG pre-approved vendor?
No, Aphyx is not on the IMDA PSG pre-approved vendor list. We didn't pursue pre-approval because the certification's templated-package requirements would force us to dilute exactly the things we're hired for — custom-coded React, built-in AI, source-code ownership. We'd rather be honest about that than wedge ourselves into the grant framework and deliver a watered-down product.
So why do PSG-eligible SMEs still work with us? Three reasons:
- Speed. A working preview in 24–48 hours, finished site in 1–3 weeks. The PSG application and review alone takes 4–8 weeks before the build can even start.
- Zero paperwork. No CorpPass application, no Business Grants Portal forms, no pre-approved-package spec constraints, no claim submission. We can start the same week you decide.
- Agency choice. You're not restricted to the IMDA pre-approved list. You hire on craft and fit, not on whoever happens to be certified this quarter.
If grant co-funding is essential to your project budget, the right move is to engage a pre-approved vendor directly via the Business Grants Portal — we'd genuinely rather you do that than pretend we can route you into the grant through a back door. If you're flexible on funding source, going direct is the faster, cleaner path.
Decision tree
Use PSG if: you've got 6–12 weeks to spare, grant co-funding is essential to making the project budget work, you have CorpPass set up, and there's a pre-approved vendor on the IMDA list whose work you actually like.
Go direct (no grant) if: you need to launch fast, you want custom design beyond template variations, you want built-in AI from day one, you want to pick your own agency, or the paperwork-to-payoff ratio doesn't feel worth it.
FAQs
What is the PSG digital grant?
The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) is a Singapore government scheme that co-funds SMEs adopting pre-approved IT solutions, including business websites and digital marketing packages. It is administered jointly by Enterprise Singapore and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), with applications routed through the Business Grants Portal. Eligible SMEs can claim a percentage of the cost of an approved solution, capped per financial year. Support rates and caps are revised periodically — verify current values on IMDA's SMEs Go Digital programme before committing.
Is Aphyx a PSG-approved vendor?
No. Aphyx is not on the IMDA PSG pre-approved vendor list. We chose not to pursue pre-approval because its templated-package requirements would constrain the custom React builds, built-in AI components, and source-code-ownership engagements we're hired to deliver. If grant co-funding is essential to your budget, engage a vendor listed on the official PSG solution directory instead. If you can move forward without the grant, working with Aphyx directly is faster, paperwork-free, and lets you pick any agency on craft and fit.
How long does PSG approval take?
End-to-end, expect roughly 6 to 12 weeks from first vendor quote to live website: 1–2 weeks to receive a quote, 4–8 weeks for Enterprise Singapore review via the Business Grants Portal, then the build itself. Disbursement follows claim submission. Review queues tend to lengthen around fiscal-year-end. Going direct (no PSG) typically removes the first two stages entirely — Aphyx can have a working preview live in 24 to 48 hours and a finished site shipped in 1 to 3 weeks.
Can I get a website without using PSG?
Yes. Most Singapore SMEs don't use PSG for their website at all. Going direct means no Business Grants Portal application, no review queue, no restriction to pre-approved package specs, and no obligation to use a vendor from the IMDA list. You pick any agency, scope the work however suits your business, and start the same week. The trade-off is paying the full cost rather than a co-funded share — many SMEs find the time saved is worth more than the cash recovered, especially when launch speed affects revenue.
What's the difference between using PSG vs going direct?
Using PSG: you pay a co-funded share of the cost (subject to the current support rate and annual cap on the Business Grants Portal), but you must use a pre-approved package from a vendor on the IMDA solution directory, and you wait 6–12 weeks through application and review. Going direct: full cost, free agency choice, scope is whatever you need (custom design, AI, source-code ownership), and you start immediately. For fast-moving SMEs, going direct usually wins on total time to revenue.
What does Aphyx charge without PSG?
Aphyx works on a subscription model rather than one-off project pricing — current plans and rates are on the Plans page. The model is built so the recurring annual cost often lands close to (or below) the post-grant net of a typical PSG website package, with the upside that you start in days instead of months, the site is custom-built, and ongoing engineering is included. For a quote on your specific scope, message us on WhatsApp at +65 8613 7901 or start a brief on /grow.
Can I claim PSG retroactively?
No. You must apply for PSG and receive approval from Enterprise Singapore before engaging the vendor or signing any contract. Retroactive claims — applications filed after work begins — are rejected. This is the most common reason SMEs miss the grant: they sign with a vendor first, then learn the rule. The official process is documented on the Business Grants Portal. If you've already committed to a vendor and the work is underway, going direct (no grant) is the practical path forward.