Grant-Funded Custom ERP in Singapore: EDG + Vietnam Build (2026)

A grant-funded custom ERP combines Singapore's Enterprise Development Grant, which covers up to 50% of qualifying project costs, with a Vietnam-based build priced from $30,000 for an ERP Starter (3–5 modules, 3–5 months). At 50% approved support, the SME's net cost falls to about $15,000, provided the application is approved before work begins.

How does EDG work with an ERP built in Vietnam?

EDG funds a percentage of qualifying project costs regardless of whether the vendor sits in Singapore or Vietnam, and there is no pre-approved vendor list. Enterprise Singapore assesses the project scope, the itemized quotation, and the vendor's capability, not the vendor's address.

The mechanism in practice:

• Define the ERP scope: required modules, workflows, and clear completion criteria.
• Submit the EDG application, directly or through a grant consultant, with the vendor's itemized quotation as supporting documentation.
• Wait for approval before starting: EDG generally requires that the project has not commenced before the application is approved. Signing the build contract or kicking off early can void eligibility.
• Build against milestones: invoicing and grant disbursement typically follow completed, verified milestones rather than upfront payment.

For the underlying scheme rules, see what EDG and PSG grants cover and who can apply; for the eligibility question on bespoke builds, see whether custom software can be funded by a government grant.

Why does pairing EDG with a Vietnam build cut the cost twice?

Because the subsidy lands on an already-low base. Local Singapore agencies commonly charge S$90–150/hour (≈ $70–115/hour); FutureTech's Vietnam-based team runs $10–18/hour on long-term work, 4 to 6 times less for comparable quality. The same ERP scope that a local agency might quote at well over $100,000 is priced from $30,000 on the Vietnam cost base, and EDG then applies to whichever quotation you file.

You do not have to choose between grant support and cost efficiency. The two savings stack, and scope, source-code ownership, and database ownership stay identical. For a data-driven look at the delivery destination, see whether Vietnam is good for software outsourcing.

The low rate does not mean a hands-off vendor. FutureTech is a Vietnam-based company that specialises in delivering for the Singapore market: our project managers run your ERP build on Singapore hours (GMT+8) and in fluent English, so you are not chasing an offshore team across a time gap. Because a custom ERP centralises your financial, inventory, and customer data, security is not optional, and FutureTech is ISO 27001 certified for information security management, in line with PDPA expectations. Each build runs to a fixed scope with committed delivery milestones and written deadlines, and you receive the full source code and IP on handover. We also issue the itemised, grant-ready quotation your EDG application requires and support the documentation through disbursement.

What does the arithmetic look like in 2026?

Take FutureTech's ERP Starter (inventory, purchasing–sales, and basic accounting across 3–5 modules) at its published price, with EDG assumed at 50% on qualifying costs:

Item	Amount (USD)
ERP Starter build, Vietnam team (3–5 modules, 3–5 months)	$30,000
EDG support (assuming 50% approved on qualifying costs)	−$15,000
Net cost to the SME	~$15,000
Annual maintenance (15–20% of contract value, company-funded, not grant-eligible)	$4,500–6,000/year

The same logic scales up: an ERP Standard build (6–10 modules, 5–9 months) at $50,000–120,000 nets out around $25,000–60,000 at 50% support; an ERP Enterprise build runs $120,000–250,000+ over 9–15 months or more. These figures are planning scenarios; the actual approved percentage is determined solely by Enterprise Singapore's assessment of your application.

What is the correct sequence, from survey to go-live?

Start with a business requirements survey, not the grant form. The quotation produced by the survey is the backbone of the application. The sequence that protects your eligibility:

• Requirements survey with FutureTech (free; defines scope, modules, and priorities), 1–3 weeks.
• Firm itemized quotation issued against that scope.
• EDG application submitted, by you or your grant consultant, before any contract signing or development work. Review typically takes several weeks to a few months.
• Approval received, then kickoff on the agreed milestone schedule.
• Build and go-live: 3–5 months for an ERP Starter; 5–9 months for Standard scope.

Budget internally on the pre-grant cost as your worst case, and align vendor payment milestones with grant claim milestones to avoid cash-flow gaps.

What are the risks with EDG approval?

Approval is not guaranteed, and the funded percentage can come in below 50%. The common reasons applications are reduced or delayed: the scope reads as configured off-the-shelf software rather than genuine custom development; documentation (vendor capability, cost breakdown, milestones) is incomplete or inconsistent; the applicant misses SME eligibility criteria such as local shareholding; or scheme criteria have changed since the last cycle.

Treat every percentage as a planning assumption until you hold written approval, and verify current terms with Enterprise Singapore or a registered grant consultant. For the full funding playbook covering eligibility, application, and disbursement, see our guide to funding custom software with EDG and PSG grants.

FAQ

Does the ERP vendor need to be based in Singapore to qualify for EDG?

No. EDG assesses the project scope, cost documentation, and vendor capability. There is no requirement that the vendor be Singapore-registered or on a pre-approved list, so a Vietnam-based team qualifies on the project's merits.

Can I apply for EDG after the ERP project has started?

No, and this is the rule that catches the most applicants. Enterprise Singapore generally requires that the project has not commenced before approval, so submit first, then sign and kick off only after the decision.

Is the 50% EDG rate guaranteed?

No. Up to 50% is the ceiling, and the approved percentage depends on Enterprise Singapore's assessment of your specific application. Plan your budget so the project still works at a lower rate or with no grant at all.

Does the grant cover maintenance after the ERP goes live?

Typically no. EDG funds qualifying development costs, while annual maintenance (15–20% of contract value, about $4,500–6,000/year on a $30,000 build) is company-funded.

What if my application is rejected after I have chosen a vendor?

Nothing is lost if you sequenced correctly: the quotation remains valid, and you can revise and resubmit or proceed at full price. This is exactly why the contract should only be signed after the grant decision.

Start with FutureTech's free requirements survey (ftech.ltd), and you get a firm, itemized ERP quotation ready to attach to your EDG application.

Reference pricing — an exact quote follows a free scoping session.