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Experience Step-Up Fund

Support the development and enhancement of Singapore’s tourism experiences. Understand eligibility criteria, steps for application, and other things to note about ESF.

Last updated 1 February 2025

About ESF

Aimed at increasing the attractiveness of Singapore to visitors, the Experience Step-Up Fund (ESF) supports the development and enhancement of Singapore’s tourism experiences.

Am I eligible?

✓ Open to all legal entities, e.g.:

  • Businesses

  • Associations

  • Government bodies

✓ Projects should fall under one of the categories:

  • Development of new products and experiences (including virtual experiences)

  • Content enhancements

  • Adoption of technology to enhance visitor experiences

  • Amenities enhancements

  • Infrastructure enhancements

✗ Projects that have commenced prior to Singapore Tourism Board (STB)’s offer may not be eligible for grant support. Examples where projects are deemed as having commenced include:

  • Applicant has started work on the project, e.g., tender has been called

  • Applicant has made payment(s) to any supplier, vendor, or third party

  • Applicant has signed a contractual agreement with any supplier, vendor, or third party

Note:

  • Eligibility of the project is subject to STB’s assessment.

  • Foreign entities are encouraged to partner with local entities in the form of a Joint Venture or a consortium.


How will my project be evaluated?

The project scope will be assessed based on its merits to achieve the following:

  • Improvement in visitor satisfaction

  • Increased footfall

  • Increased revenue

  • Significant branding and public relations value

What costs can be supported?

Grantee will receive funding support for qualifying third-party project-related costs:

  • Professional services (including audit and survey)

  • Hardware/equipment and software

  • Materials and consumables

  • Production

  • Marketing

Qualifying costs need to be:

  • Incurred by (i.e., receipt of goods and services);

  • Invoiced to; and

  • Paid for

by the grantee within the qualifying period to quality for disbursement.

Note:

  • For production costs of new products and/or new packaging for souvenirs, funding support is only applicable to the first run of production.

  • For marketing costs of qualifying media (print, digital, and video) for overseas promotion/distribution, funding support is only applicable for a maximum of 6 months.

How do I apply?

Find out if your project is eligible for this fund and tell us more about your project by following these steps.

Step 1. Check your eligibility

Step 2. Tell us more

Step 3. We’ll be in touch

Utilise the grant eligibility checker tool to identify the right fund for your project or check if your project has met the eligibility conditions.

Use the grant eligibility checker tool

Prepare an executive summary (e.g., project objectives, description, schedule, and costing) and submit it to STB_Incentives@stb.gov.sg.

Download the template for the executive summary here

An STB officer will be in touch to advise if your proposed project is eligible to proceed with the application process. Grantee is required to prepare the information required in the project proposal and submit an application via Business Grants Portal#.

#A CorpPass account is required to apply for the grant on BGP. It should take approximately 30 minutes to complete the application with complete information on hand.

What is the estimated processing time for a grant application?

Up to 90 days upon receipt of the completed and signed application form and supporting documents, if any.

How will the grant be disbursed?

Grants will be disbursed to grantees on a reimbursement basis, subject to verification of qualifying costs and achievement of the agreed project deliverables and milestones.

Grantee is required to submit an Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) Report by Practitioner on qualifying costs and supporting documents to prove achievement of deliverables for the disbursement of grants, unless otherwise stated.

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