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Local Enterprise and Association Development Programme (LEAD)

Take your association initiative to the next level. Find out the criteria, steps to apply, and other important details about LEAD.

Last updated 5 February 2025

About LEAD

The Local Enterprise and Association Development (LEAD) Programme supports Trade Associations and Chambers’ (TACs) efforts to drive industry initiatives in productivity, sustainability, technology and infrastructure, business collaborations, and intelligence and research.

Am I eligible?

✓ The programme is open to Singapore-registered Precinct Associations (such as Orchard Road, Chinatown, and Little India) and Tourism Industry Associations (from attractions, hotels, travel agents, tourist guides, MICE, and cruise industries) only.

✓ Projects should involve areas such as:

  • Training

  • Technology and infrastructure development

  • Business capabilities development

  • Market and channel development

  • Brand development

✗ Projects that commenced before Singapore Tourism Board (STB)’s offer may not be eligible for grant support. These may include projects where:

  • Applicant has started work (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: The eligibility of the project is subject to STB’s assessment.

How will my project be evaluated?

The project scope will be assessed based on merits to achieve one or more of the following:

  • Increase manpower efficiency and productivity

  • Drive business capability development

  • Enhance market, channel, or brand development

  • Adopt sustainability initiatives

What costs can be supported?

The grantee will receive funding support for qualifying third-party project-related costs for the following:

  • Professional services

  • Equipment and materials

  • Business development

  • Training

  • Manpower-related costs

Qualifying costs need to be:

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

  • Invoiced to; and

  • Paid for

by grantee within the qualifying period to qualify for disbursement.

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

Use the grant eligibility checker tool to identify the right fund for your project and check your project’s eligibility.

Use the grant eligibility checker tool

Prepare an executive summary (e.g. project objectives, description, schedule, and costing) of your project 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 on the eligibility of your project to proceed with the application process. Submit a formal application form thereafter.

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.

Note: Timelines may vary depending on the complexity of the project.

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 (AUP) Report by Practitioner on qualifying costs and supporting documents to prove achievement of deliverables for the disbursement of grant, unless otherwise stated.

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