Why Is Singapore's Enterprise Agency Favored by Global Entrepreneurs?

Why Enterprise Singapore Has Become the Top Choice for Global Entrepreneurs

In the context of a global surge in entrepreneurship, an increasing number of startups and entrepreneurs are seeking a platform that not only offers policy support but also ensures a stable business environment. Singapore, a city-state located at the heart of Southeast Asia, has attracted a growing number of international entrepreneurs in recent years due to its unique advantages. Among its key institutions, Enterprise Singapore ESG, the core agency supporting entrepreneurship and small-to-medium enterprises SMEs, has become a trusted partner for entrepreneurs worldwide. But why has ESG become the preferred choice for global entrepreneurs? This is not only due to systematic policy support but also the result of continuous optimization of the business ecosystem and Singapore’s long-standing reputation for fostering a strong international business environment.

First and foremost, Singapore’s high priority on the entrepreneurial ecosystem is one of the key reasons behind ESG’s success. As a key driver of national economic development, ESG operates under the Ministry of Trade and Industry and is committed to helping startups grow rapidly through a range of measures, including financial support, market expansion, and talent attraction. For example, in early 2025, ESG expanded its Startup SG Tech grant program, offering tech startups up to S$1.5 million in funding. This initiative not only lowers the barriers to entry but also significantly enhances Singapore’s appeal in the global tech startup arena.

Second, Singapore's internationally recognized business environment and efficient services offer entrepreneurs great convenience. According to the World Bank’s 2025 Doing Business report, Singapore continues to rank among the top globally, particularly excelling in areas such as starting a business, enforcing contracts, and cross-border trade. As a bridge between government and businesses, ESG not only offers one-stop entrepreneurial support services but also helps startups expand overseas through initiatives like the Market Readiness Assistance MRA Grant. For instance, many Southeast Asian tech companies choose to work with ESG before entering emerging markets such as Indonesia and Vietnam, gaining localized market insights and policy advice to reduce risks associated with international expansion.

Singapore’s financial ecosystem also provides strong capital support for startups. In recent years, the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS has closely collaborated with ESG to promote the development of a financial technology innovation corridor, attracting global venture capital funds and incubators. In mid-2025, venture capital investment in Singapore increased by more than 20% year-on-year, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, green technology, and biomedicine. Prominent venture capital firms such as Sequoia Capital and 500 Startups have established regional headquarters in Singapore, offering a continuous flow of capital to both local and international startups.

Moreover, Singapore’s multicultural environment and high-quality talent pool are significant reasons why entrepreneurs choose ESG. As a multilingual and multicultural country, Singapore provides an inclusive working environment for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. At the same time, its education system produces a large number of technically skilled and globally minded professionals. ESG also facilitates talent matching through programs like the Mentorship-Driven Accelerator, helping startups quickly connect with the right human resources.

In addition, Singapore’s strengths in intellectual property protection, tax policies, and infrastructure further reinforce its position as a global startup hub. For example, Singapore maintains a corporate tax rate below 17% and offers tax exemptions on the first three years of profits for startups, significantly easing financial pressure during the early stages of business development. The country also encourages companies to convert intangible assets into financing tools through the Intellectual Property Financing Initiative, thereby enhancing their funding capabilities and market competitiveness.

From a practical perspective, numerous international startups have successfully established themselves in Singapore with ESG’s support and achieved rapid growth. For instance, Vizualize, a U.S.-based AI healthcare startup, chose Singapore as its entry point into the Asian market through ESG’s incubation program and quickly expanded into Southeast Asia using local resources. Similarly, GreenTech Asia, a Chinese environmental technology company, received funding and successfully connected with local manufacturing clients under ESG’s guidance, achieving successful localization.

Overall, Enterprise Singapore has become the go-to institution for global entrepreneurs due to its comprehensive and well-structured startup support system. From policy incentives and financial guidance to market expansion and talent acquisition, ESG has built a highly integrated and efficient entrepreneurial ecosystem for startups. In an era of growing global economic uncertainty, Singapore stands out with its stable environment, open market policies, and forward-looking industrial strategies, making it a hotspot for innovation in the eyes of international entrepreneurs.

As global startup competition intensifies, Singapore has not remained complacent. In the second half of 2025, ESG announced plans to increase investment in emerging sectors such as green technology and the digital economy, aiming to support at least 500 high-potential startups in their internationalization efforts over the next three years. These initiatives will undoubtedly further solidify Singapore’s position on the global startup map.