Industry associations can now get a grant to take the lead in envisioning and shaping their industry.

Higher funding support for industry associations to develop the industry during the economic downturn is extended till 31 January 2011. Find out more about the changes.

For who?

Singapore industry associations must:

• represent a key industry (i.e. an industry that contributes significantly to the economy and has good growth potential)
  
  
• have a sizeable membership representing the industry
  
  
• have a strong track record in helping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

For what?

• Under LEAD, industry associations can get a grant to defray the costs of developing an industry roadmap with development projects that can be implemented for the entire industry.
  
  
• Development projects may be in the areas of technology, infrastructure, manpower and expertise, business collaborations and R&D, and consultancy.
  
  
• The proposal:
  
  
  • must be new and able to be completed within 3 years
    
    
  • should be well thought-out and contribute significantly to the industry (e.g. by revenue, job creation or development of new business opportunities)
    
    
  • open for participation by SMEs including non-association members

How much?

LEAD funds up to 70% of eligible costs. Eligible costs include:

• Manpower-related costs
  E.g. training costs, project members’ salaries, economy airfare and cost of living allowances.
  
  
• Equipment and materials
  E.g. industrial equipment, materials and consumables, hardware and software.
  
  
• Professional services
  E.g. consultancy and sub-contracting.
  
  
• Business development costs
  E.g. marketing costs, participation or organisation of industry conferences.
  
  
• Intellectual property costs
  E.g. licensing, royalties and technology patent costs.

Things to note

• Assessment of project and eligible expenses is on a case-by-case basis.

Changes from 1 February 2010 - 31 January 2011

• LEAD is part of BUILD (Business Upgrading Initiatives for Long-Term Development) which helps businesses to strengthen their capabilities during the downturn for future growth.
  
  
• BUILD provides higher funding support to SMEs for all existing SPRING Singapore's capability development programmes. This applies to applications received between 1 February 2009 and 31 January 2011.

	Existing	Revised
Funding support	Up to 80% of eligible costs for association's projects	Up to 70% of eligible costs for association's new projects

For more info

Local Enterprise and Association Development Programme (LEAD)
SPRING Singapore