Singapore to expand SME centres support by 2027

Singapore’s SME Centres are undergoing a major overhaul designed to provide deeper, more targeted support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially those facing international expansion, funding hurdles and digital transformation.

Announced at the SME Centre Conference 2025, the enhancements that are scheduled for full implementation by 2027 will expand the Centres’ advisory services, introduce new diagnostic tools and simplify access to specialized support in regulatory, trade and financial areas.

The 10 SME Centres assist approximately 25,000 businesses across Singapore each year. Managed by five trade associations and chambers in partnership with Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), the Centres have traditionally offered general business advice. Under the new plan, over 70 advisers are trained to deliver personalized, detailed reviews using diagnostic toolkits that identify capability gaps and suggest practical strategies. Initial focus areas include internationalization and digitalization, with sustainability and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to follow.

Businesses will be referred to expert agencies for more complex issues. These include the SME Pro-Enterprise Office, which assists firms in navigating regulations in emerging sectors, and the Centre for the Future of Trade and Investment, which supports businesses dealing with trade or tariff-related challenges.

A significant addition is the upcoming Centre for Enterprise Financing Advisory (Cefa), jointly established by EnterpriseSG and the Singapore Business Federation with support from the Association of Banks in Singapore. Cefa will provide tailored financing guidance, connect firms with investors and offer training to enhance SMEs’ financial planning and resilience.

The support has already shown value for companies like Asap & Co, a halal steakhouse that used SME Centre advice to improve its overseas expansion plans. Business adviser Nur Nadhirah Nor Azhar guided the team through financial assessments and regulatory research utilizing the Centre’s internationalization toolkit.

Manufacturing firm Speqs also benefited after advisers helped the company shift from low-margin component manufacturing to developing its own biomedical product, boosting long-term sustainability amid intense price competition.

To improve accessibility, a unified appointment booking system has been launched across all Centres. Physical upgrades are also in progress, with the SME Centre at the Singapore Manufacturing Federation now featuring a consultation room and a dedicated showcase for automation tools.

“It will be easier for SMEs to connect with the right resources that enable their growth and transformation,” said Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling.