FAQ
Find answers to common questions about vendor onboarding and post-approval processes in our FAQ sections below.
Q1
What are the supportable solution categories under the programme?
Answer:
You may refer to the Vendor Self-Assessment Checklist Section under the Programme Page for the latest supportable solution categories.
Q2
My solution is a proven solution used by many MNCs, Governments Agencies, and/or enterprises from other countries for many years, but I do not have any local SME customers.
Can I submit my solution for pre-approval?
Can I submit Satisfied Customer Survey from my MNC, Government Agencies, or enterprise clients from other countries?
Answer:
We understand your solution has a strong track record internationally. However, to ensure the solution works well in the local context, we require references from Singapore SME customers specifically.
To qualify, you'll need:
At least 5 Singapore SME customers
These local SMEs must have used your solution for minimum 6 months
We encourage you to build up your local customer base and apply once you meet these requirements
Q3
How long must the satisfied SMEs be using my solution before they are qualified to fill up the Customer Satisfaction Survey?
Answer:
The 5 customers must have used your solution for at least 6 months and are still using the solutions as at the date of your submission.
Q4
My Solution is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) that anyone in the world can sign up and use, including SMEs in Singapore. I have more than 5 satisfied Singapore SME customers. My company can provide 24x7x365 customer support (phone support and email) from outside Singapore. Can I submit my solution for pre-approval?
Answer:
We are unable to pre-approve solution vendors that have no presence in Singapore. You must either setup a local office, or partner a local reseller to offer your solution.
Your local office or partner may submit the solution for pre-approval if it meets all the mandatory requirements stated in the vendor self-assessment checklist.
Q5
My solution meets the requirements of multiple solution categories in the vendor self-assessment checklist, which checklist should I submit?
My solution meets the requirements of multiple solution categories in the vendor self-assessment checklist, may I submit more than one solution for pre-approval?
Answer:
If your solution meets the mandatory requirements of multiple solution categories, you may choose to submit multiple vendor self-assessment checklists for your solution to be pre-approved under the respective solution categories.
Each submitted checklist must come with its own set of supporting document as specified in the checklist, such as 5 satisfied customer surveys and past customer invoices.
Q6
My solution is widely utilised by SMEs in many industries but it is not listed in any of the solution categories in the checklists. Is my solution eligible to be pre-approved under SMEs Go Digital programme?
Answer:
Pre-approval under the programme is only available for solutions that align with our currently supportable solution categories with published assessment checklists. We are unable to consider applications for solutions that fall outside these established categories.
Q7
Is hardware bundled within packages applicable for grant?
Answer:
Generally, hardware costs are not eligible for grant support. However, there are specific exceptions where specialised hardware is essential for the solution to function properly.
These exceptions only apply when the hardware is an integral component of the solution and necessary for its core functionality. Regular computer hardware, general-purpose devices, or optional accessories are not eligible for grant support.
Q8
I am a reseller of a proven solution (e.g. SAP Business One, Xero, Quickbooks, etc.) and it is already pre-approved under PSG, can I still participate in the programme?
Answer:
Yes, you can participate in the SMEs Go Digital Programme as a reseller, even if the solution you offer is already pre-approved under the programme by another vendor. Here's what you need to know:
Our evaluation considers two key aspects:
The solution's proven track record
Your company's capability to provide quality service support
Requirements for participation:
You must be an authorised reseller of the solution
You need to demonstrate your ability to provide comprehensive support services
All standard onboarding requirements must be fulfilled
Important points to note:
Multiple vendors can be approved for the same solution
Each vendor is evaluated independently based on their own merits
Your service support capabilities are as important as the solution itself
We encourage you to submit your application with documentation showing your partnership status and service support capabilities.
Q9
My Company does not require audited financial statement, would Management Accounts be sufficient for submission?
Answer:
Yes. Please provide the endorsed management accounts with company stamp and ACRA director’s signature.
Q10
My Company is incorporated for less than 1 year, can I submit financial statement of the parent company instead?
Answer:
We understand you are part of a larger organisation. However, to ensure each pre-approved vendor can independently support SMEs, we need to assess your company's own track record and financial standing.
Your company will need to:
Be incorporated for at least 18 months
Submit your own financial statements
We encourage you to apply once your company meets these requirements. This helps ensure you're well-positioned to serve our local SMEs.
Q11
How does IMDA assess if my company is financially stable?
Answer:
IMDA evaluates financial stability using two key financial metrics. To be eligible for pre-approval under the programme, your company must meet both of the following criteria:
Net Positive Equity
Formula: Total Assets - Total Liabilities > 0
This must be demonstrated in your latest financial statement
Indicates your company has more assets than liabilities
Current Ratio
Formula: Current Assets ÷ Current Liabilities ≥ 1
Measures your company's ability to pay short-term obligations
A ratio of 1 or higher shows you have sufficient liquid assets to cover immediate liabilities
These requirements help ensure that participating companies have the financial capacity to deliver and support their solutions effectively. Please ensure your submitted financial statements clearly show these metrics.
Q12
Is there a minimum requirement for local shareholding in my company to be eligible?
There is no requirement regarding the percentage of local shareholding. As long as your company meets the basic eligibility criteria of being:
1. Registered in Singapore
2. In operation for at least 18 months
3. In good financial health
4. Having a satisfactory track record with government agencies
5. Proof of at least 5 SME customers satisfied with your service
6. Able to provide at least 8 hours x 5 weekdays of post-sales support via on-site/teleconference and be reachable 24/7
Q13
How do I contact IMDA if my solution does not fit into any existing solution category?
If you have an innovative solution that does not match any existing categories, please provide the information via this form.
Q14
Is there anywhere that I can check if my customers have completed the customer satisfaction surveys?
You may contact your customers directly to check if they have completed the satisfaction surveys
Starting from 1 October 2025, the SMEs Go Digital Pre-Approval System will be unavailable for:
New applications to become a pre-approval vendor
Change requests to make changes to existing contract
Please ensure that you submit any applications or change requests before 1 October 2025. Applications and change requests submitted before this date will continue to be processed.
From 1 October onwards, you may register your interest via the link Registration (please select “Tell us more about your company and solution”). We will notify you nearer to the date when the system resumes, for you to submit your applications and change requests.
For All Vendors
1.1
What are the changes to the SMEs Go Digital Pre-Approval System (SGDPAS)?
The SGDPAS is undergoing a system upgrade, starting from 1 October 2025. During this period, some functionalities in SGDPAS will be disabled. These are:
1. Submission of Applications;
2. Submission of Change Requests/Annual Review
All other functionalities in SGDPAS continue to be operational.
1.2
When are the changes taking place?
SGDPAS will not allow submissions of Applications and Change Requests/Annual Review starting 1 October 2025. We will inform all vendors when we resume accepting submissions by November.
For Existing Vendors
2.1
What should we do for our Applications and Change Requests/Annual Reviews that were submitted before 1 October 2025?
Applications and Change Requests/Annual Reviews submitted before 1 October 2025 will continue to be processed within the expected timeframes.
2.2
What happens to our drafts that were created before 1 October 2025?
These drafts will continue to be available for your reference. Submission of these drafts for approval, however, would not be possible from 1 October onwards. We recommend you complete your submission before 1 October to prevent any removal of submission drafts in future.
2.3
What happens to the listing of our solutions/solution packages which were approved earlier?
Applications and Change Requests/Annual Reviews that were approved before 1 October will continue to be published on CTOaaS, BGP, and Go Business as usual.
2.4
What happens if we have a submission due arising from the Annual Review exercise?
If you have been informed that your Annual Review submission is due by 1 October, you will have to submit your Annual Review response before 1 October. Otherwise, your appointment contract could be terminated.
For New Applicants
3.1
What should we do from 1 October onwards, if we would like to submit our applications?
Please watch out for our communications via email and WhatsApp community group to announce the resumption of applications on our system.
3.2
Is there any help given to vendors trying to complete their submissions before 1October[AC3] [J(4] [CL5] ?
Please reach out to us at [email protected] for assistance to ensure that your applications are complete, for submissions before 1 October.
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