Review of SG Heritage Business Scheme Eligibility Criteria and Total Amount of Funds Disbursed
Ministry of Culture, Community and YouthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Valerie Lee’s inquiry regarding potential reviews of the SG Heritage Business Scheme's eligibility criteria and the total funding disbursed since its launch. Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo clarified that no direct funding is provided under this scheme, which instead offers branding guidance and will introduce tailored consultancy in March 2026. He noted that the National Heritage Board is currently reviewing parameters to include heritage businesses beyond the Central Area, with 42 businesses designated thus far. To support sustainability, businesses are encouraged to utilize the Organisation Transformation Grant, which has assisted 56 recipients, or Enterprise Singapore’s productivity and development grants. Finally, the Minister advised businesses to engage with SME centres for additional advisory support to enhance their long-term viability and cultural impact.
Transcript
28 Ms Valerie Lee asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether there are plans to review or loosen the eligibility criteria for the SG Heritage Business Scheme; and (b) what is the total amount of funding disbursed by the Government to support businesses under this scheme since its launch.
Mr David Neo: The SG Heritage Business Scheme, administered by the National Heritage Board (NHB), recognises and supports exemplary heritage businesses that are the backbone of Singapore's cultural landscape and community anchors. These are businesses that (a) demonstrate strong community ties or impact; (b) have remained in the same site or area for at least 30 years; and (c) offer traditional trades, goods and/or services and are committed to maintaining their heritage. The scheme's initial phase was launched in the Central Area in March 2025, in view of the concentration of heritage businesses there. A total of 42 businesses has been designated to date.
NHB is reviewing the parameters of the Scheme's initial phase, with a view to recognising more heritage businesses beyond the Central Area.
No direct funding is disbursed under this Scheme. Instead, the scheme offers valuable support in other areas, such as branding and marketing guidance. From March 2026, NHB will also be providing tailored business consultancy under this scheme to cater to businesses' specific needs. Heritage businesses may also tap on NHB's Organisation Transformation Grant (OTG) to support transformative and innovative projects that contribute to their sustainability and long-term viability. The OTG has been awarded to 56 businesses, as of Q4 Calendar Year 2025.
Heritage businesses may also tap on grants, such as Enterprise Singapore's Productivity Solutions Grant and Enterprise Development Grant, to improve their productivity, transform and enhance their long-term viability. Businesses may also wish to approach small and medium-sized enterprises centres for advisory support.