LEAD Trade Fairs and Business Missions

About this programme

Overseas missions and trade fairs are useful platforms for Singapore companies to reach out to global customers, obtain feedback on products and services, and explore opportunities in overseas markets.

Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) organise overseas missions and help facilitate participation for local enterprises in international trade fairs. TACs can tap on the Local Enterprise and Association Development (LEAD) programme to help enterprises defray part of the costs incurred for these overseas missions and trade fairs.

  • Receive funding for up to 70% of eligible expenses
    Companies participating in LEAD supported trade fairs and business missions can stand to receive funding support. Eligible expenses include exhibition rental space, booth construction, publicity and fair or mission consultancy costs.

Eligibility

For TACs:

  • Only open to TACs in Singapore
  • Registered with the Registry of Societies (ROS) or Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
    TACs are defined as non-profit organisations.
  • Have a secretariat with adequate staff, financial resources, and experience to recruit and organise the proposed activities.
    The organising TAC is responsible for all expenses related to the activity, and will seek reimbursement for eligible expenses from EnterpriseSG on behalf of participating enterprises.

For enterprises:

  • Incorporated or registered in Singapore
    Entities registered as sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, exempt private company, private company and public company.
  • Have at least three of the following core business functions or activities operating within Singapore
    • Market development and planning
    • Logistics and shipping management
    • Research, development, and design functions
    • Manufacturing and other value-added activity
    • Business and investment planning
    • Banking, financial and treasury functions

How to apply

TACs will be applying to participate in this programme on behalf of enterprises. Please note that enterprises do not apply for LEAD funding for trade fairs and business missions directly from EnterpriseSG.

LEAD support for trade fairs and business missions operates on a reimbursement basis. Funding will be disbursed through TACs to eligible enterprises, and enterprises should contact the TAC directly if there are any queries. EnterpriseSG will not be held responsible to participating companies and vendors in the event of any default on payment by the TACs.

If you are interested to be supported under this programme:

  • Check out EnterpriseSG's Events Calendar and contact the respective TAC organisers to express your intent to participate
  • TACs will seek reimbursement for eligible expenses from EnterpriseSG on your behalf


Eligible enterprises may also apply for the Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation Scheme (DTDi) to cover expenses incurred during your trade mission and/or fair participation. However, you can only apply for expenses that are not covered by the LEAD programme (for example, travel and accommodation for up to two representatives per company).

Ready to apply?
If you are eligible for the LEAD Trade Fairs & Business Missions Programme, please contact us for more information on how to apply.

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