Enterprise Financing Scheme – Foreign-based Financial Institutions / Multilateral Development Banks

What does it support?

The route extends financing options for qualifying overseas working capital, fixed assets, trade, projects and acquisitions through participating foreign institutions.

Who can apply?

The Singapore business must meet the applicable EFS enterprise and local-ownership criteria for its chosen facility. Financing must be provided by an eligible participating foreign-based financial institution or multilateral development bank.

How does the support work?

Government lender risk-sharing is 50%, subject to the selected EFS product’s terms. The relevant product limits and overall borrower-group exposure rules apply; this route does not create a separate universal loan amount.

What expenditure can qualify?

Funding can be used for approved overseas activities under the chosen product. It is repayable finance rather than expenditure reimbursement.

Key conditions

All product-specific conditions continue to apply. Participating-lender approval must be obtained by 31 March 2028, and the borrower remains liable for 100% repayment.

Timing and application process

Apply through an eligible participating foreign institution or multilateral development bank and obtain its approval by the stated date.

Important programme distinctions

The March 2028 date is a lender-approval deadline under the extension. The appropriate underlying EFS product still determines the financing use and limits.

Related funding routes

• EFS SME Working Capital Loan
• EFS SME Fixed Assets Loan
• Enterprise Financing Scheme – Green (EFS-Green)