EDG Timelines Explained: Approval, Project Execution, and Claims (What SMEs Should Expect)

At a glance

• EDG follows a structured cycle: application → approval → project execution → claims → reimbursement.
• Timelines vary depending on project complexity, scope clarity, and responsiveness during clarifications.
• Most delays arise from documentation and scope issues, not queue length.
• Planning based on realistic timelines reduces cashflow stress later.

Table of contents

1. Key timeline definitions
2. EDG application & approval timeline
3. Project execution timeline
4. EDG claims & reimbursement timeline
5. Where delays usually occur (and why)
6. Practical planning examples
7. References
8. Call us now

Key timeline definitions

Application submission date

The date your EDG application is formally submitted via the Business Grants Portal (BGP).

Approval date

The date the application is approved and the Letter of Offer (LOF) is issued in BGP.

Project start date

The approved start date stated in the LOF. Costs incurred before this date are generally not claimable.

Project completion date

The approved end date by which all deliverables must be completed.

Claim submission date

The date a reimbursement claim is submitted after completing approved milestones.

EDG application & approval timeline

There is no guaranteed approval duration. However, most EDG applications move through the same stages.

Typical stages

• Preparation: defining scope, drafting proposal, collecting quotations
• Submission: application submitted via BGP
• Evaluation: internal assessment by the agency
• Clarifications: follow-up questions (common)
• Approval: LOF issued and accepted in BGP

What influences approval speed

• clarity and specificity of scope
• measurable deliverables and outcomes
• clean alignment between scope, costs, and quotations
• speed and quality of responses during clarifications

Applications with vague scope often spend longer in clarification loops than in evaluation.

Project execution timeline

Approved project duration

The LOF specifies the approved project duration. This timeline is not automatically flexible.

What must happen within the project window

• all scoped work must be executed
• all deliverables must be completed
• invoices must be dated within the approved project period

Costs incurred outside the approved period are generally not claimable unless formally amended.

Practical guidance

• avoid compressing timelines just to “look fast”
• build buffer for reviews, testing, and rework
• structure milestones so each produces tangible outputs

EDG claims & reimbursement timeline

When claims can be submitted

Claims can be submitted:

• after the LOF is accepted
• after milestone deliverables are completed
• after invoices are issued and paid

What happens after claim submission

• document checks (scope, invoices, payment proof)
• clarification requests (if required)
• claim approval
• reimbursement

Key point

EDG operates on a reimbursement basis. SMEs should plan to fund project costs upfront.

Where delays usually occur (and why)

1. Approval clarifications
   • vague scope or generic outcomes
2. Execution overruns
   • underestimated effort or unclear ownership
3. Claim documentation gaps
   • missing payment proof or incomplete deliverables
4. Inconsistencies across documents
   • proposal, quotation, invoice, and claim do not align

Most delays are avoidable with upfront planning.

Practical planning examples

Example A — Well-planned project

• realistic preparation timeline
• clear scope and milestones
• execution completed within approved period
• clean claim documentation
  Result: smooth approval and reimbursement

Example B — Poorly planned project

• rushed submission with unclear scope
• prolonged clarifications
• execution exceeds approved end date
• delayed claims due to inconsistencies
  Result: stress, rework, and delayed payout

References

Related Resources (Grant-Consulting.org)

• https://www.grant-consulting.org/resources/the-definitive-edg-2026-guide-for-smes
• https://www.grant-consulting.org/resources/how-to-apply-edg-singapore
• https://www.grant-consulting.org/resources/edg-claims-reimbursement-process

Official references

• https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-support/enterprise-development-grant
• https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/resources/all-faqs/enterprise-development-grant
• https://www.businessgrants.gov.sg/

Call us now

Book a 20-minute consult (no obligation):
https://www.grant-consulting.org/contact

We can help you:

• set realistic approval and execution timelines
• structure milestones that are claim-ready
• avoid preventable delays across approval and claims

‍