The Local Enterprise and Association Development (LEAD) Programme jointly managed by SPRING and International Enterprise (IE) Singapore aims to enhance industry and enterprise competitiveness. Through partnerships with industry associations that are willing to take the lead in industry development and drive initiatives to improve the overall capabilities of SMEs in their industries, LEAD provides focused and customised support at the industry level.
LEAD is now extended to business associations and chambers of commerce.
With effect from 1 February 2009, the funding support for LEAD will be increased to 80% for new projects as part of the enhanced support under the BUILD package. For the secretariat of LEAD Associations, there will be training grants of up to 90% to enhance their abilities to execute their respective LEAD Programmes.
LEAD is for Singapore industry associations that
- represent a key industry (i.e. an industry that contributes significantly to the economy and has good growth potential)
- have a sizeable membership representing the industry
- have a strong track record in helping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Interested business associations and chambers of commerce may also apply.
Development projects can cover, but are not limited to the following areas :
Technology & Infrastructure
This will encourage enterprises to improve their capabilities and productivity by leveraging on enterprise applications and relevant technology infrastructure to innovate and enhance their business operations. It includes the adoption of info-communication technology, development of technical standards and establishment of industry-wide infrastructure.
Expertise & Managerial Competence
This will develop overall industry expertise through training, learning circles and industry-wide certification. It will also cover development of the internal competencies of enterprises by upgrading manpower capabilities and developing managerial competence.
Business Collaboration
This will encourage associations and businesses to forge alliances and leverage on one another's strengths through joint procurement, shared services and creation of joint market access.
Intelligence & Research
This will encourage enterprises towards a deeper understanding of industry trends and requirements so as to develop industry specific solutions through comprehensive research based on sound market intelligence.
Advisory & Consultancy
This will promote industry-wide best practices and competence through establishment of industry-specific advisory clinics or industry sharing activities.
LEAD provides funding for eligible costs. Eligible costs include :
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Manpower-related costs
E.g. training costs, project members’ salaries (excludes CPF contributions and bonuses), economy airfare and cost of living allowances.
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Equipment and materials
E.g. industrial equipment, materials and consumables, hardware and software (including but not restricted to info-communication technology).
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Professional services
E.g. consultancy and sub-contracting.
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Business development costs
E.g. marketing costs such as business study trips, participation or organisation of industry conferences, etc).
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Intellectual property costs
E.g. licensing, royalties and technology patent costs.
The LEAD proposal submitted by the applicant should meet the following guidelines :
- Well-conceived industry roadmap and translation of this roadmap into projects for implementation
- Project contribution to the sector, such as potential revenue creation (local or overseas), value-add contribution to industry, job creation and number of benefiting SMEs
- Willingness to co-share project costs
- Development and creation of markets and business opportunities
- Development of industry competence
- Open for participation by SMEs including non-association members
- Implementation period should not exceed three years
- The project(s) to be undertaken must not have commenced at time of application
Before you apply
- Ensure you understand the qualification guidelines.
- Contact EnterpriseOne to get the Indication of Interest Form.
- Submit the Indication of Interest Form.
- The LEAD Administrator will respond based on the Indication of Interest Form and follow-up with the Proposal Form.
Applying for LEAD
- Submit the Proposal Form with supporting documents as detailed in the Proposal Form.
- Within 1 week, LEAD administrator may contact you to discuss your proposal.
- The proposal will be evaluated by a multi-agency evaluation panel.
- LEAD administrator will notify the outcome of your proposal within 3 months.
Upon successful application
- Receive Letter of Offer from LEAD administrator.
- Accept the Letter of Offer and start your project.
- Keep proper financial records. E.g. expenses, invoices and receipts relating to the project.
Claims
- Prepare all supporting materials (e.g. financial records) to make claims.
- Submit claims to LEAD administrator.