How do I get connected to ACE?
To be kept in the loop of our upcoming events, receive feature articles and stories, we welcome you to be part of our “Friends of ACE” mailing list and subscribe to our ACE Info Alert e-newsletter. To subscribe, please click here ,

How do I contribute articles or share my innovative business on ACE website?
We welcome public contribution on interesting enterprise story leads, articles relating to entrepreneurship and various aspects of doing business for our ACE Info Alert e-newsletter.  Do drop us an email at info@ace.org.sg.

What are the advertising opportunities on ACE website?
There is a marketing avenue on the homepage (right-hand side panel) of ACE website for enterprises to highlight and promote their offerings to the business community and general visitors, at attractive rates. For more info, simply contact us at contact at info@ace.org.sg.

Can I list my event on ACE e-calendar?
The listing on the e-calendar are typically business or entrepreneurship-related events organised by non-profit organisations such as trade/business bodies, associations, chambers, educational/learning institutes.

Do drop us an email at info@ace.org.sg to share with details of events that you have in mind to be posted.

Which are the online networks for entrepreneurship?
For enterprise networks, click here.

For funding networks, click here.

For government-related sites, click here.

For more business resource sites, click here.

Where can I find assistance on Government Programmes/Schemes?
If you need to speak to someone on Government programmes, procedures or other business-related matters, call The EnterpriseOne Hotline.

Where do I find information on writing a business plan?
Business plans vary depending on the business nature, purpose and target audience. For a start, you may wish to refer to the "Business Resources" section of ACE website. Under the "Getting Started" segment, you will find an introduction on the key components of a standard business plan. You can also log onto the EnterpriseOne Business Information Services (EBIS) portal for research reports on your industry.

How do I find business mentors?
ACE does have networks with seasoned entrepreneurs and industry veterans. Do share with us more on yourself and your business by dropping us an email at info@ace.org.sg. Bearing in mind that there has to be a right fit between the mentor and mentee in terms of industry-knowledge, capabilities and chemistry, we may only facilitate introductions for possible matches.

Where can I find VCs?
For VC Community, you may wish to check out SVCA website for more information. The SVCA Directory (listing of private equity firms) can be obtained at - http://www.svca.org.sg/publications1.htm.

Are there any courses for start-up businesses?
Here are some suggestions, however non-exhaustive.
For Business/Enterprise-related courses, you may want to look at those offered by local business associations/chambers. For instance, Singapore Business Federation (SBF), Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME) amongst several others.

There are others that provide executive training workshops/seminars such as (click on the links for more info):

Are there any courses for entrepreneurship training?
There are entrepreneurship training courses offered by participating polytechnics to help PMETs acquire basic skills of running a business so that they can effectively leverage on their knowledge, resources and networks to start a successful business. SPRING has collaborated with various polytechnics to roll out the courses.

Visit the SPRING webpage of the programme, which direct you to the course website of the respective polytechnics where you can get more updated information on the course details.

For other private course options, you may refer to www.erc.com.sg.

What are the sources of seed funding available for start-ups?
Normally, the first round of funding for start-ups comes from the founders or their family and friends. Depending on which area that you are looking at, there are certain schemes that might be appropriate.

Some of them include:

i) YES! Start-ups - a grant for first time entrepreneurs, who are 26 years and below, to encourage them to be enterprising, innovative and to embark on their start up.

ii) Technology Enteprise Commercialisation Scheme (TECS) - A competitive grant for technology companies to develop the Proof-of Concept and Proof-of Value.

iii) SEEDS Funding - An equity financing programme for innovative start-ups

You may find more information of each of the programme at our website www.spring.gov.sg or other schemes from various government agencies via the EnterpriseOne website at www.business.gov.sg.

Is there any special grants/funding for local startup in patent applications?
There is an Intellectual Property Management for SMEs Programme, which jointly admistered by Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and SPRING. It is an initiative to help SMEs manage the entire life cycle of IP, including its creation, ownership, protection and commercial exploitation. (For more info, refer here) However, there is no specific grant/funding for patent applications.

You may also look at a few other funding schemes/programmes which may be relevant as well.

1) Micro Loan Programme
It allows you to borrow up to $100,000 (previously pegged @ $50,000 max) at a fixed or variable interest rate. You may use the funds for daily operations or for automating and upgrading your factory and equipment. 

2) Local Enterprise Technical Assistance Scheme (LETAS)
This scheme allows you to get a grant to engage an external consultant to implement quality management and IT systems. Project examples include ISO certification and upgrading computer systems.

For further clarity and more info, you may contact the respective programme managers or the friendly E1 team @ the EnterpriseOne Hotline (+65 6898 1800) or visit the website www.business.gov.sg.

What are the available assistance for overseas expansion and operations?
The various assistance schemes/programmes made available by International Enterprise (IE) Singapore. Click here to access to the resource site.

Alternatively, there is also a portal by IE Singapore, called iadvisory at www.iadvisory.com.sg, where companies can identify and access the know-how of experts or iadvisors from all around the world.

You may contact these iadvisors directly and post them questions about his overseas expansion, at his own convenience. In addition, you will also be able to access relevant IE Singapore programmes and initiatives that would enhance your overseas expansion.