The DBS Foundation (DBSF) has announced its 2025 grant program, which aims to empower innovative social enterprises and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Asia to drive inclusive growth and improve access to essential needs. The grant program will provide funding of up to ₹1.6 crore (SGD 250,000) to selected enterprises, as well as access to a comprehensive ecosystem of support, including capacity-building programs, mentorship, and preferential access to banking solutions.
The DBSF Grant has two strategic focus areas: providing essential needs such as food, education, and healthcare, and fostering inclusion through financial and digital inclusion. Since its inception, the grant program has supported over 160 enterprises with more than ₹143 crore (SGD 21.5 million) in funding, enabling them to scale their businesses and amplify their impact. In India, 23 grantees have received a total of ₹15.77 crore (SGD 2.38 million) in funding.
The grant program is open to businesses registered and operating in any of DBS’ six core markets: Singapore, India, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Eligible applicants must demonstrate at least two years of proven impact, a focused plan for using the grant to scale both business and impact over the next two years, and a strong leadership team dedicated to long-term sustainability.
The funding will support enterprises in areas such as market expansion, product innovation, research and development, and infrastructure enhancement. Previous recipients of the DBSF Grant in India include Phool, Haqdarshak, and S4S Technologies, which have used the funding to scale their impact and improve access to essential needs.
Claire Wong, Lead (Business for Impact) at DBS Foundation, stated that the grant program aims to support enterprises that are bridging critical gaps in essential needs and advancing digital and financial inclusion. The program is now open for applications until June 30, 2025, and interested businesses can apply through the DBS Foundation website.
Overall, the DBSF Grant program aims to empower innovative enterprises to drive inclusive growth and improve access to essential needs across Asia, with a focus on supporting businesses that are committed to creating lasting impact. With its comprehensive ecosystem of support and funding of up to ₹1.6 crore, the program has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable communities and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.