iSPRINT - Increase SME Productivity with Infocomm Adoption and Transformation.
With effect from 1 April 2011, iSPRINT has been expanded with two enhancements to further accelerate ICT adoption among SMEs:
i. Quantum of Support Increased From 50% to 70% For SMEs Adopting ICT For First Time
For SMEs that are currently manual in all their operations and intending to implement ICT solutions for their first time, iSPRINT's quantum of support will be raised from 50% to 70% for qualifying costs.
For other SMEs that already have some ICT solutions on board but intend to computerise another business function for the first time, iSPRINT will continue to support up to 50% of the qualifying costs.
ii. Support of Specialised Hardware & Software for ICT Adoption by Sectors
To help different sectors in Singapore boost their productivity through the advanced use of infocomm at their workplace, iSPRINT is also enhanced to support purchases of specialised hardware or software that will enable large productivity gains in their respective industries. Some examples are:
- Biometric Identification System to track attendance at construction sites;
- Wireless Point-of-Sale System integrating with backend system at retail outlets;
- Tablet and handheld devices for wireless menu ordering at restaurants;
- Building Information Modelling (BIM) software for construction companies;
- 3D Rapid Prototyping software for fashion and footwear design or manufacturing companies.
Support for such specialised hardware & software will be at 50% of qualifying costs with a cap of S$25,000 each or up to 50% of total support, whichever is lower.
As a start, IDA will be issuing the list of supportable equipment sector by sector, starting with those industries that are most ready to proceed with sector-wide implementation. The first list is targeted to be published on IDA's website by April 2011.
It is an initiative by IDA in collaboration with SPRING Singapore and IRAS, it provides assistance for SMEs with differing infocomm needs. These can range from simple business improvement solutions to large-scale innovative infocomm implementations that tranform businesses and sectors.
| Who can apply? - At least 30% local shareholding - Group fixed assets of S$15 million or less - UP to 200 employees (for SMEs in the non-manufacturing sector) |