What are the aims of the Businesses for Families initiative?

The Businesses for Families initiative aims to make Singapore the best place for families by encouraging businesses to adopt strategies, infrastructure and services to welcome families as customers.

How can Families benefit from this initiative?

Families can enjoy quality time together while patronizing these family-friendly establishments as they provide family-friendly facilities. Some of the family-friendly facilities include play area, nursing rooms, wheelchairs for loan/ hire, rest areas and many more. These enhance family bonding outside the comfort of homes and make a family gathering more pleasurable and memorable.

How can businesses be more welcoming to families?

Could you tell me more about the Businesses for Families Pledge?

Businesses are encouraged to take the first step of being a family-friendly establishment by joining the Businesses for Families Initiative as Businesses for Families Pledgers. This signals the start of commitment from businesses to be more family-friendly. Upon taking the Businesses for Families Pledge, your business can choose to apply for the Businesses for Families Grant or Businesses for Families Mark.

How can my business apply for the Businesses for Families Pledge?

To apply for the Businesses for Families Pledge, please call the Mark Administrator at 6375 0939 or 6375 0934 and email joyce.chua@spa.org.sg or angela.swee@spa.org.sg

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Can you tell me more about the Businesses for Families Mark?

The Businesses for Families Mark was introduced to further distinguish the truly family-friendly establishments from the rest of the businesses. It celebrates the best practices in terms of Strategy, Infrastructure and Services adopted by businesses. Businesses which meet specific standards relating to their Strategy, Service, Infrastructure and Business Outcomes (Results) will be awarded the Businesses for Families Mark.

How can my business apply for the Businesses for Families Mark?

Firstly, your business would have to go through an assessment process which will begin with a guided self-assessment. This allows your business to do a health check on your family-friendly business practices. Additionally, you will receive a feedback report and a score sheet detailing how your business rates in each family-friendly business criterion. The feedback report identifies strengths as well as opportunities for improvement. The report will allow your business to adopt specific measures to make your business more family-friendly in terms of your practices.
Call the Mark Administrator at 6375 0939 or 6375 0934 and email joyce.chua@spa.org.sg or angela.swee@spa.org.sg.

What is the Businesses for Families Grant?

The Businesses for Families Grant is a $2 million fund, spread over three years, to assist and encourage businesses to adopt and implement family-friendly business practices. The Grant is offered by Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS).

Why was the Businesses for Families Grant set up?

The Grant was established to provide immediate impetus for businesses to consider becoming family-friendly. Since the release of the 2005 survey on local family-friendly business practices, MCYS has been working closely with the Making Business Pro-Family Workgroup to see how best Singapore can nurture a family-friendly business environment. A key challenge identified through industry feedback, especially among SMEs, was a lack of know-how in areas such as family-friendly business strategies and infrastructure, as well as measuring tangible outcomes of family-friendly practices. The grant was set up to encourage more businesses to overcome these challenges by helping them defray some of the costs involved.

What are the items that are applicable to the Businesses for Families Grant? Is it necessary to engage a consultant?

It is not compulsory, but beneficial to engage an external consultant to help the organisation prepare itself for assessment. Do contact Ms Joyce Chua or Ms Angela Swee of the Singapore Productivity Association (the appointed Businesses for Families Grant Administrator) at 6278-3344 for the pool of approved consultants.

Who is eligible to apply for the Businesses for Families Grant? What are the items that should be included for the Businesses for Families Grant application? Is the grant application a one-time application or it can be multiple applications as long as it adds up to a cap of $50,000 or $80,000?

Organizations may apply for the grant multiple times, up to a maximum cap of $50,000 for businesses with single business outlet or $80,000 for businesses with multiple business outlets. Approved project(s) must be completed within one year upon the approval of the grant application.

Can I submit for approval, an application that is less than $50,000 or $80,000? How will I be reimbursed?

The grant would fund up to 70% of the costs incurred for approved projects, subject to a cap of $50,000 for businesses with single business outlet and $80,000 for businesses with multiple business outlets. If the organization has a total spending of $12,000 on the approved project(s), the disbursement would be $8,400, contingent on the organisation meeting all the requirements stipulated in the Terms and Conditions.

How will the grant be disbursed to us?

As all payments will be made via GIRO, a duly completed application form for Inter-bank GIRO must be submitted.

How much of the grant is each organization entitled to? What happens if an organization has more than one subsidiary?

Businesses with single business outlet are entitled to a cap of S$50,000. Businesses with multiple business outlets are entitled to a cap of S$80,000. Do contact Ms Joyce Chua or Ms Angela Swee of Singapore Productivity Association (the appointed Businesses for Families Grant Administrator) at 6278-3344 for clarifications.

Are businesses which have received the grant previously under the ‘Pro-Family Business Grant’ still eligible for further funding under the revised grant structure?

Those who have received the ‘Pro-Family Business Grant’ previously are eligible for the remaining amount under the revised grant structure. This is to offer further incentives to businesses that have supported the initiative.

When is the closing date for the Businesses for Families Grant application?

There is no closing date. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

How long does it take for MCYS to approve the grant application?

The announcement of the outcome of application will generally take about 2 to 3 weeks. Applicants will be notified via mail and email through Singapore Productivity Association.

What if we cannot finish the project within the stipulated time frame of 1 year?

The disbursement of the grant may be reduced, withheld or withdrawn in the event of the failure of the applicant to carry out the approved project to the satisfaction of the Grantor – the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS). Projects must be completed within one year (effective from the date of approval). Applicants must also submit a progress report within six months of the commencement of the project or at the mid point of the project (whichever comes first).

We do not have an outlet at this current moment but would like to use the Grant to help startup a family-friendly business establishment. Is it possible?

Yes, but approval is on a case by case basis.

If we have completed the project and renovation, can we apply for the Grant to offset the expenses incurred?

No. The Grant is only applicable for projects that have not commenced or items, which have not been purchased. Businesses will need the Grant approval before commencing their projects or making purchase.

What are the conditions of the Grant?

Successful applicants shall consent to share their knowledge and best practices. Approved Projects must be completed within one year (effective from the date of approval). Applicants must also submit a progress report within six months of the commencement of the project or at the mid point of the project (whichever comes first), as well as a Final Report upon completion of the project. MCYS reserves the right to audit successful applicants to ensure that the Businesses for Families Grant disbursed is used appropriately.

How will the grant be dispersed? Where do I get the application form for grant application?

Please contact Ms Joyce Chua or Ms Angela Swee of Singapore Productivity Association, the appointed Businesses for Families Grant Administrator for the application forms. (c/o Singapore Productivity Association) 2 Bukit Merah Central, #04-01 SPRING Singapore Singapore 159835 Tel: 6278-3344 Fax: 6272-5095 Email: pfbmark_secretariat@spa.org.sg Please complete application form & submit with a detailed project proposal outlining the details of the implementation of the project, objectives and estimated expenditure for the development of the project.

Who shall I contact regarding the grant application?

Please contact Singapore Productivity Association who is the appointed Businesses for Families Grant Administrator. (c/o Singapore Productivity Association) 2 Bukit Merah Central, #04-01 SPRING Singapore Singapore 159835 Tel: 6278-3344 Fax: 6272-5095 Email: pfbmark_secretariat@spa.org.sg You can speak to Ms Joyce Chua or Ms Angela Swee of the Singapore Productivity Association.

What are the advantages if my business joins the Businesses for Families Initiative as Businesses for Families Grant Pledger or Marker? Are there opportunities for my team to network with other businesses should my business join the Businesses for Families community?

As part of the learning network to the Businesses for Families initiative, the Learning Journey offers a platform for Businesses for Families Markers and Pledgers to come together to gain knowledge of successful best practices from fellow Businesses for Families Markers and Pledgers. Model companies will be invited to offer an insight into their management system and their route towards the deployment of family-friendly business practices. This is also a good opportunity for your business to network and discuss viable business collaboration within and across industries.

What are the aims of the Businesses for Families initiative?

The Businesses for Families initiative aims to make Singapore the best place for families by encouraging businesses to adopt strategies, infrastructure and services to welcome families as customers.

How can Families benefit from this initiative?

Families can enjoy quality time together while patronizing these family-friendly establishments as they provide family-friendly facilities. Some of the family-friendly facilities include play area, nursing rooms, wheelchairs for loan/ hire, rest areas and many more. These enhance family bonding outside the comfort of homes and make a family gathering more pleasurable and memorable.

How can businesses be more welcoming to families?

Could you tell me more about the Businesses for Families Pledge?

Businesses are encouraged to take the first step of being a family-friendly establishment by joining the Businesses for Families Initiative as Businesses for Families Pledgers. This signals the start of commitment from businesses to be more family-friendly. Upon taking the Businesses for Families Pledge, your business can choose to apply for the Businesses for Families Grant or Businesses for Families Mark.

How can my business apply for the Businesses for Families Pledge?

To apply for the Businesses for Families Pledge, please call the Mark Administrator at 6375 0939 or 6375 0934 and email joyce.chua@spa.org.sg or angela.swee@spa.org.sg

back to top

Can you tell me more about the Businesses for Families Mark?

The Businesses for Families Mark was introduced to further distinguish the truly family-friendly establishments from the rest of the businesses. It celebrates the best practices in terms of Strategy, Infrastructure and Services adopted by businesses. Businesses which meet specific standards relating to their Strategy, Service, Infrastructure and Business Outcomes (Results) will be awarded the Businesses for Families Mark.

How can my business apply for the Businesses for Families Mark?

Firstly, your business would have to go through an assessment process which will begin with a guided self-assessment. This allows your business to do a health check on your family-friendly business practices. Additionally, you will receive a feedback report and a score sheet detailing how your business rates in each family-friendly business criterion. The feedback report identifies strengths as well as opportunities for improvement. The report will allow your business to adopt specific measures to make your business more family-friendly in terms of your practices.
Call the Mark Administrator at 6375 0939 or 6375 0934 and email joyce.chua@spa.org.sg or angela.swee@spa.org.sg.

What is the Businesses for Families Grant?

The Businesses for Families Grant is a $2 million fund, spread over three years, to assist and encourage businesses to adopt and implement family-friendly business practices. The Grant is offered by Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS).

Why was the Businesses for Families Grant set up?

The Grant was established to provide immediate impetus for businesses to consider becoming family-friendly. Since the release of the 2005 survey on local family-friendly business practices, MCYS has been working closely with the Making Business Pro-Family Workgroup to see how best Singapore can nurture a family-friendly business environment. A key challenge identified through industry feedback, especially among SMEs, was a lack of know-how in areas such as family-friendly business strategies and infrastructure, as well as measuring tangible outcomes of family-friendly practices. The grant was set up to encourage more businesses to overcome these challenges by helping them defray some of the costs involved.

What are the items that are applicable to the Businesses for Families Grant? Is it necessary to engage a consultant?

It is not compulsory, but beneficial to engage an external consultant to help the organisation prepare itself for assessment. Do contact Ms Joyce Chua or Ms Angela Swee of the Singapore Productivity Association (the appointed Businesses for Families Grant Administrator) at 6278-3344 for the pool of approved consultants.

Who is eligible to apply for the Businesses for Families Grant? What are the items that should be included for the Businesses for Families Grant application? Is the grant application a one-time application or it can be multiple applications as long as it adds up to a cap of $50,000 or $80,000?

Organizations may apply for the grant multiple times, up to a maximum cap of $50,000 for businesses with single business outlet or $80,000 for businesses with multiple business outlets. Approved project(s) must be completed within one year upon the approval of the grant application.

Can I submit for approval, an application that is less than $50,000 or $80,000? How will I be reimbursed?

The grant would fund up to 70% of the costs incurred for approved projects, subject to a cap of $50,000 for businesses with single business outlet and $80,000 for businesses with multiple business outlets. If the organization has a total spending of $12,000 on the approved project(s), the disbursement would be $8,400, contingent on the organisation meeting all the requirements stipulated in the Terms and Conditions.

How will the grant be disbursed to us?

As all payments will be made via GIRO, a duly completed application form for Inter-bank GIRO must be submitted.

How much of the grant is each organization entitled to? What happens if an organization has more than one subsidiary?

Businesses with single business outlet are entitled to a cap of S$50,000. Businesses with multiple business outlets are entitled to a cap of S$80,000. Do contact Ms Joyce Chua or Ms Angela Swee of Singapore Productivity Association (the appointed Businesses for Families Grant Administrator) at 6278-3344 for clarifications.

Are businesses which have received the grant previously under the ‘Pro-Family Business Grant’ still eligible for further funding under the revised grant structure?

Those who have received the ‘Pro-Family Business Grant’ previously are eligible for the remaining amount under the revised grant structure. This is to offer further incentives to businesses that have supported the initiative.

When is the closing date for the Businesses for Families Grant application?

There is no closing date. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

How long does it take for MCYS to approve the grant application?

The announcement of the outcome of application will generally take about 2 to 3 weeks. Applicants will be notified via mail and email through Singapore Productivity Association.

What if we cannot finish the project within the stipulated time frame of 1 year?

The disbursement of the grant may be reduced, withheld or withdrawn in the event of the failure of the applicant to carry out the approved project to the satisfaction of the Grantor – the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS). Projects must be completed within one year (effective from the date of approval). Applicants must also submit a progress report within six months of the commencement of the project or at the mid point of the project (whichever comes first).

We do not have an outlet at this current moment but would like to use the Grant to help startup a family-friendly business establishment. Is it possible?

Yes, but approval is on a case by case basis.

If we have completed the project and renovation, can we apply for the Grant to offset the expenses incurred?

No. The Grant is only applicable for projects that have not commenced or items, which have not been purchased. Businesses will need the Grant approval before commencing their projects or making purchase.

What are the conditions of the Grant?

Successful applicants shall consent to share their knowledge and best practices. Approved Projects must be completed within one year (effective from the date of approval). Applicants must also submit a progress report within six months of the commencement of the project or at the mid point of the project (whichever comes first), as well as a Final Report upon completion of the project. MCYS reserves the right to audit successful applicants to ensure that the Businesses for Families Grant disbursed is used appropriately.

How will the grant be dispersed? Where do I get the application form for grant application?

Please contact Ms Joyce Chua or Ms Angela Swee of Singapore Productivity Association, the appointed Businesses for Families Grant Administrator for the application forms. (c/o Singapore Productivity Association) 2 Bukit Merah Central, #04-01 SPRING Singapore Singapore 159835 Tel: 6278-3344 Fax: 6272-5095 Email: pfbmark_secretariat@spa.org.sg Please complete application form & submit with a detailed project proposal outlining the details of the implementation of the project, objectives and estimated expenditure for the development of the project.

Who shall I contact regarding the grant application?

Please contact Singapore Productivity Association who is the appointed Businesses for Families Grant Administrator. (c/o Singapore Productivity Association) 2 Bukit Merah Central, #04-01 SPRING Singapore Singapore 159835 Tel: 6278-3344 Fax: 6272-5095 Email: pfbmark_secretariat@spa.org.sg You can speak to Ms Joyce Chua or Ms Angela Swee of the Singapore Productivity Association.

What are the advantages if my business joins the Businesses for Families Initiative as Businesses for Families Grant Pledger or Marker? Are there opportunities for my team to network with other businesses should my business join the Businesses for Families community?

As part of the learning network to the Businesses for Families initiative, the Learning Journey offers a platform for Businesses for Families Markers and Pledgers to come together to gain knowledge of successful best practices from fellow Businesses for Families Markers and Pledgers. Model companies will be invited to offer an insight into their management system and their route towards the deployment of family-friendly business practices. This is also a good opportunity for your business to network and discuss viable business collaboration within and across industries.