What is the SG Heritage Business Scheme?
The National Heritage Board is introducing the SG Heritage Business Scheme to celebrate and support exemplar local heritage businesses that:
- Preserve our rich heritage;
- Have strong community ties;
- Are committed to sustaining their businesses.
If your business has been a part of Singapore’s story for 30 years or more, this scheme is for you.
What is a Heritage Business?
Heritage businesses are the backbone of Singapore’s cultural landscape and provide time-honoured trades, goods, or services. They are community anchors that shape the character and identity of its neighbourhood.
These businesses have weathered decades of change, adapting while staying true to their roots. They’re more than just shops; they’re living history, offering a glimpse into our unique identities and cultures.
When a business is recognised as an SG Heritage Business, it receives several benefits:
- Brand visibility & Awareness: Promotion by government agencies and partners through various marketing and programming channels.
- Markers of Heritage Status: A storefront plaque, and supporting materials, including digital logos, for use on their social media and websites.
- Business support: Support for business improvement and transformation efforts, tailored to the business size and needs.
Who is the scheme for?
Eligiable businesses have to:
- Be registered and operating in Singapore;
- Be in continuous operation for at least 30 years as of 1 January 2025, excluding (i) short-term closures for holiday or other purposes, (ii) closure during the Covid-19 pandemic, not exceeding 2 years or (iii) such other closures if NHB deems appropriate to accept for consideration, at NHB’s sole discretion;
- Have at least 30% local equity held directly or indirectly by Singaporean(s) and/or Singapore PRs, determined by the ultimate individual ownership;
- Be located in the Central Area*.
We look for businesses that:
- Have remained in the same site or area for 30+ years;
- Offer traditional trades, goods and/or services;
- Demonstrate strong community ties or impact;
- Are committed to maintaining their heritage.
Please note that fulfilling the criteria does not guarantee a successful nomination.
*The scheme was piloted in the Central Area. NHB will review this for subsequents iterations.
List of SG Heritage Businesses Designated in 2025
- ANA Book Store
- Anushia Flower Shop
- Basheer Graphic Books
- Cathay Photo Store (Pte) Ltd (Peninsula Plaza Outlet)
- Chatterbox
- Chop Wah On
- CYC Company Pte Ltd
- Dakshaini Silks Pte Ltd
- Foundation Jewellers Pte Ltd
- Gandhi Restaurant
- Gayatri Restaurant
- Halijah Travels Pte Ltd
- JUMBO Seafood (The Riverwalk Outlet)
- Kamala Restaurant
- Kele Confectionery (Chinatown Outlet)
- Komala Vilas Vegetarian Restaurant (Serangoon Road Outlet)
- Koo Kee Yong Tow Foo Mee (People's Park Food Centre Outlet)
- Lim Chee Guan (New Bridge Road Outlet)
- Maha Yu Yi Pte Ltd
- Mei Heong Yuen Dessert (Temple Street Outlet)
- Muthu's Curry
- Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop
- Nasi Padang Sabar Menanti Singapore
- Old Chang Kee Singapore Pte Ltd (Mackenzie Road Outlet)
- On Cheong Jewellery
- Pek Sin Choon Pte Ltd
- Red Star Restaurant Pte Ltd
- Rumah Makan Minang (Kandahar Street Outlet)
- Shashlik Restaurant
- SIS Premium Meats
- Spring Court Restaurant
- STYLEMART Bridal Collection Pte Ltd
- Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant (Jalan Besar Outlet)
- Tai Chong Kok (Sago Street Outlet)
- Tea Chapter
- Teck Soon Medical Hall Pte Ltd
- Thandapani Company Pte Ltd
- Thye Shan Medical Hall Pte Ltd (New Bridge Road Outlet)
- Toko Aljunied
- Tong Heng Delicacies (South Bridge Road Outlet)
- VSS Varusai Mohamed & Sons
- Yixing Xuan Teahouse
Other Resources
To learn more about heritage businesses, please refer to our other grants and initiatives in the following links:
Contact
Email address: sg_heritage_business@nhb.gov.sg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The current cycle has been completed. For the most up-to-date information on application windows and announcements, please check this page and NHB's social media channels regularly, as all updates will be posted there.
No, the SG Heritage Business Scheme does not provide direct financial assistance to designated businesses. However, the scheme offers valuable support in other areas, such as increased visibility, marketing support (e.g. exclusive digital marketing assets and a designation plaque), and, where necessary, tailored business support to address specific business needs and challenges.
Please refer to our list of examples of Traditional Trades, Goods and Services. Businesses that are not predominantly involved in the transmission or preservation of traditional trades, goods and services, or offer non-culturally specific offerings, may not qualify for the scheme. These may include:
-
Non-local chain restaurants
- Mass-produced retail outlets
- Technology-based services
- Non-localised professional services
We accept other verifiable documents, such as a rental agreement or real-estate purchase agreement, as proof of the business’s age on a case-by-case basis.
The Organisation Transformation Grant is a one-off grant that encourages and support heritage businesses and organisations to adopt transformative and/or innovative projects that will contribute to the sustainability and long-term viability of their business. Unlike the Designation Scheme, the Grant is available to all locally registered heritage organisations and businesses (profit or non-profit).