20 Free Business Guides in Singapore

SG Entrepreneurs has been a strong advocate of the bootstrapping model in starting their enterprise. If you are planning to start a business enterprise in Singapore and you do not want to spend any money in buying any books to read, here is a collection of free online resources that can help you to get started. You will find a compiled list of 20 free business guides that mainly centers on topics and issues regarding manpower, fundraising, legal and tax issues, accounting and pension.

Here is a list of 20 free business guides that might be helpful to anyone who intends to start a business enterprise in Singapore. You can download and print them easily.

1. Best Practices of Infocomm Technology Implementation by SPRING Singapore and SiTF (PDF): A guide to help SMEs on implementing Information Technology (IT) that provides a step-by-step tips on selecting and working with IT vendors at various stages of the process.
2. Central Provident Fund (CPF) Employer’s Handbook : A handy online publication which details the CPF obligations of employers. The central provident fund (CPF) is equivalent to pensions or social security known in the western countries.
3. eGuides on Taxes: The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) publishes online manuals on taxes to assist businesses and individuals understand taxes and educate them the processes to file accurate tax returns.
4. Enterprise at NUS – Handbook: A guidebook for NUS enterprises focussing a series of topics: (1) putting together a plan, (2) to getting funds and (3) tax and employment matters.
5. Entrepreneurs’ Guide to Planning, Starting and Running a Business in Singapore (PDF): A comprehensive handbook for entrepreneurs by our partners, National Library Board.
6. Government Procurement Guide for SMEs (PDF): This manual assist businesses to have a better understanding in the Singapore government procurement process.
7. Guide on Filing your GST Return (PDF): This guide outlines the processes and procedures for businesses that have registered to collect/charge Goods and Services Tax (GST). The GST is the equivalent to the VAT in UK.
8. Guide to Keeping Tax and Accounting Records in Imaging Systems (PDF): A guide to assist all businesses should keep proper records and accounts for at least 7 years in the electronic format.
9. Guide to Singapore’s Tax Environment by IE Singapore: A guide to Singapore’s tax policies and tax regime.
10. Intellectual Property (IP) Starter Kit: A beginner’s guide to the concept of intellectual property by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS).
11. Investor Guide by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB): A quick guide for foreign investors who are interested to invest or start businesses in Singapore.
12. Investor’s Guide to Property Tax by Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) (PDF): A guide to help investors understand the Property Tax in Singapore.
13. Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Guides on Employment: MOM publishes several guides to help businesses including guides on work permits, national wages, employment agencies, etc.
14. Practical Guide to Performance Management for SMEs: Six simple steps to managing the performance of your employees.
15. Procedures for Striking Off Companies (PDF) : A guide on terminating your business through a process known as “striking off”.
16. Singapore Free Trade Agreements (Trade in Goods) – Guide for SMEs (PDF): An e-guide on how to benefit from Singapore’s Free Trade Agreements.
17. Singapore Free Trade Agreements (Services) – Guide for SMEs (PDF): A PDF guide on how Singapore service businesses can benefit from Singapore’s Free Trade Agreements.
18. Start-up Guide by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB): A quick guide for foreign companies and entrepreneurs to starting up businesses in Singapore.
19. Venture Abroad Guide by IE Singapore: This online guide helps businesses think through the entire process of venturing abroad. Topics include finding partners, benefits of venturing abroad, market entry strategies, etc.
20. Working Through An Intermediary To Raise Funds – Your Checklist: A guide on working with consultants and other professionals to raise funds for your business.