New pilot scheme to support 'exemplary' local heritage businesses over 30 years old: MCCY

A new scheme, piloted by the National Heritage Board (NHB), will recognise and support exemplary heritage businesses that demonstrate historical, community, and cultural significance.

Known as the SG Heritage Business Scheme, it will be the first government scheme that aims to recognise, drive awareness of, and inspire a greater appreciation and patronage for local businesses based on their heritage qualities, as announced by the Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), Low Yen Ling, at its Committee of Supply (COS) debates on Mar. 10.

Piloted in selected areas, including Chinatown, Kampong Gelam, and Little India

The scheme will be piloted in select areas, including major conservation precincts like Chinatown, Kampong Gelam, and Little India.

To be eligible, the business must be a local business in the selected areas that has been registered and operating for at least 30 years.

It must also demonstrate community and cultural significance.

The businesses on the scheme can "receive support to encourage them to sustain themselves", including support in the form of branding, marketing, and consultancy by NHB and other agencies and partners, MCCY said.

The scheme is part of NHB’s Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0 efforts to safeguard Singapore’s cultural identity and living heritage, as well as support the wider heritage ecosystem in Singapore, added MCCY.

Low said the scheme will "help boost demand for such products". 

It will also complement existing efforts by NHB, such as the Organisation Transformation Grant and Street Corner Heritage Galleries, to promote and support heritage businesses that have and continue to play a role in enlivening and supporting their communities.

The SG Heritage Business scheme is part of the Inter-Agency Task Force for Heritage Businesses, Traditional Activities and Cultural Life, which is a multi-agency effort to bring together key agencies, community partners and heritage businesses to grow and sustain business and activities crucial in ensuring the vibrancy of Singapore’s heritage areas, said MCCY.

"So we want to invite heritage business owners and members of the public to submit nominations for SG Heritage Businesses so that we can recognise, celebrate, and support these businesses in our community," Low said. 

Top image via Canva & MDDI/YouTube.