Where do you see this?

In recent news reports about initiatives to help drive entrepreneurship and create a more pro-business environment in Singapore.

What does it mean?

Seed funding refers to start-up capital or cash used by new entrepreneurs to establish their businesses.

Why is it important?

Seed funding is typically needed by businesses to set up an office or store, buy machinery, help ease cash flow or hire workers.

In recent years, the Singapore Government has been increasingly proactive in introducing assistance programmes to help fledgling business take off.

For example, under the Start-up Enterprise Development Scheme, Spring Seeds Capital - a wholly owned subsidiary of enterprise development agency Spring Singapore - co-invests in local start-ups to help them grow into stronger businesses.

So you want to use the term. Just say...

'I'm thinking of starting a business, but first I'll need to gather my seed funding. Want to contribute?'

This article was first published in The Straits Times.