Subsidy Application

Subsidy Applications

Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises
in leveraging government subsidies for business growth.

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✓ Free Initial Consultation ✓ Nationwide Service ✓ Evenings & Weekends OK
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Online Consultations
We primarily work via Google Meet and phone. Consultations available from anywhere in Japan.
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Thorough Business Plans
We prepare detailed business plans designed to maximize your chances of approval.
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One-Stop Support
Comprehensive support from business plan preparation through application filing.
About

What are Subsidies?

Subsidies are non-repayable funds provided by the national or local government to businesses in order to achieve policy objectives. They can be used for various initiatives such as launching new businesses, capital investment, developing new markets, and digital transformation.

However, subsidies have application periods, and the application process requires professionally prepared business plans. Applications must be filed and executed in compliance with the Act on Regulation of Execution of Budget Pertaining to Subsidies, etc. (Subsidy Rationalization Act, Act No. 179 of 1955).

About the Revised Administrative Scrivener Act (Effective January 2026)

The revised Administrative Scrivener Act, effective January 1, 2026, has explicitly established that preparing subsidy application documents for a fee is the exclusive domain of administrative scriveners. Regardless of the name used, preparing subsidy application documents for compensation now requires an administrative scrivener qualification. Our office provides lawful and compliant application support.

Subsidy Programs

Major Subsidy Programs

Below are representative subsidies available to small and medium-sized enterprises. Application periods and requirements may change, so please contact us for the latest information.

Small Business Sustainability Subsidy

Market Development

A subsidy supporting small businesses in their efforts to develop new markets and improve operational efficiency.

Eligible Applicants
Small businesses (5 or fewer employees for commerce/services; 20 or fewer for manufacturing, etc.)
Maximum Amount
Standard: ¥500,000 / With special provisions: up to ¥2,500,000
Subsidy Rate
2/3
Manufacturing subsidy

Manufacturing, Commerce & Services
Productivity Enhancement Subsidy

Capital Investment

Supports capital investment by SMEs for innovative product/service development and production process improvements.

Eligible Applicants
Small and medium-sized enterprises
Maximum Amount
Up to ¥40,000,000 (tiered by employee count)
Subsidy Rate
1/2 to 2/3 (2/3 for small businesses)
Digitalization and AI adoption

Digitalization & AI Adoption Subsidy
(formerly IT Introduction Subsidy)

IT

A subsidy supporting the adoption of IT tools, digitalization, and AI implementation for improved operational efficiency and revenue growth.

Eligible Applicants
Small and medium-sized enterprises
Maximum Amount
¥50,000 – ¥4,500,000
Subsidy Rate
Up to 1/2 (2/3 to 4/5 when additional requirements are met)
New business expansion

SME New Business Expansion Subsidy
(successor to the Business Restructuring Subsidy)

New Business

Supports SMEs planning to enter new markets different from their existing business or transition to higher-value-added operations.

Eligible Applicants
SMEs planning to expand into new business areas
Maximum Amount
Up to ¥25,000,000 (up to ¥30,000,000 with wage increase bonus)
Subsidy Rate
Up to 1/2

SME Labor-Saving Investment Subsidy

Labor Shortage

A subsidy for SMEs struggling with labor shortages to adopt IoT devices, robots, and other labor-saving products. Products are selected from a catalog, making the application process relatively straightforward.

Eligible Applicants
SMEs facing labor shortages
Subsidy Rate
1/2
Business plan preparation
Services

How We Can Help

01

Subsidy Selection & Eligibility Assessment

We recommend the most suitable subsidy program based on your business activities and budget, and conduct a preliminary assessment of your eligibility.

02

Business Plan Preparation

We create business plans designed to maximize your chances of approval, presenting your competitive advantages, market analysis, and investment impact in a format that resonates with reviewers.

03

Application Document Preparation & Filing

We handle the preparation of all application documents and submission through the electronic application system using GBizID.

04

Post-Approval Performance Reporting Support

Subsidies require proper execution and performance reporting after approval (Subsidy Rationalization Act). We also support the preparation of reporting documents.

Important Note

Employment-related grants under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (such as the Career Enhancement Grant) fall within the scope of social insurance labor consultant services and are not handled by our office. We will refer you to a social insurance labor consultant if needed.

Flow

Subsidy Application Process

01

Free Consultation & Subsidy Assessment

We learn about your business and investment plans, then advise you on available subsidy programs and your likelihood of approval.

02

Business Plan Development & Document Preparation

Based on detailed interviews, we create a business plan and application documents. A well-crafted plan that addresses the key evaluation criteria is essential for approval.

03

Application & Submission

We submit the application through the electronic application system. We continue to support you with any deficiency corrections or additional documentation after submission.

04

Selection & Grant Decision

After review, the selection decision is made. You may begin your project after receiving the official grant decision notice.

05

Project Implementation & Performance Reporting

Implement your project according to plan and submit a performance report upon completion. Proper expense management and reporting are conditions for receiving the subsidy.

06

Subsidy Disbursement

After your performance report is reviewed and approved, the subsidy is disbursed. Subsidies are generally paid after the fact (reimbursement basis).

Interested in applying for a subsidy? Feel free to reach out for a consultation.

Free Consultation
Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions About Subsidies

What is the difference between subsidies (hojokin) and grants (joseikin)?

Subsidies (hojokin) are primarily administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, and require a competitive application and review process. Grants (joseikin) are primarily administered by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and are generally available to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements. Our office handles subsidy applications. For employment-related grants, a social insurance labor consultant is the appropriate professional.

Do subsidies need to be repaid?

In principle, subsidies are non-repayable. However, if fraudulent receipt is discovered, the subsidy must be returned along with an additional surcharge (Subsidy Rationalization Act, Articles 17–19). Fraudulent receipt may also result in criminal penalties (imprisonment of up to 5 years or a fine of up to 1,000,000 yen), making proper application essential.

Can I apply even if my business was just recently established?

Yes, some subsidies include categories specifically for newly established businesses (such as a "start-up" category). The Small Business Sustainability Subsidy's "Start-up Type" is one such example. Please share your situation with us first.

Questions About the Application Process

What is the typical approval rate?

Approval rates vary by subsidy type and application round, but generally range from 30% to 60%. A well-crafted business plan that addresses the evaluation criteria can significantly improve your chances. We provide support in creating plans aligned with the review standards.

If my application is rejected, can I apply again?

Yes, you may reapply in the next application round. Many applicants succeed on reapplication after analyzing the reasons for rejection and improving their business plans.

How long does it take from application to receiving the subsidy?

It depends on the subsidy, but typically 2 to 3 months from application to selection, followed by several more months to implement the project, submit a performance report, and receive the disbursement. Since subsidies are reimbursed after the fact, you will need to fund the project yourself initially.

Contact

Subsidy Consultation

"Are there subsidies my business can use?" "I don't know how to write a business plan." —
Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Messages accepted evenings & weekends. We typically respond within 24 hours.

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03-5856-8157 Hours: Weekdays 9:00 – 18:00 (JST)