Subsidy programs are run by Japanese municipalities, and their pages are in Japanese. Most require residency or registration in the town.
Local 10,000 Project (Regional Economic Circulation Creation Grant)BusinessMax ¥30M
Nationwide・FY2026・From April 1, 2026 (apply via municipality, multiple reviews within fiscal year)
Public subsidy for initial investment in private businesses (facility construction/renovation, equipment, etc.). Cap ¥30M (up to ¥55M depending on loan amount)
Conditions: Requires regional financial institution loan (generally uncollateralized) equal to or exceeding subsidy. Land acquisition not eligible. Apply through municipality (municipality applies to MIC)
Program page ↗
Small Business Continuity Subsidy (General Type, Standard Category)BusinessMax ¥500K67%
Nationwide・FY2026・November 5, 2026 – December 15, 2026 (Round 20)
2/3 for sales channel development (including store renovation) for small businesses, cap ¥500K. Invoice special provision +¥500K, wage increase special provision +¥1.5M
Conditions: Small businesses (commerce/services ≤5 employees, lodging/entertainment/manufacturing ≤20). Requires support plan from Chamber of Commerce. Real estate acquisition not eligible
Program page ↗
New Business Expansion, Manufacturing and Commercial Services Subsidy (New Business Expansion Category)BusinessMax ¥70M50%
Nationwide・FY2026・September 30, 2026 – October 30, 2026 (Round 1)
1/2 for building costs, machinery, etc. for new business expansion. Cap ¥25M–¥70M by employee count (up to ¥90M with wage increase special provision)
Conditions: SMEs, etc. Plan must achieve annual average 4.0%+ added value, 3.5%+ wage increase (repayment if unmet). 2/3 rate with minimum wage increase special provision
Program page ↗
SME Growth Acceleration SubsidyBusinessMax ¥500M50%
Nationwide・FY2026・September 29, 2026 – November 12, 2026 (3rd call)
1/2 for large-scale investment (building costs, machinery, etc.) by SMEs aiming for ¥10B revenue. Cap ¥500M
Conditions: Revenue ¥1B–¥10B, investment ¥100M+, public "¥10B Declaration" required. Land cost and demolition not eligible
Program page ↗
Katagami City Business Start-up Support GrantBusinessMax ¥1M67%
Katagami City, Akita・FY2026・Applications accepted anytime
Support for start-up expenses for new businesses in city. Max ¥1M for migrant entrepreneurs (2/3 subsidy)
Conditions: No tax arrears. Management guidance from chamber of commerce required. For those starting new business in city
Program page ↗
SME Earning Power Creation GrantBusinessMax ¥5M50%
Katagami City, Akita・FY2026・Accepted 4 times/year (end of April, July, October, January)
Support for business diversification by city businesses, including building renovation. Max ¥5M initial
Conditions: Total project cost ¥500K+. Plan with 10%+ sales increase target. No tax arrears
Program page ↗
Oga City Entrepreneurship Challenge Support SubsidyBusinessMax ¥3M50%
Oga City, Akita・FY2026・Until June 30, 2026
Half of business location costs (interior/exterior work, equipment, building rent, etc.) and advertising costs when starting business/second venture in city (up to ¥3M)
Conditions: Open business/establish corporation within same fiscal year, business contributes to solving regional issues, construction before grant approval not eligible
Program page ↗
Oga City Vacant Shop Utilization Promotion SubsidyBusinessMax ¥1.5M50%
Oga City, Akita
Half of costs to renovate vacant shops/houses for opening business (up to ¥1.5M, ¥5M for converting vacant houses to rental housing)
Conditions: Small/medium enterprises receiving management guidance from Chamber of Commerce, etc., continue operating 1+ years after opening. Shop rent subsidy (¥40K/month × max 12 months) also available
Program page ↗
Kitaakita City Startup Support Project SubsidyBusinessMax ¥750K25%
Kitaakita City, Akita・FY2026・From April 1, 2026
Subsidizes part of startup expenses. Eligible costs include building expenses.
Conditions: For those aiming to start a new business within the city
Program page ↗
Subsidy terms change every fiscal year. Always confirm with the municipality before applying.