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 ↗
Downtown Revitalization Support Project Subsidy (Vacant Store Utilization Vitality Creation Project)Business
Sano City, Tochigi・FY2026・Accepted year-round
Opening a business utilizing vacant stores in central or local downtown areas. Subsidizes part of store renovation costs and rent.
Conditions: Retail, food service, or service business, vacant store (unused for 3+ months), ground floor, no municipal tax arrears, Chamber of Commerce guidance required.
Program page ↗
Otawara City Entrepreneurship Restart Support SubsidyBusinessMax ¥1M33%
Otawara City, Tochigi・FY2026
Subsidizes 1/3 of renovation costs for vacant store opening/renovation (max ¥1M)
Conditions: Chamber of Commerce membership, vacant store unoccupied for 1+ month, business start within 3 months
Program page ↗
Challenge Shop Support SubsidyBusinessMax ¥600K50%
Nasushiobara City, Tochigi・FY2025・April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
50% subsidy for renovation/equipment for starting business using vacant store/house (max ¥600K)
Conditions: Vacant store/house utilization, startup/second startup, bonus for Urban Function Promotion Area
Program page ↗
Nasushiobara City Office Development SubsidyBusinessMax ¥1.5M50%
Nasushiobara City, Tochigi
50% subsidy for headquarters relocation/new office renovation & equipment (¥1.5M in Urban Function Promotion Area, ¥1M elsewhere)
Conditions: Relocating or establishing headquarters in city, utilizing vacant building, no current business office in city, etc.
Program page ↗
Corporate Office Location Support Project SubsidyBusinessMax ¥6M50%
Nikko City, Tochigi・FY2026・Applications accepted until March 31, 2026
Support for headquarters relocation, branch office, or satellite office opening. Covers acquisition costs, facility development, and rent.
Conditions: Business with headquarters outside the city. 1+ years since incorporation. No municipal tax arrears. Intent to continue operations in city.
Program page ↗
Yaita City Vacant Store Countermeasure Support SubsidyBusinessMax ¥1M50%
Yaita City, Tochigi・FY2026
Subsidizes half the cost of renovating or constructing vacant stores, vacant land, or vacant houses
Conditions: Small/medium enterprise or sole proprietor, no municipal tax arrears, Chamber of Commerce member
Program page ↗
Subsidy terms change every fiscal year. Always confirm with the municipality before applying.