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 ↗
Kaneyama Town New Entrepreneur Support SubsidyBusinessMax ¥1M67%
Kaneyama Town, Yamagata・FY2025・December 20, 2024
2/3 of construction costs for new business premises or renovations (max ¥1M)
Conditions: Those planning to start businesses in town (fiscal 2025 eligible)
Program page ↗
Subsidy terms change every fiscal year. Always confirm with the municipality before applying.