Aomori Prefecture FY2026 Subsidy for Young Talent Recruitment and Retention by SMEs

1. Program overview: This Aomori Prefecture subsidy supports SMEs and similar businesses in the prefecture that are working to recruit and retain young talent. It responds to labor shortages caused by population decline and aging, and covers projects that improve recruiting capability or workplace retention capability. Typical activities may include recruitment promotion, job information events, expert advice, workplace retention programs, and other initiatives directly connected to hiring and keeping young workers. 2. Eligible applicants: Applicants must have a business office in Aomori Prefecture and qualify as an SME under Article 2, paragraph 1 of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Management Enhancement Act. They must also be registered as both an Aomori Young People Retention Support Company and an Aomori Prefecture Employment Promotion Partner Company. The subsidized project must be completed by February 26, 2027 and implemented with support from a chamber of commerce, financial institution, or similar support organization. 3. Eligible costs and support: Eligible expenses include expert honoraria, expert and employee travel, communication and delivery costs, lease or rental costs, consumables including printing and purchased reference materials, publicity costs, venue and other usage fees, outsourcing costs, and other costs approved by the governor. Consumption tax and local consumption tax are excluded, and costs must be paid after the grant decision and by February 26, 2027. Applicants must document the project and budget with plans, estimates, financial statements, and related forms. 4. Subsidy rate, cap, and schedule: The subsidy is up to one half of eligible expenses, rounded down below one thousand yen, or 500,000 yen, whichever is lower. Applications are accepted at any time, but selection is first-come, first-served and the call closes when the budget is exhausted. The official page was updated on May 13, 2026. Applicants should not start the project until after selection, should expect a decision in about two to three weeks, and should submit completion reports by the earlier of ten days after completion or February 26, 2027.