Hamada City Commercial Support Subsidy (Retail Store Opening Support)

①Overview: The Hamada City Commercial Support Subsidy (Retail Store Opening Support Project), governed by Notice No. 52 of October 1, 2005 and the implementation outline applied from April 1, 2026, partially funds business operators promoting commercial functions in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, to revitalize local commerce and support small/medium commercial enterprises. Recipients must have specific, sustainable effects with numerical targets and coordinate with the Hamada Chamber of Commerce or Sekio Chamber for ongoing management guidance. ②Eligibility: Targets SMEs or individuals planning to open a store in Hamada City within the retail, food service, life-related service, or amusement industries (Japan Standard Industrial Classification major categories). Applicants must (a) have received or be receiving Certified Specified Startup Support under Article 2(31) of the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act, (b) be certified by the Hamada City Startup Plan Certification Council, and (c) commit to operating the subsidized business for at least 5 years post-decision. Excluded: municipal tax delinquents, entities with >1/2 large-enterprise ownership, adult entertainment, fortune-telling, racing-related, geisha houses, off-track betting, religious/political bodies, openings inside large retail stores, unmanned stores, and intra-city store relocations (with exceptions). ③Eligible Expenses: Renovation costs, equipment purchases (items under JPY 50,000 excluded), rent (limited to 12 months within 14 months from opening; deposits, key money, utilities, and common-area charges excluded), and advertising/PR costs (posters, flyers, magazine ads, free papers, web ads, newspaper ads, DM, website creation, TV/radio CMs within 3 months after opening). Orders must be placed with vendors headquartered in Hamada City unless prior consultation is held. Facilities used only by staff and parking lots are excluded. ④Rate/Cap/Schedule: Subsidy rate is up to 1/2 of eligible expenses; cap is JPY 2,000,000 (with rent capped at JPY 100,000/month). Young applicants aged 39 or under on the application date receive an enhanced cap of JPY 2,300,000. Multi-year continuation possible (annual reapplication required). Submit Form 1 by the deadline specified by the mayor, with the indicating-member opinion (Attachment 2). Status reports (Form 5) by October 31 for September 30 status; quarterly guidance reports (Form 5-2) for 1 year after opening; completion report (Form 6) within 20 days of completion or by March 10. Effect report (Form 1) annually for 5 years post-completion.