Hirakawa City Vacant Store Countermeasure Subsidy (FY2026)

(1) Overview: The Hirakawa City Vacant Store Countermeasure Subsidy supports new businesses opening in vacant stores within Hirakawa City (Aomori Prefecture) to revitalize commercial areas. The FY2026 program subsidizes a portion of store rent and renovation costs for businesses leasing vacant retail premises. Eligible projects must be expected to operate continuously for at least 3 years. The program takes effect April 1, 2026. (2) Eligible recipients: Operators newly using a vacant store within the city, approved by a local shopping district association or recognized by the mayor as contributing to local revitalization. Excluded are: adult entertainment businesses, franchise chain operators, past recipients of this subsidy, relatives within the 2nd degree of the property owner, those unable to operate at least 3 hours between 9:00-19:00 and at least 5 days per week, those with delinquent municipal taxes, those who cannot begin operations within 12 months of lease start, and those relocating from an existing city store. (3) Eligible expenses: (a) Rent (excluding key money, deposits, and common charges) starting from the opening month; (b) Renovation costs incurred between business certification date and opening day, covering interior/exterior, plumbing, HVAC, signage, electrical/lighting work, and fixed equipment such as display shelves and store signs. Consumption tax is excluded. (4) Rates, caps, schedule: Rent subsidy is up to 2/3 of 12 months' rent, capped at JPY 50,000/month and JPY 600,000/year. Renovation subsidy is up to 1/2 of costs, capped at JPY 1,000,000 in commercial-concentration zones and JPY 500,000 elsewhere. Process: (1) submit business certification application before lease; (2) begin renovation/operations after certification; (3) file the subsidy application after 12 months of operation. Recipients must continue operating for 3 years, retain books for 5 years, and submit annual status reports by end of April for 3 years. Contact: Hirakawa City Commerce & Industry Section (0172-55-5732).