Hofu City: "Urgent Support Fund for Counter s for High Tariffs and Prices"

This support program aims to alleviate cash flow difficulties for SMEs affected by Middle East tensions, including rising crude oil prices and supply chain disruptions. Eligible applicants are SMEs under the Small and Medium Enterprise Basic Law (manufacturing/construction/transport: capital ≤3 billion yen or employees ≤300; wholesale/retail/services: lower thresholds) experiencing sales decline or increased material costs due to regional tensions. Primary support mechanisms include zero-interest, unsecured loans or emergency credit facilities to improve liquidity; specific loan limits and rates require verification at application. Applicants must demonstrate objective deterioration in management through sales decline history or debt restructuring track records. Early consultation with financial institutions or chambers of commerce is critical as application deadlines may be limited.