Kitakyushu City SME Human Resources Acquisition Support Subsidy

Kitakyushu City's SME HR Acquisition Support Subsidy helps local SME groups fund activities that improve industry image and workplaces, promoting youth and female employment in SMEs. Eligible: SME groups (cooperatives, associations, voluntary trade groups) in Kitakyushu City whose members are ≥75% SMEs and ≥75% sited in the city; city-tax compliant; no organized-crime ties; proper articles of association. Four project types: (1) awareness-raising on industry appeal to youth/women; (2) exchanges with students/teachers; (3) workplace and management-mindset reform; (4) other HR projects approved by the mayor. Project period 1 Apr 2026–31 Mar 2027. Eligible expenses: honoraria, travel, rentals, commissions, insurance, consumables, printing. Subsidy: up to 1/2 of eligible expenses, capped at JPY 400,000. Rolling intake 1 Apr 2026 until budget out or 26 Feb 2027. Completion report due within 20 days of project end; no double-funding with national subsidies. Required docs: application form, group profile, project plan, expense breakdown, officer roster, anti-OC pledge, member roster, articles, city-tax certificate.