Kotoura Town SME Energy-Saving Air Conditioner / LED Lighting Installation Emergency Support Subsidy

①Overview: The Kotoura Town SME Energy-Saving Air Conditioner / LED Lighting Installation Emergency Support Subsidy assists local SMEs affected by rising energy prices by subsidizing part of the cost of installing high-efficiency air conditioners and LED lighting, promoting energy conservation and business continuity. Administered by Kotoura Town Commerce & Tourism Section in Tottori Prefecture. Application period: May 7 – October 30, 2026; closes on a first-come basis once budget is exhausted (lottery on the closing day if multiple). ②Eligible applicants: SMEs as defined by Article 2(1) of the SME Basic Act operating within Kotoura Town meeting all four requirements: (a) SME based in town excluding deemed-large enterprises (e.g. ≥1/2 shares held by a single large enterprise, 3-year avg taxable income > ¥1.5 B, etc.), (b) maintaining a year-round business establishment in town, (c) operating in town for at least 1 year with intent to continue, (d) no delinquent local taxes. Adult-entertainment businesses, anti-social forces, those under bank suspension / bankruptcy / civil rehabilitation, insolvent firms, etc. are excluded. The facility receiving the equipment must be located in Kotoura Town. ③Eligible expenses & content: Eligible projects replace existing equipment with (1) high-efficiency air conditioners meeting Top-Runner standard (≥100% achievement) or registered under METI's Energy Conservation Investment Support Subsidy (III), or (2) LED lighting (excluding bulb-only replacement, LED-to-LED replacement, and wiring-only work). Estimated annual electricity reduction must be ≥10% per unit. Eligible costs cover equipment (incl. essential accessories like outdoor units) and installation (labour, materials, on-site management). Removal, disposal, relocation, design fees, consumption tax and amounts covered by national subsidies are ineligible. Two or more quotations required, with the lower adopted; self-manufacture/self-installation is ineligible. ④Rate, cap, schedule & key points: Subsidy rate is 1/2 of eligible expenses; cap ¥250,000 per business (rounded down to nearest ¥1,000). Within the cap, both AC and LED upgrades and multiple units are allowed, but only one application per business per fiscal year. Project (incl. payment) must complete by December 31, 2026; final report by January 20, 2027. Submission by mail / in-person (689-2392 Kotoura-cho Tokuman 591-2) or email (syoukoukankou@town.kotoura.tottori.jp). Required documents: application form (Form 1), confirmation (Annex 1), pledge (Annex 2), business plan (Annex 3), reduction calculation sheet (Annex 6), two quotations, catalogues, existing-facility photos, drawings, corporate registration, recent tax return, and (if leased) landlord consent — 13 items in total.