Kudamatsu City Decarbonization Management Promotion Subsidy for SMEs (SBT Certification Track / Roadmap Formulation Track)

The Kudamatsu City Decarbonization Management Promotion Subsidy for SMEs is jointly implemented by Kudamatsu City and the Kudamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enhancing corporate value, and strengthening competitiveness for sustainable management amid the rapid social changes following Japan's 2050 carbon neutrality declaration. The program offers two distinct tracks: (1) SBT Certification Track, which supports SMEs in calculating GHG emissions, setting reduction targets, introducing continuous emission-monitoring systems, and obtaining the Science Based Targets (SBT) certification for SMEs (SBTi SMEs route); and (2) Roadmap Formulation Track, which supports the formulation of a systematic plan document (roadmap) that calculates current GHG emissions, sets reduction targets, and organizes implementation content, schedules, and progress management methods. Eligible applicants are SMEs (as defined by Article 2(1) of the Small and Medium Enterprise Basic Act) headquartered in Kudamatsu City — manufacturers/construction/transport with capital up to 300 million yen or up to 300 employees; wholesalers up to 100 million yen or up to 100 employees; service businesses up to 50 million yen or up to 100 employees; retailers/restaurants up to 50 million yen or up to 50 employees. Applicants must intend to continue business, receive consultant support, not be political/religious organizations, have no ties to organized crime, not operate sex-related businesses, and have no delinquent municipal taxes. The SBT track additionally requires being an SBTi SMEs-route target and maintaining a corporate/business website. Sole proprietors must have business income exceeding salary/miscellaneous income. Eligible expenses under the SBT track include consulting/outsourcing fees, GHG-monitoring system purchase/software/usage fees, and SBT certification application fees (USD 1,250 or USD 2,000, converted at 149 JPY/USD per Ministry of Finance announcement). The Roadmap track covers consulting/outsourcing fees for roadmap formulation. Consumption tax is excluded, double-application with other national/prefectural/municipal subsidies is prohibited, and only expenses paid between June 8, 2026 and February 19, 2027 qualify. The subsidy rate is two-thirds of eligible expenses, with caps of 500,000 yen for the SBT track and 2,000,000 yen for the Roadmap track (rounded down to nearest thousand yen). Applications are accepted from June 8, 2026 — the SBT track closes August 25, 2026 (Tuesday, must arrive by deadline) and the Roadmap track closes September 25, 2026 (Friday, must arrive). Acceptance ends if budget is exhausted. Submission is by mail (registered/Letter Pack) or in person to the Kudamatsu Chamber of Commerce. Following grant decision, business commences immediately; the performance report must be submitted by February 25, 2027 (Thursday). After verification, the subsidy amount is determined and must be claimed within 14 days. Each applicant may apply only once per fiscal year, and as public funds are used, fraudulent acts are strictly addressed.