Kunisaki City Energy Cost Inflation Relief Grant for SMEs and Small Businesses

1. Program overview: Kunisaki City’s Energy Cost Inflation Relief Grant supports local SMEs and small businesses that are continuing operations while affected by crude oil price and general price increases. The grant covers part of electricity, gas, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and other business fuel costs used at city business sites from July to December 2025. The amount is paid as a fixed tier according to the tax-included total of eligible energy costs. The official page confirms applications from April 1 to July 31, 2026, with the deadline requiring arrival by that date. 2. Eligible applicants: Eligible applicants are SMEs or small enterprises under the SME Basic Act that started business in the city by November 30, 2024 and are continuously operating in the city at the time of application. They must intend to continue business and must have eligible energy costs of at least 198,000 yen. Applicants with city tax arrears, businesses mainly engaged in agriculture, fisheries, or forestry, applicants receiving similar national or prefectural aid for the same period, organized-crime-related businesses, or businesses lacking required permits are excluded. 3. Eligible costs: Eligible costs are tax-included payments for electricity, city gas or LP gas, and business-use fuel such as gasoline, diesel, heavy oil, and kerosene used for the applicant’s own business activities during the target period. Purchases used as raw materials or purchased for resale are excluded. For home-cum-business sites and private vehicles also used for business, two thirds of the relevant energy cost is counted. 4. Amount, schedule, and application points: This is a fixed tier grant, not a reimbursement-rate subsidy. Eligible energy costs of 198,000 to under 330,000 yen receive 50,000 yen; 330,000 to under 660,000 yen receive 100,000 yen; 660,000 to under 990,000 yen receive 150,000 yen; and 990,000 yen or more receive 200,000 yen. The maximum is 200,000 yen per business. Applicants submit the application/claim form, amount details, pledge and consent form, receipts, business activity proof, vehicle registration copies where applicable, and bank account evidence.