Niigata Prefecture Subsidy for Building External Networks for Young Employees

1. Overview: This Niigata Prefecture subsidy supports organizations that create opportunities for young employees of local SMEs to interact beyond company boundaries. The purpose is to improve retention of young employees by helping them build external networks and develop abilities through structured activities. 2. Eligible applicants: Eligible applicants include municipalities in Niigata Prefecture, banks, credit unions and shinkin banks with head offices in the prefecture, chambers of commerce and societies of commerce and industry in the prefecture, and private companies or organizations approved by the governor. Organizations composed of individuals only are excluded, as are applicants connected to organized crime groups or anti-social forces. 3. Eligible projects and costs: Eligible projects must mainly target young regular employees of local SMEs, generally within three years of joining and under 35 years old. The activities must include interaction among young employees, contribute to ability development, be held at least twice in the fiscal year for the same participants, and involve employees from at least three SMEs in principle. Eligible costs include honoraria, travel, consumables, printing, communication and advertising, venue rental, equipment lease, venue setup and consulting outsourcing. 4. Rate, cap and schedule: The subsidy covers up to one half of eligible costs, with a cap of 200,000 yen. Applications for FY2026 are accepted from April 1, 2026 through January 29, 2027, subject to budget availability. Performance reports must be submitted within 20 days after project completion or by March 5 of the fiscal year of the grant decision, whichever comes first.