Ogaki City Refresh Support Project Subsidy

(1) Overview: Ogaki City offers this subsidy to revitalize its central commercial district by supporting entrepreneurs who rent and renovate vacant storefronts to open retail, restaurant, or service businesses. The program was last revised on April 1, Reiwa 8 (2026). (2) Eligibility: Applicants must open a business on the 1st floor of a vacant store (vacant for at least 6 months) within the designated central commercial district under Ogaki City's Central District Revitalization Basic Plan. Eligible business types are retail, restaurants, and services; adult entertainment and bars/snacks primarily serving alcohol are excluded. Applicants must operate for at least 3 years (with daytime operations), complete renovation within the fiscal year, have no municipal tax arrears, not be classified as organized-crime members under Ogaki's exclusion ordinance, and receive guidance from both the Ogaki Chamber of Commerce SME consultant and Ogaki Business Support Center (Gakibiz). (3) Eligible expenses & content: (a) Store Renovation Subsidy covers up to 1/2 of renovation costs, capped at JPY 700,000 for stores fronting Ogaki Station Street and JPY 500,000 for other zones. Eligible expenses include exterior/interior work, HVAC, plumbing, signage, electrical/lighting, and built-in fixtures. Equipment purchases are excluded. (b) Rent Subsidy covers up to 1/2 of monthly rent, capped at JPY 480,000 (4万/mo × 12mo) for Station Street and JPY 240,000 (2万/mo × 12mo) elsewhere. Deposits, key money, common-area fees, and parking are excluded. (4) Rate, cap, schedule & key points: 1/2 subsidy rate; max JPY 700,000 renovation + JPY 480,000 rent. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before planned opening date; applications after construction has begun are ineligible. Flow: submit documents → review (2-3 weeks) → grant/reject decision → start work. Result reports are required after renovation (with on-site inspection) and after fiscal-year rent payments end. Closures within 3 years trigger subsidy clawback. Applications are accepted on a first-come basis until the city budget cap is reached. Contact: Ogaki City Commerce & Tourism Division (0584-47-8596).