Okazaki City Startup Loan Interest Subsidy

(1) Overview The Okazaki City Startup Loan Interest Subsidy supports new entrepreneurs and recently founded SMEs based in Okazaki City by subsidising a portion of interest paid on startup loans extended by the Japan Finance Corporation (JFC). The programme aims to promote new business creation and revitalise local commerce and industry. The ordinance was established on 1 April 2014, most recently amended on 1 April 2026, and expires on 31 March 2028. (2) Eligible Applicants Applicants must be SMEs as defined in Article 2(1) of the Small and Medium Enterprise Credit Insurance Act who have maintained a residence or head office and a principal place of business within Okazaki City continuously from the loan date until the application date. They must (i) be newly starting business or be within 5 years of opening, (ii) become the representative of any newly established company, (iii) hold the necessary management resources, (iv) hold or be certain to obtain required licences, and (v) have no municipal tax delinquency. Only one application per fiscal year is permitted. (3) Eligible Expenses and Content Eligible expenses are interest payments on JFC startup loans under New Enterprise Development Loan, General Loan, Sanitation Industry Loan, Business Vitalisation Loan, Marukei Loan (small business management improvement loan), or Challenge Support Capital Strengthening Special Loan. Up to six consecutive interest payments starting from the second payment after disbursement are subsidised. Interest on passenger vehicles for ten or fewer occupants, vehicles registered under a different name, or equipment installed outside the city is excluded. (4) Rate, Cap, Schedule & Process The subsidy is 45% of eligible interest (raised to 60% for businesses certified under the Okazaki Diverse Working Style "With Certification" scheme), capped at JPY 200,000, with amounts under JPY 1,000 rounded down. Applicants must submit the application form to the Mayor before the relevant interest payment date, attaching a startup plan or business registration, proof of borrowing, payment detail statement, tax clearance certificate, and other supporting documents, and submit a results report by fiscal year-end. Contact Okazaki City Commerce & Industry Division for details.