Oshu City Small and Medium Enterprises Equipment Introduction Support Subsidy

(1) Overview: The Oshu City SME and Small Business Equipment Introduction Support Project is a city-funded subsidy that helps small and medium enterprises in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, cope with rising prices and labor shortages by partially subsidizing investments in productivity-improving equipment, energy-saving equipment, and store renovation expenses. Operations are entrusted to the Oshu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Maesawa Chamber of Commerce, with a project period from April 1, 2026 to February 26, 2027. (2) Eligibility: Applicants must be SMEs or small businesses with a business location within Oshu City, engaged in business classifications listed in the appendix (Japan Standard Industrial Classification), intending to continue operations beyond the subsidy fiscal year. They must have no municipal tax arrears, file income/corporate tax returns, not engage in adult entertainment businesses, not be organized-crime affiliated, not be in reorganization/rehabilitation procedures, and not be political or religious organizations. Primary agriculture/forestry/fishery operators and de-facto large enterprises are excluded. (3) Eligible Expenses & Content: Eligible expenses must be paid between April 1 and November 30, 2026, covering either new acquisition of energy-saving or productivity-improving machinery/equipment for in-city facilities, or store renovation expenses (limited to customer-facing, sales, business areas). Three expense categories: machinery/equipment/tools, store renovation work, and LED lighting installation. Used goods and expenses already covered by national/prefectural/other municipal subsidies are excluded. One application per business only. (4) Rate, Cap, Schedule & Key Points: SME track: up to 1/2 of eligible expenses, capped at JPY 2,000,000 (minimum JPY 500,000; per-unit price tax-excluded JPY 1,000,000+). Small business track: up to 3/4 of eligible expenses, capped at JPY 500,000 (minimum JPY 75,000; per-unit price tax-excluded JPY 100,000+). Application window May 18 to November 30, 2026; first-come-first-served until budget exhausted. SME track requires a wage-increase pledge to employees. Advance payments are eligible with conditions; completion report due by January 15, 2027.