Shibukawa de Startup Challenge Support Subsidy

(1) Overview: This subsidy is provided by Shibukawa City to support new business startups within the city, with the aim of promoting industry and revitalizing the local economy. Per Article 1 of the grant guidelines, the city provides financial support within the budget to those newly starting a business in Shibukawa, easing the burden of initial investment and encouraging the birth and retention of new businesses in the region. (2) Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are those who plan to start a business within the subsidy application fiscal year, or those who have already started a business but for whom not more than 6 months have elapsed since the opening date (for sole proprietors) or the corporate establishment date (for corporations). Applicants must also have completed or be scheduled to complete a designated startup seminar under the Specified Startup Support Project, have received startup consultation from the Shibukawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry or the Shibukawa Commerce Association, hold (or expect to hold) ownership or right of use of the business premises, intend to continue the business for at least 3 years from the subsidy confirmation date, and have no outstanding municipal tax. Corporations are limited to SMEs or specified NPOs. (3) Eligible Expenses and Content: Eligible expenses fall into four categories per the schedule: (1) new construction, expansion, or renovation of business premises (building purchase, land purchase, construction/exterior/interior/utility installation costs); (2) equipment or large fixture purchases (equipment integrated with the business premises, fixed display shelves, etc.); (3) advertising and promotion costs (flyers, posters, pamphlets, website, newspaper/magazine ads, signage); and (4) startup-related application document preparation costs (judicial scrivener, administrative scrivener, designer fees). Target businesses must be in retail, food service, services, or other industries eligible for credit guarantee association guarantees, must not be based on franchise contracts, and must not relate to political/religious activities or adult entertainment industries. (4) Subsidy Rate, Cap, Schedule, and Key Points: The subsidy amount is one-half of eligible expenses, with a cap of 500,000 yen. An additional 50,000 yen is added if the business is started within the Urban Function Inducement Area, and a further 50,000 yen if the applicant has Shibukawa resident registration or corporate registration in the city — bringing the maximum to 600,000 yen. Fractions under 1,000 yen are rounded down. The project must be completed within the application fiscal year. Submit Form No. 1 (grant application) with the Form No. 2 business plan; after the grant decision, file the Form No. 5 commencement notice; upon completion, submit the Form No. 10 results report and Form No. 9 payment request.