Shibushi City Barrier-Free Store Renovation Subsidy

Shibushi City's Barrier-Free Store Renovation Subsidy supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and revenue-generating organizations located in Shibushi City, Kagoshima Prefecture, that renovate their stores or introduce equipment to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities and the elderly. The aim is to create comfortable shopping environments accessible to everyone and to enhance regional commercial vitality. The program is administered by the City Sales Division (City Sales Group / Commerce & Industry). Eligible applicants are SMEs as defined in Article 2(1) of the SME Management Enhancement Act, as well as general/public incorporated associations, general/public incorporated foundations, and specified non-profit organizations engaged in revenue-generating activities. Applicants must be owners or users of the store undergoing renovation. Individuals must have an address within the city; corporations must have their head office registered in the city. Applicants must not be delinquent on municipal taxes, must not operate under a franchise or similar contract, and must have no connection with organized crime groups. Eligible expenses include construction and design costs for facility modifications considering use by persons with disabilities and the elderly; equipment purchase and fabrication costs for related accessibility arrangements; and other costs specifically approved by the mayor. Contracts must be executed by December 31, 2026, and the project must be completed by January 31, 2027, following grant approval. Work started before approval notification is not eligible. The subsidy covers up to two-thirds (2/3) of eligible expenses, with a maximum of JPY 200,000 (amounts below JPY 1,000 are rounded down). If the recipient relocates or closes the store for personal reasons within three years of the grant decision, 50% of the granted amount must be returned if within one year, and 30% if within one to two years. Required documents include the grant application, business plan, tax-status consent form, residence certificate or company registry, recent tax return, expense breakdown, store area map, business permit copy, fixed-asset certificate, drawings, photos, and for leased premises, landlord consent and lease contract copies. Applications must be submitted before starting the project.