Shibushi City Challenge Subsidy

(1) Overview: The Shibushi City Challenge Subsidy is operated by the City Sales Division of Shibushi City, Kagoshima Prefecture, to support new initiatives by local commercial and industrial operators that contribute to sales improvement, including new product/service development, market expansion, and business restructuring. (2) Eligible Applicants: SMEs as defined by Article 2(1) of the Small and Medium Enterprise Business Enhancement Act, as well as general/public incorporated associations, general/public incorporated foundations, and NPOs engaged in profit-making activities. Applicants must have a permanent business location in Shibushi, no city tax arrears, no receipt of certain similar municipal subsidies in the past 5 years, and a recommendation from the Shibushi Chamber of Commerce. Adult-entertainment businesses and franchise-based operations are excluded. (3) Eligible Expenses: Expenses incurred by March 1, 2026 (Reiwa 8) for facility renovation, equipment/fixture purchase (per-item value at least 100,000 yen), publicity costs, and ingredient analysis/inspection fees. Total eligible expenses must be at least 200,000 yen. (4) Rate, Cap, Schedule, Key Points: Subsidy rate is up to two-thirds (2/3) of eligible expenses with a maximum of 500,000 yen. Four review sessions are held annually, with deadlines on May 8, July 10, September 10, and November 10, 2026 (Reiwa 8). A prior consultation and recommendation from the Shibushi Chamber of Commerce is required; the review includes a 5-minute applicant presentation and 10-minute Q&A. A performance report must be submitted promptly after project completion, and partial subsidy clawback applies if the business is relocated or closed within 3 years.