Shibushi City Commerce and Industry Startup Support Subsidy

(1) Overview: Shibushi City (Kagoshima Prefecture) supports new business openings or business succession (individual proprietors only for succession) within the city to promote local commerce and industry. Four review sessions are held annually (June, July, September, November), each requiring a 5-minute applicant presentation and Q&A with reviewers. Pre-application consultation with Shibushi Chamber of Commerce and a recommendation letter is required. (2) Target: Small businesses defined under the Small and Medium Enterprise Support Act Article 2, or profit-conducting entities such as general/public-interest incorporated associations, general/public-interest foundations, and NPOs. Applicants must have no municipal tax arrears, individual proprietors must reside in the city, must not have received any city startup/opening subsidies in the past 5 years, must propose effective business that generates demand and employment, must obtain Chamber of Commerce recommendation, must attend startup support seminars (post-application attendance acceptable), must not engage in adult entertainment business or franchise contracts. (3) Eligible expenses/content: Expenses paid by March 1, 2027 for opening, including (a) administrative document preparation fees for government applications, (b) facility renovation costs, (c) equipment and fixtures (items must be JPY 100,000+ per unit), (d) publicity expenses. Total eligible expenses must be at least JPY 300,000. (4) Rate/cap/schedule/application points: Subsidy rate is up to 2/3 of eligible expenses, capped at JPY 1,000,000 (rounded down below JPY 1,000). Review sessions: 1st early June (deadline May 14), 2nd late July (deadline July 10), 3rd late September (deadline Sep 10), 4th late November (deadline Nov 10). Required documents: application form, recommendation letter, business plan, budget, opening plan, tax payment consent, oath letter. After completion, submit performance report with receipts and photos. Subsidy refund obligation applies if business closes within 3 years.