Uji City SME Talent Retention Support Subsidy

This subsidy is provided by Uji City to support talent retention among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located within the city. It funds initiatives that enhance workplace appeal and improve employee satisfaction, using the national "Local Revitalization Emergency Grant for Price Surge Response" as a funding source. The eligible project period runs from the date of grant decision until February 26, 2027. Eligible applicants are SMEs as defined under Article 2(1)(1)-(5) of the SME Management Enhancement Act, with a store, factory, office, headquarters, or branch in Uji City. Applicants must have no delinquent municipal taxes, must not be deemed-large enterprises, must have no relationship with organized crime, and must not be political or religious organizations. Applicants must also formally announce to employees a plan to increase total employee salaries by at least 1.5% compared to the previous year. Eligible expenses cover (1) equipment installation and construction costs to improve workplace appeal and environment (e.g., employee cafeterias, lounges, locker rooms, restrooms, air conditioning, lighting, AI/system introduction) and (2) consulting expenses for workplace environment improvement (employee surveys, training, AI/DX advisory, work-rule revision). General-purpose equipment, repairs, consumables, personnel costs, utilities, and taxes are excluded. The subsidy rate is up to one-half of eligible expenses, with a maximum of 250,000 yen, limited to one application per business per project. The application deadline is 17:00 on January 29, 2027 (Friday), or earlier if the budget cap is reached. Submission must include the application form (Form 1), business plan (Form 2), wage-increase declaration (Form 3), quotation, proof of no tax delinquency, and proof of office address, submitted by mail or in person to Uji City Industry Promotion Section.