Yamagata Village Small Business Challenge Subsidy

①Overview: The Yamagata Village Small Business Challenge Subsidy supports village small businesses that review operations and challenge new approaches such as environmental measures and DX adoption, contributing to sustainable management and local commerce revitalization. The ordinance takes effect May 1, 2026. ②Eligible applicants: Commercial/industrial operators under Article 2 of the Chamber of Commerce Act with regular employees within limits (5 or fewer for commerce/services excluding lodging-entertainment; 20 or fewer for lodging/entertainment and manufacturing/others), who are members of Yamagata Village Chamber of Commerce. Applicants with village-tax arrears (excluding the current year) are ineligible. One-time grant per operator. ③Eligible expenses: Six categories — machinery/equipment, advertising/promotion, exhibition participation, product development (R&D, prototypes), DX/decarbonization (digital tools, CO2 reduction, energy efficiency), and outsourcing for specialized work. Excluded: land/building, vehicles, general-purpose items, consumables, utilities, personnel, travel, food, taxes, banking fees, and mere repairs. ④Rate, cap, schedule: Up to 1/2 of eligible expenses (rounded down to 1,000 yen), capped at 100,000 yen. Apply with Form 1 plus business plan (Form 2), budget (Form 3), quotations, business-existence proof (corporate registry or latest tax return), and Chamber opinion letter. Results report (Form 9) due within 30 days of completion or March 31, whichever is earlier. Internal committee chaired by the Industry Promotion Section Chief screens applications.