1) Overview: Yamanobe Town (Yamagata Pref.) subsidizes part of the expenses incurred by local SMEs for new-product / new-technology development utilizing cutting-edge technology and collaborations with diverse stakeholders, aiming to advance Yamanobe as a "town of high-quality manufacturing," promote a sustainable local economy and grow town industry. Effective from April 1, Reiwa 7 (2025). 2) Eligible applicants: SMEs (per the SME Basic Act Art. 2 (1)) and sole proprietors located in town, engaged in JSIC major-division "E-Manufacturing," continuously operating for 3+ years and intending to continue after the subsidy. Applicants must not be anti-social forces or related, not adult-entertainment businesses, not receiving similar subsidies from national/prefectural/other bodies, not political or religious groups, and not otherwise deemed inappropriate by the Mayor. SME consortia (2+ SMEs centered in town, with academic / research institutions) may also apply. 3) Eligible expenses & content: Two program tracks per Appendix 1 — (a) "Development Challenge" for new products/technologies (honoraria for experts, materials & auxiliary materials, outsourced processing, planning/market-research consignment, etc.); (b) "Commercialization" support (honoraria, office costs, materials, machinery & tool leasing, outsourced processing, outsourced design development, market research consignment, IP-rights acquisition, prototype performance-test fees, etc.). Both tracks may be used jointly (counted as one). 4) Rate, caps, schedule & key application points: Rate up to 1/3 of eligible expenses. Caps — Development Challenge: 300,000 JPY (single) / 600,000 JPY (consortium); Commercialization: 500,000 JPY (single) / 1,000,000 JPY (consortium). One grant per business per fiscal year; amounts under 1,000 JPY rounded down. Apply via Form 1 with Business Plan (Form 2), Budget (Form 3), Investigation Consent (Form 4) and other required documents. Performance report due within 30 days of completion or by March 31 of the same fiscal year, whichever is earlier (Form 5). Documents must be retained for 5 years from the year following grant receipt.