What is the difference between subsidies, grants, and grants?
Posted: May 2025, 8
Recently, there have been many programs such as "IT introduction subsidies" to support the introduction of IT tools and "inflation countermeasure subsidies" for low-income earners.
There are more and more opportunities to become aware of the existence of subsidies, grants, and grants.
All of these are funds provided by the national or local government that do not need to be repaid.
However, do you fully understand the meanings and differences between each word?
In this article, a subsidy expert will provide a detailed explanation of the differences between subsidies, grants, and grants.
The difference between subsidies, grants, and grants
The differences between subsidies, grants, and grants are as follows:
| Subsidy | Subsidy | Benefits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| jurisdiction | Mainly the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry | Mainly Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare | Mainly national and local governments |
| Target | Mainly businesses | Mainly businesses | Businesses and individuals |
| Objective | Introducing new businesses and services, promoting and supporting new policies | Improvement of employment and working conditions in companies, research and development, and human resource development | Personal living support, etc. |
| Amount of money | High (several million yen and up) | Low (several hundred thousand to 100 million yen) | Low (several tens of thousands to 10 yen) |
| Recruitment period | Short (about 1 month) | Longer (recruiting all year round) | Often there is no |
| pay back debt | Generally not required | Generally not required | Generally not required |
| Examination status | Yes | None | None |
As a general rule, subsidies and grants are provided for specific expenses paid during the project period that are eligible for subsidies, following a final inspection after the project is completed.
On the other hand, the use of grants, support funds, etc. has not been specified, and there have been no definitive inspections.
In addition, while many grants and subsidies are provided if the application requirements are met, not everyone who meets the requirements will receive a subsidy.
Applications will be reviewed and recipients will be selected based on the highest evaluation.
What is a subsidy?
Subsidies are funds provided for the purpose of introducing new businesses and services, promoting and supporting new policies, etc.
These are primarily under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and organizations under its control.
In order to receive a subsidy, you must apply for a specific purpose or business, and even if you meet the eligibility requirements, you will not be able to receive it unless you pass a strict screening process. When considering introducing a new business or service, it is important to research the applicable subsidy system and apply early.
<Examples of major subsidies>
- Small business sustainability subsidy
- IT introduction subsidy
- Labor-saving investment subsidy
- Manufacturing subsidies
- New business entry subsidies, etc.
What is a subsidy?
The subsidies are intended to create new jobs, maintain employment, and develop human resources.
Although it is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, applications and payments are mainly made to the prefectural labor bureaus.
Many of the grants do not require screening and can be received if you meet the requirements.
However, eligible expenses are limited and are restricted to specific uses, such as wages and training costs.
When applying for a grant, it is important to carefully check how eligible expenses are defined.
<Examples of major grants>
- 働き方改革推進支援助成金
- 働き方改革推進支援助成金
- Career advancement subsidies, etc.
What is a grant?
The grants are funded by the national and local governments, and if you meet the eligibility requirements, you can receive them by applying.
In addition to support for businesses, the government is also providing support for the much talked about "special fixed-amount grants" and "temporary special grants for child-rearing households."
Some are aimed at the general public.
<Examples of major grants>
- Special fixed amount benefit
- Temporary special benefits for child-rearing households
- Priority support subsidy for dealing with rising prices
- Housing security benefits, etc.
Summary
At Support Administrative Scriveners Corporation, experienced professionals provide consultation and support for applications regarding subsidies.
Applying for a grant can be a complex and time-consuming task, but with proper preparation and expert support, you can increase your chances of success.
We are always available to provide free consultation regarding subsidy applications, so please feel free to contact us.

