[Latest] Summary of recommended subsidies for small and medium-sized enterprises in 2024!

We have compiled a list of recommended subsidies for 2024 for small and medium-sized business owners who are worried about "which subsidy is appropriate for your company."
　
Please read to the end to find the most suitable subsidy, understand the points to note when applying, and learn about success stories, and use it to help develop your company!

List of subsidies for small and medium-sized enterprises in 2024

There are many grants available for small and medium-sized businesses in 2024 as well.

Each subsidy has its own characteristics and conditions, so it is important to choose the appropriate one based on your company's situation and needs.

Below are some representative grants:

Manufacturing subsidies
Business restructuring subsidy
Small business sustainability subsidy
IT introduction subsidy
Labor-saving investment subsidy
Subsidies in Tokyo and the 23 wards of Tokyo
Housing Energy Saving 2024 Campaign

Manufacturing subsidies

The manufacturing subsidy isSmall Business AdministrationとOrganization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JapanThis subsidy, sponsored by the Japan Finance Corporation, is an important support measure for small and medium-sized enterprises to introduce technological innovations and new business models and increase their competitiveness.

Subsidies are provided to small and medium-sized enterprises and small business operators for capital investment aimed at business innovation, such as the development of new products and services, or the introduction of new production and delivery methods.
For example, this includes the introduction of robots and the automation of manufacturing lines.

This subsidy applies to a wide range of industries, including not only manufacturing but also service and agriculture.
It is also advantageous for environmentally conscious initiatives and projects that aim to improve labor productivity.

Business restructuring subsidy

The business restructuring subsidy can be used by medium-sized and small companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to develop new business ventures.
Many companies have taken advantage of these subsidies, which help them enter new markets or make major changes to their existing operations.
For example, it covers a wide range of business restructuring (expanding into new fields, changing business models, etc.), such as a food service company opening a take-out specialty store or a manufacturing company developing a new product.
　
In order to receive a subsidy, you will be required to clearly demonstrate a specific business plan, the future prospects of your business, and its sustainability.
The plan should also include market research and competitive analysis for the new business, a specific business strategy, and revenue forecasts.
It is important to also describe the risks associated with business restructuring and the countermeasures to address them in order to demonstrate the realism and reliability of the plan to the examiner.

Small business sustainability subsidy

The Small Business Sustainability Subsidy is a subsidy for small businesses with 20 employees or fewer (varies depending on industry, etc.).
These subsidies are primarily intended to support investments in expanding sales channels and improving productivity.
By utilizing this subsidy, you can promote business development and increase the sustainability of your business.

For example, expenses for public relations activities, participation in local events, and exhibition costs are covered.
Support is also available for the development of new products that utilize local specialties and for the purchase of manufacturing equipment.

When applying, you must clearly demonstrate your specific use plan and the expected benefits.

IT introduction subsidy

The IT Introduction Subsidy is a subsidy that supports small and medium-sized enterprises and small business operators in introducing IT tools to improve the efficiency of their back offices, etc.
This subsidy will play an important role in promoting digital transformation (DX) in companies and achieving productivity improvement and cost reduction.
　
Be targetedIT tools (software, services, etc.)Applies to registered products that have been reviewed by the secretariat in advance and published on the subsidy website.
Services such as installation consulting costs and maintenance support costs are also eligible for assistance.

Subsidy applicants (SMEs, small businesses, etc.) must be registered with the IT introduction subsidy office."IT introduction support business"It is necessary to apply in partnership with.

When applying, you will need to provide a detailed explanation of how the IT tool you plan to introduce will contribute to your company's business operations.
A specific implementation plan needs to include detailed descriptions of the functions and benefits of the IT tools to be introduced, operational plans after implementation, and the expected effects of improving business operations.

Labor-saving investment subsidy

The Labor-Saving Investment Subsidy (SME Labor-Saving Investment Subsidy Program) is a program for SMEs and small-scale businesses toCapital investment to resolve human resource shortagesThis is a subsidy for.

IoT, robots, AI (artificial intelligence), etc.By promoting simple and immediate labor-saving investments using these technologies, the aim is to increase added value and productivity in small and medium-sized enterprises, and to achieve sustainable wage increases in rural areas.

Target audience is mainlySole proprietor/small business/SME.
mainlyConstruction industry, manufacturing industry, warehousing industry, wholesale industry, retail industry, accommodation industry, restaurant industryHowever, other industries are also included.

Not all products are eligible as long as they are effective in alleviating the shortage of human resources; industry associations and other organizations apply in advance to the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency for product categories.Products in the target category that have been approved (and have been registered in the catalog)This is the applicable mechanism.

By utilizing this subsidy, you can improve labor productivity and address labor shortages.
When applying, you will be required to make a specific plan and make effective capital investments.
It is also important to set specific numerical targets for the cost reduction effects and productivity improvements that accompany the introduction of labor-saving equipment and demonstrate their feasibility.

Subsidies in Tokyo and the 23 wards of Tokyo

There are many special support programs available for small and medium-sized businesses in Tokyo.

In order to support the increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has implemented a system called a subsidy to support the strengthening of inbound tourism capabilities.
This subsidy will be provided to accommodation facilities, restaurants, duty-free shops, experience-based content providing facilities, etc. in Tokyo to improve their services and communication skills in response to the needs of foreign tourists visiting Japan. This is to support the initiatives being implemented.
　
In addition, Shinjuku Ward is providing subsidies (up to 160 million yen) to cover part of the expenses incurred by small and medium-sized enterprises and sole proprietors who are working on projects to strengthen their management capabilities.

In addition, various subsidy programs are being developed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and local governments.
For more detailed information, please check the official websites of your local governments.

Cool Net Tokyo Grant

Tokyo Metropolitan Government's affiliate, Cool Net Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Center for the Promotion of Activities to Cope with Global Warming), hosts several energy conservation promotion projects.
Among them, the following two are particularly recommended for small and medium-sized businesses:

(1) Project to increase locally produced and locally consumed renewable energy

The Project for Promoting the Introduction of Locally Produced and Consumed Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Facilities (hereinafter referred to as the "Local Production and Consumption Project") aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate the burden on power grids by providing subsidies to businesses that install locally produced and consumed renewable energy power generation facilities, renewable energy heat utilization facilities, or businesses that install storage batteries alone, to cover part of the expenses associated with the installation of such facilities.

*1: Small and medium-sized enterprises, school corporations, public interest incorporated foundations, medical corporations, social welfare corporations, etc.
*2: Including renewable energy generation equipment installed at the same time

(2) Project to support the introduction of energy-saving equipment and operational improvements aimed at achieving zero emissions

This project supports the introduction of energy-saving equipment and operational improvements in order to promote further energy conservation in small and medium-sized businesses in Tokyo, with the aim of realizing "Zero Emission Tokyo," which will contribute to "net-zero CO2050 emissions by 2."

Subsidies of up to 5,000 million yen may be available for equipment such as high-efficiency air conditioning systems, total heat exchangers, and LED lighting.

Key points and precautions for applying for subsidies

There are some important points and things to keep in mind when applying for a grant.

Things to keep in mind when applying

First of all, since subsidies are awarded on an approval basis, applying for them does not necessarily mean you will receive the subsidy.
　
It is important that you complete your application accurately and thoroughly.
Since many applicants apply, there is a very high possibility that any deficiencies or errors in the documents will put you at a disadvantage during the screening process.

In addition, if the grant application requires you to prepare a business plan, you must clearly describe the project's objectives, specific details, and expected results.
In addition, you will be required to provide a detailed breakdown of expenses for each item, how the funds will be used, and the basis for the amount of added value in the plan, and to present a reasonable budget plan.

It takes time to prepare the application documents, so be sure to start preparing early.

Check past adoption cases

By checking past cases of successful applications and learning what types of projects are likely to be approved, you can use this information to improve your company's application documents.
In addition, by referring to success stories from other companies in the same industry, you can clarify your company's strengths and selling points.

Past grant-winning cases are typically collected from the official websites of each grant or from materials from related organizations.
We will analyze the success factors of these selected cases and compare them with our own company's business plan to extract useful points that will be reflected in the preparation of our application.

In addition, administrative scriveners and other professionals who assist with applying for subsidies often have a large stock of past application and approval cases, so consulting such professionals is another option.

Summary

This article provides detailed information about subsidies for small and medium-sized enterprises for 2024.
Learn the details of each subsidy and key points for application to find the subsidy that's best suited to your company.

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.
At Support Administrative Scriveners Corporation, experienced professionals provide support for applying for various subsidies.
We also provide free consultation regarding grant applications.

Click here for inquiries

Past examples of subsidy use and adoption

Small business sustainability subsidy

Manufacturing subsidies

Business restructuring subsidy

FAQ

What documents are required for the grant application?

Application documents include a business plan and expense statement.
For specific documents, please check the application guidelines for each grant.
There are also required supporting documents and certificates, so be sure to check them carefully in advance and proceed with the preparations.
To prepare specifically, first read the application guidelines carefully and check the required documents and submission deadlines.
Next, application documents are prepared and checked in advance by relevant parties to ensure there are no deficiencies.
Also, check all documents again before submitting to ensure you have all the necessary attachments.

When should I apply for the grant?

The application period for each grant varies.
It is important to allow plenty of time between the start of the call for applications and the deadline to begin preparations.
Also, please be aware that there will be a large number of applications close to the deadline, so please submit your application early.
To prepare specifically, first check the application guidelines and confirm the application period.
Next, application documents are prepared and checked in advance by relevant parties to ensure there are no deficiencies.
Also, check all documents again before submitting to ensure you have all the necessary attachments.

How much does it cost to apply for a grant?

The cost of applying for a grant will vary depending on the type of business and the grant you are applying for.
There may be costs associated with completing and submitting your application.
If you decide to hire a professional, you will also need to consider the cost.
Please consult a specialist for more details.