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Grants for Product Improvement and Certification in Tokyo

The Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center is now accepting applications for its grant program aimed at assisting local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in enhancing their products and meeting certification standards. With grants available up to 5 million yen, this initiative supports businesses looking to innovate and expand their market reach.

About the Grant Program

The “Product Improvement and Certification Support Project” provides financial assistance for expenses related to product enhancements and achieving necessary certifications such as CE marking, ISO, and IEC standards. This program is especially beneficial for companies adding AI features and other improvements to meet market demands.

Key Points of the Program

1. Up to 5 Million Yen in Grants: All industries are eligible, and SMEs can receive funding for product modifications that align with market needs. Direct personnel costs, up to 3.5 million yen for staff directly involved in product improvements, are also covered.

2. Eligibility for Multiple Applications: Companies can apply for more than one certification or standard at the same time, provided they pertain to the same product. This includes not only product-specific certifications but also organizational management system certifications.

3. Support for Pricing Strategies: To enhance negotiation power, the program offers support from pricing strategy experts, helping businesses set competitive prices and develop persuasive negotiation techniques for their product enhancements and certifications.

Types of Supported Projects

• - Product Improvement Projects: Focused on modifying products to meet market demands, including functionality enhancements, performance upgrades, testing, and data acquisition.

• - Certification and Standard Compliance Projects: These involve assessing and achieving compliance with domestic and international standards.

Who Should Apply?

Interested parties can choose from application categories based on their goals:

• - If you want to modify your products to meet market needs, apply under category 1.
• - If you're solely seeking certification without modifications, apply under category 2.
• - If your modifications aim at certification, consider application category 3.

Overview of Eligibility and Funding

Eligible applicants include SMEs with headquarters or branches operating in Tokyo and individuals planning to start a business in the capital. The maximum grant amount is 5 million yen, with a minimum application amount of 500,000 yen and a funding rate covering up to half of the costs.

Eligible expenses include:

• - Costs related to product improvement (materials, machinery, outsourcing, expert fees, etc.)
• - Costs related to achieving certification (similar categories apply here as well).

Application Schedule

The application period runs from September 7 to September 30, and businesses must apply electronically through the J-Grant system. It is important to create a G-Biz ID Prime account beforehand, as the approval process may take time.

Contact Information

For any inquiries or clarifications, please reach out to the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center's Product Improvement Division at 03-3251-7894 during business hours, or via email at [email protected]. Additional details can be found on their official website.

Stay ahead in the competitive market with this opportunity to improve your products and gain valuable certifications that will ensure your business thrives.