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Tokyo's Strong Commitment to Supporting Small Businesses

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, alongside the Tokyo Small and Medium Size Enterprise Support Center, has launched a vital program to bolster small businesses in the region. This initiative, which has been active since fiscal 2021, focuses on providing financial aid for equipment investments. The primary objective is to enhance the quality of products and services, boosting competitiveness and expanding production capacity.

Starting from this year, the program is now in its 14th call for applications, which is scheduled to commence soon. For businesses contemplating applying for these grants, individual consultation sessions will be available. These sessions will assist companies in understanding the program better and preparing their applications effectively.

Program Overview

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible entities must be registered as a main office or branch in Tokyo as of October 1, 2023. This includes individuals operating a business with a formal notification of commencement in Tokyo and those who have been in operation for over two years.

Eligible Industries

All industries can apply for grants, removing barriers for firms in various sectors that are eager to innovate.

Types of Investment Projects

To qualify for funding, projects must fall into one of the following categories:
1. Competitiveness Enhancement: This involves the introduction of necessary machinery and equipment aimed at reinforcing a company's competitive edge.
2. Successor Challenges: New equipment investments that support the diversification of business or address new managerial challenges following business succession.
3. Upgrade Promotion: Projects focused on fostering regional economic growth by acquiring new machinery that enhances productivity and competitiveness.

Duration of Grants

The financial assistance is available from the month following the approval date for a maximum of one year and six months. This spans from April 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

Grant Amount and Conditions

Grants will cover partial costs for equipment procurement, primarily targeting businesses situated within Tokyo or adjoining prefectures like Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, and Yamanashi. For businesses based outside Tokyo, the main office must reside within the city.

Upcoming Schedule

Application Period

Applications will be accepted from October 23 to November 24, 2023, until 1 PM. Interested parties can utilize the government’s electronic application system, “J-Grants” to submit their applications.

Detailed guidelines and application procedures will be made available on the Tokyo Small and Medium Size Enterprise Support Center's website after September 1, 2023.

Individual Consultation Sessions

These sessions will be conducted on different dates and locations, such as on October 9, 2023, in Kokubunji, and October 26, 2023, in Akihabara. During these events, companies will have access to explanatory videos about the grant program, which will also be accessible online.

Past Successful Examples

The Center has published previous successful cases of awarded grants on its website, showcasing successful businesses that have benefitted from this investment program.

Broader Commitment

This initiative aligns with the “2050 Tokyo Strategy,” which aims to support and nurture the growth of small and medium enterprises within the city, ensuring a robust economic ecosystem.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the program:

• - General Information: Industrial Labor Bureau, Commerce and Industry Division, Startup Support Section, Phone: 03-5320-4694
• - Application Related: Tokyo Small and Medium Size Enterprise Support Center, Equipment Support Section, Phone: 03-3251-7884