Tokyo's Equipment Investment Subsidy Program
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, through the Tokyo Small Business Support Corporation, has announced its 13th Equipment Investment Subsidy Program, set to open for applications on July 14, 2026. This initiative aims to reinforce industrial strength and support sustainable economic growth within the region. A pre-application information session will be held on June 19 and July 3, 2026, from 2 PM to 4 PM, providing potential applicants with detailed information and guidance on the funding process.
Objective of the Program
The subsidy is designed to assist Tokyo's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in enhancing their competitiveness through the quality improvement of products and services and increasing production capacity. The program will subsidize a portion of the necessary expenses for introducing equipment such as machinery.
Key Points
- - Subsidy Amount: The program offers a substantial subsidy range from 1 million yen up to a maximum of 200 million yen, catering to businesses of various scales, from large investments to small enterprises aiming to boost their competitiveness.
- - Higher Subsidy Rates: Enterprises that commit to certain wage increases in line with their plans, or those that implement highly energy-efficient initiatives, may benefit from increased subsidy rates of up to four-fifths (80%) or three-fourths (75%) depending on the business structure.
- - Consultation Sessions: Individual consultation sessions will be available on June 19 and July 3 after the information sessions, providing an opportunity for potential applicants to seek tailored guidance regarding their applications.
Eligible Business Activities
To qualify, businesses must fit into one of the following categories:
1.
Competitiveness Enhancement: Initiatives requiring new machinery to strengthen competitiveness for further growth.
2.
Successor Challenge: Projects that involve business diversification by successors during the transfer of management and necessitate new machinery.
3.
Upgrade Promotion: Measures aimed at introducing new machinery to enhance competitiveness and productivity, thereby becoming a central player in the regional economy.
Examples of Eligible Costs
Eligible costs include expenses related to new machinery, devices, and software installation necessary for the applicant's business. It is important to note that only machinery costing over 500,000 yen (excluding tax) qualifies for this funding. Additionally, the machinery must be installed in Tokyo or its surrounding metropolitan area.
Incentives for Applicants
Certain incentives are available, such as additional points in the application process, which can further enhance the chances of securing funding. For more details, please refer to the program’s recruitment guidelines available on the Tokyo Small Business Support Corporation's website.
13th Subsidy Information Session Details
The information sessions will take place on:
- - Head Office (Akihabara): June 19, 2026, from 14:00 to 16:00 at the Tokyo Small Business Support Corporation's headquarters.
- - Tama Area (Hachioji): July 3, 2026, from 14:00 to 16:00 in Hachioji.
Both sessions allow for in-person and online participation. Pre-registration is required, and applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.
Application Notes
Applications will be processed through the national electronic application system, “J Granz,” which requires a G Biz ID Prime Account. Applicants should allow sufficient preparation time to obtain an ID as it can take a while for approval.
More Information
For complete details on the subsidy program, application steps, and eligibility criteria, please visit the official Tokyo Small Business Support Corporation homepage. This program opens for applications from July 14, 2026, at 9 AM until July 23, 2026, at 5 PM.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or further questions, please contact the support division of the Tokyo Small Business Support Corporation at 03-3251-7884.