Start-Up Supporters Seek Consortium Partners to Aid Small Businesses in Grant Applications

Start-Up Supporters Recruiting Consortium Partners for Grant Application Service

The Start-Up Supporter Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is launching a nationwide initiative to recruit consortium partners for its innovative grant application automation service named "SutaSapo". This program aims to provide detailed management support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in response to the amendments to the Administrative Scrivener Act, effective January 1, 2026.

Addressing Challenges Faced by SMEs

The Japanese government, through the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), has established various subsidy programs to support the growth of SMEs. However, these subsidies often require creation of complex business plans that can serve as a significant burden on small businesses lacking the necessary expertise. Additionally, the preparation of performance reports post-approval presents similar difficulties.

In terms of human services, which includes expert support, the extensive time required for drafting application forms makes it challenging for service providers to cover the entire process of grant reporting, which is crucial for receiving funds. Furthermore, with the upcoming amendments to the Administrative Scrivener Act, new regulations will be enforced regarding the scope of operations and contract types for support providers, prompting the need for proactive adaptation.

Overview of SutaSapo Service

SutaSapo facilitates the entire grant application process for SMEs, from submission to fund receipt, incorporating several advanced features:

- Automated Business Plan Creation: Simply input the solicitation guidelines, and the system generates a tailored business plan for subsidy applications based on connected management data.
- Performance Report Generation: Post-approval reports can be easily created, ensuring compliance with post-award obligations.
- Subsidy Information Distribution: Users receive timely updates on the latest subsidy opportunities.
- Customer Management and Marketing: Consolidated management of business information streamlining customer relations.

Consortium Partnership Characteristics

1. No Participation Fees: Joining the consortium does not incur any costs. It remains a business model designed specifically for SMEs seeking human services in grant applications.
2. Compliance Under Legal Supervision: The contractual framework adheres to the updates mandated by the Administrative Scrivener Act, ensuring regulatory compliance.

Current Partnership Status (As of September 2025)

Several specialists and businesses have already joined, including:

- Certified Business Consultants
- Registered Management Consulting Firms
- Administrative Scriveners
- Tax Accounting Corporations
- Various business entities

Eligibility Criteria for Chief Members

Prospective partners must demonstrate the capacity to offer meticulous support to SMEs via the following:

- Consulting firms
- Certified Business Consultants
- Administrative Scriveners
- Tax Accountants
- Social Insurance Labor Consultants
- Other professionals/ recognized support organizations

Benefits of Partnering

- Strengthened Client Relationships: Continuous support from application submission to funding deepens trust between chief members and SMEs.
- Operational Efficiency: The automated creation feature significantly reduces the time required to produce application forms — for instance, developing a business plan compliant with small business subsidy criteria in under 20 minutes from input to output.
- Differentiation: We offer patented high-quality solutions.
- Legal Compliance: Assurance through adherence to the new revisions stipulated by the Administrative Scrivener Act.

Application Process

You can apply by visiting this link.

Company Philosophy

Supporting SMEs to leverage subsidies for growth is crucial for revitalizing Japan's economy. However, the complexity of application documents often dissuades many businesses from pursuing these opportunities. By merging our technology with the profound expertise of local professionals, we aspire to support a greater number of SMEs effectively. We have also established a system that allows professionals to engage confidently in compliance with the Administrative Scrivener Act. Together, let’s fortify Japan’s SMEs.

Future Outlook

Start-Up Supporters aspire to strengthen partnerships with a multitude of consortium chief members. Additionally, the forthcoming incorporation of AI technologies will enhance operational quality and minimize labor, thereby improving success rates for SMEs.