#Japan #Tokyo #Small Business #Urban Development #Tokyo Strategy

Tokyo's New Grant Program for Urban Solutions

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in partnership with the Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center, is set to launch an exciting new grant program aimed at addressing the city's pressing urban challenges while also invigorating local industries. This initiative will support small businesses in developing and enhancing products and services that contribute to the achievement of the "2050 Tokyo Strategy." The program invites participants to innovate or improve technologies that can lead to effective solutions for urban issues.

Grant Program Overview

Eligibility

The grant program is divided into two main courses:
1. Development and Improvement Course: This course targets small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within Tokyo, as well as individuals planning to start a business in the city.
2. Market Expansion Course: Eligible entities include Tokyo SMEs and specific non-profit organizations (NPOs), general foundations, and general incorporated associations.

Support Themes

Participants can focus on various key themes, including:

• - Creating a Sustainable and Safe Tokyo: This includes initiatives in disaster prevention, risk management, infection control, security measures, and child safety.
• - Meeting the Needs of Seniors and People with Disabilities: Innovations related to welfare, accessibility, caregiving equipment, active seniors, and para-sports are encouraged.
• - Promoting Digital Transformation (DX): Enhancements in business efficiency, sales and marketing, data utilization, and industry-specific solutions are focal points.
• - Heat Mitigation: Solutions addressing climate change, infrastructure management, and monitoring are also supported.

Funding Details

• - Development and Improvement Course: The maximum grant limit is 20 million yen, with a subsidy rate of up to two-thirds of allowable costs.
• - Market Expansion Course: This course offers a maximum subsidy of 1.5 million yen, with a similar subsidy rate of two-thirds.

Eligible Expenses

Development and Improvement Course:

• - Costs related to development and improvement, including raw materials, equipment, outsourcing, intellectual property costs, direct labor, expert consultation, and certification expenses.

Market Expansion Course:

• - Costs for expanding the market for own products or services. Specific limits apply, with mandatory participation in trade shows or initial registration fees for e-commerce.

Application Schedule

The application process is phased, with deadlines starting from June 4, 2023, for the first round of the Development and Improvement Course, and other key dates scattered throughout the year.

Development and Improvement Course:

• - First Period: Application from June 4 to July 3, 2023.
• - Second Period: Application from October 9 to November 13, 2023.

The schedule also includes documentation and interview evaluation processes leading up to grant disbursements set for late November 2023 and March 2024, respectively.

Seminar Announcements

To facilitate understanding and participation in this grant initiative, a series of seminars will be held:

• - First Seminar: June 4, 2023, focusing on "Heat Mitigation" product development with case studies from businesses that utilized grant funds successfully.
• - Second Seminar: June 26, 2023, discussing "Phase-Free" products and services that are useful in both everyday situations and emergencies.

Both seminars will cover the grant's themes and application processes, featuring insights from reputable guest speakers and experts in their respective fields.

For detailed program information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center website and register for the seminars before the specified deadlines. This initiative aligns with the overarching goal of constructing a resilient, sustainable Tokyo by supporting local innovation and businesses.

Contact Information

For more details regarding the overall system or specific queries about the grant:

• - Industry Labor Bureau, Commerce Division: 03-5320-4762
• - Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center: Development & Improvement Course: 03-3251-7894, Market Expansion Course: 03-3251-7895.

Join this groundbreaking effort to propel Tokyo towards a better urban future, with the support and resources available to small businesses looking to tackle today’s urban challenges head-on.

Development and Improvement Course Information

Market Expansion Course Information