Subsidy Flash Analyzes 9 Open Subsidy and Support Programs for Small Businesses

Subsidy Flash (https://hojokin-kensaku.jp/), a service that provides AI-powered search and application support for subsidies and grants across Japan, analyzed nine subsidy, grant, and support programs currently open to small businesses as of May 10, 2026. Although many small businesses assume that subsidies for SMEs do not apply to them, most programs that explicitly target small businesses also include SMEs. In many cases, small businesses are eligible for a higher subsidy rate, such as two-thirds, than ordinary SMEs. By reviewing programs labeled for SMEs first, businesses may find support opportunities they had previously dismissed. Key findings: 1. Businesses considering machinery replacement or factory renovation can find programs that reduce out-of-pocket costs to one-third or half. Several programs offer a two-thirds subsidy rate for small businesses, making it easier to narrow down candidates by first clarifying what equipment will be replaced and whether construction work is involved. 2. About 90% of the analyzed programs also target SMEs, while around 70% also target sole proprietors. Even when a program is labeled for SMEs, most can still be applied for by small businesses, so businesses do not need to exclude them at the outset based on size. 3. Some programs cover not only equipment purchase costs but also building renovation work and disposal costs for old equipment. Candidate programs range from under JPY 500,000 to the JPY 5 million to JPY 10 million tier. Because machinery replacement and factory renovation can be included under the same program, projects involving multiple expenses may be advanced through a single application. The survey covered subsidy and support programs currently open to small businesses. The analysis was based on public information listed on Subsidy Flash. Its purpose was to help small businesses considering equipment replacement or factory renovation identify programs they may qualify for based on business size, eligible expenses, and funding range. The snapshot date was May 10, 2026, covering nine programs nationwide. The survey was conducted by Subsidy Flash, operated by Franca AI Inc. The main findings show that most programs labeled for small businesses also cover SMEs and sole proprietors. Even small businesses that feel the term SME may not apply to them can often apply for the same programs. For example, Toyama Prefecture’s wage increase support subsidy, capped at JPY 100,000, provides a one-half subsidy rate for SMEs and a two-thirds rate for small businesses. Shizuoka Prefecture’s disaster-affected SME reconstruction support subsidy, capped at JPY 2 million, similarly provides one-half for SMEs and two-thirds for small businesses. In the same program, small businesses are often given a higher subsidy rate. Programs that also target sole proprietors account for roughly two-thirds of the total. Some, such as Ritto City in Shiga Prefecture’s credit guarantee fee subsidy for SMEs and similar entities, can be used regardless of corporate status. Rather than giving up at the entrance because a business may seem too small, the practical approach is to check whether the eligibility field includes small businesses. The full survey PDF can be downloaded for free from the survey page: https://hojokin-kensaku.jp/report/R6e6c1d3290 Company information: Franca AI Inc.; Representative Director: Shumpei Inoue; Address: N&E BLD. 6F, 1-12-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Website: https://franca.ai; Contact: info@franca.co.jp.