Subsidy Flash Survey: For Those Considering Independent Business Startups, Subsidies Applicable Before Founding Cover Store Construction and Rent

Subsidy Flash (https://hojokin-kensaku.jp/), a service providing AI-powered search and application support for national subsidies and grants, has compiled and analyzed 122 programs currently open for applications as of June 1, 2026, that target pre-founding individuals and are categorized under 'startup/new business'.

Subsidies are often perceived as being for those who have already established a company and are running a business. However, there are 122 programs nationwide currently accepting applications that include pre-founding stages, with designs primarily covering store construction costs, equipment purchases, and even rent at the time of opening.

■ Summary of Analysis Results

(1) Even those preparing for business without having established a company can apply for programs covering store construction and equipment costs. There is no need to think that eligibility changes before and after incorporation; you can start narrowing down candidates before opening.

(2) In most cases, eligible expenses within a single program include store renovations, equipment purchases, and even rent for the first year of business. By first listing 'what you will spend and how much at the time of opening,' you can quickly find suitable programs.

(3) Approximately 60% of programs have maximum grant amounts concentrated in the 1 to 5 million yen range, with subsidy rates such as 2/3 to 4/5, keeping your out-of-pocket costs to 30-50%. Even those with a few million yen in self-funds can utilize programs that fit their business plan.

■ Survey Overview

Survey Target: Publicly solicited subsidies and support programs for pre-founding entrepreneurs
Survey Method: Aggregation and analysis of public information listed on Subsidy Flash
Survey Purpose: To show individuals considering independent business startups, who often think 'subsidies are for existing businesses,' that nationwide programs exist covering pre-founding stages, reducing major startup costs like store construction, equipment purchase, and rent with public funds, and to organize currently available support based on eligible expenses, grant amounts, and subsidy rates.
Survey Period: Snapshot as of June 1, 2026
Survey Area: Nationwide
Number of Cases: 122
Survey Entity: Subsidy Flash (Operated by Franca AI Inc.)

■ Main Survey Results

[Who is eligible?]
Source: Subsidy Flash (in-house database) / Aggregation date: June 1, 2026

The majority of programs include pre-founding individuals not only in dedicated programs for 'pre-founding only' but also in programs that allow concurrent applications with sole proprietors and corporations. Of the 122 programs, only a limited number are exclusively for pre-founding individuals; the rest include pre-founding individuals alongside sole proprietors and SMEs. Even those who have not yet established a company are often included in the scope of programs for existing businesses, allowing them to start searching for candidates without waiting for incorporation.

Approximately 80% of cases include pre-founding individuals in the same category as sole proprietors. Even those undecided between starting as a sole proprietor or a corporation have little worry of being excluded. Since there is no need to search again after choosing a corporate status, you can start checking programs even before your specific business plan is finalized.

■ Full Survey (PDF Version)
Those considering independent business startups who thought 'subsidies are not for me yet' can check programs covering store construction costs, equipment purchases, and rent at the time of opening, based on their planned location and 'what they will spend and how much at the time of opening.'

▶ Survey Page (PDF available for download): https://hojokin-kensaku.jp/report/R0cc4c6b941

■ Company Information
Company Name: Franca AI Inc.
Representative Director: Shumpei Inoue
Location: N&E BLD.6F, 1-12-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Website: https://franca.ai
Contact: info@franca.co.jp

■ Related Links
Subsidy Flash (Search for national subsidy and grant information): https://hojokin-kensaku.jp/
Subsidy Flash (AI-powered automatic generation of business plans for major subsidies): https://franca.ai/hojokin
Subsidy Flash launches business plan creation function for major subsidies: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000004.000144052.html
Subsidy Flash now supports 'SME New Business Advancement Subsidy': https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000015.000144052.html