CAMPFIRE Launches Subsidy Support Service for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Sole Proprietors

CAMPFIRE Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Makoto Nakajima; hereinafter "the Company"), which operates "CAMPFIRE," one of Japan's largest crowdfunding platforms, has launched "CAMPFIRE Subsidy Application Support" to facilitate the utilization of public support for small and medium-sized enterprises and sole proprietors.

This service offers end-to-end support for subsidy applications on a success-fee basis with no upfront charges, targeting businesses that are unable to utilize public support due to information gaps or complex procedures. The aim is to create a multifaceted funding environment by combining crowdfunding with public funds.

Background of Service Launch

Public subsidies are a powerful tool for many small and medium-sized enterprises, sole proprietors, and restaurants facing management challenges such as rising raw material costs and labor shortages. Japan offers numerous subsidies tailored to various business challenges and phases. However, subsidies are not being fully utilized due to information disparities and complex application processes. A survey conducted by our company (※) revealed that 34.8% of respondents were "unaware of any" major subsidies (such as business reconstruction, manufacturing, or sustainability subsidies). Furthermore, 84.8% of those who had never applied before stated they "wanted to consult with an expert," highlighting the low awareness of these systems and the psychological and practical hurdles involved in the application process.

We believe it is our social responsibility as a platform that supports challenges to deliver appropriate information and support to businesses so that anyone can take the first step. This belief led to the launch of this service.

※ Survey Overview: Conducted by our company / Target: Individuals with prior crowdfunding project experience / Survey Period: April 1, 2025 - April 10, 2025 / Survey Method: Internet survey / Valid Responses: 296

Service Features

1. Initial Step Supported by Simple Diagnosis We have prepared a function on our landing page that diagnoses the types of applicable subsidies and potential award amounts simply by entering business details and planned investments. This aims to lower the barrier to considering an application by immediately answering the initial questions that first-time applicants have.

2. Fully Success-Based Fee for Peace of Mind

We have set the upfront fee, often incurred when hiring experts (¥100,000-¥300,000), to ¥0. In principle, no costs are incurred until the subsidy is approved, allowing businesses applying for subsidies for the first time to proceed with confidence.

3. End-to-End Support from Business Concept Articulation to Application Document Creation

This is not merely an application document proxy service. We leverage the know-how cultivated through over 120,000 cumulative crowdfunding projects to "translate the appeal and vision of a business into words that can be understood by a third party." We provide comprehensive support, from the process of businesses re-examining and structuring their business models to reflecting this in actual business plans and offering advice on application documents.

4. Comprehensive Funding Support from the Initial Planning Stage

We enable simulation of the optimal combination of subsidies such as the Small Business Sustaining Subsidy, Manufacturing Subsidy, and Efficiency Subsidy before business commencement. We provide integrated support for businesses by designing "infrastructure investment through subsidies" and "awareness expansion and fan building through crowdfunding."

Service Name

CAMPFIRE Subsidy Application Support Service

Target Audience

Small and medium-sized enterprises, sole proprietors, freelancers, restaurant/retail store owners, etc. (※Individuals who have not used crowdfunding are also eligible)

Fees

Upfront Fee: ¥0 / Success Fee: 15% of approved amount (excluding tax) ~ (※Subject to special terms and conditions)

Support Contents

Simple diagnosis of applicable subsidies, business plan creation advice, document organization support, electronic application operation guide

Special Site URL

https://camp-fire.jp/highlights/subsidysupport_ep

▲ Service details of "CAMPFIRE Subsidy Application Support"

Future Outlook

As one of Japan's largest crowdfunding services, CAMPFIRE has supported the challenges of many companies and individuals. Starting with this service, we will go beyond the scope of crowdfunding and work to develop a wide range of business support services, from fundraising to management support, enabling businesses to continue and grow.

About CAMPFIRE Co., Ltd.

With the mission "To circulate all value, starting with passion," we operate CAMPFIRE, one of Japan's largest crowdfunding platforms. It is utilized by a wide range of individuals, creators, companies, NPOs, schools, and local governments.

Company Name: CAMPFIRE Co., Ltd.

Representative: Makoto Nakajima, Representative Director

Location: 18-8 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Hillside Terrace Building F, Room 201

Establishment Date: January 14, 2011

Capital: ¥7.34935 billion (including additional paid-in capital) *As of the end of January 2026

URL: https://campfire.co.jp

Business Activities: Planning, development, and operation of crowdfunding business