[Saitama] Recruitment for SME Labor-Saving Support Subsidy Has Begun!

Saitama Prefecture is supporting local SMEs in improving labor shortages and fostering a sustainable environment for wage increases by assisting with the adoption and replacement of equipment to save labor.

Following a review, which includes an increase in the subsidy rate compared to the previous year's SME Labor Shortage Response Support Subsidy, companies are encouraged to consider utilizing this opportunity.

## Saitama SME Labor-Saving Support Project

### 1. Expert Dispatch
Saitama Prefecture will dispatch experts, such as Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants, to businesses considering labor shortage improvements. They will conduct on-site surveys and situational analyses to provide specific advice on effective equipment for labor-saving and operational efficiency. (They will also create the "Support Chart" required for equipment replacement subsidy applications.)
- Cost: Free (Up to 2 times per business)
- Available Spots: 140

### 2. Saitama SME Labor-Saving Support Subsidy

#### (1) Overview
- [New Adoption]: Subsidizes part of the expenses for newly introducing equipment included in product categories to promote labor-saving.
- [Equipment Replacement]: Subsidizes part of the expenses for replacing existing equipment based on the "Support Chart" created by experts.

#### (2) Subsidy Amount and Rate
- Amount: 150,000 to 10,000,000 yen (Up to 12,000,000 yen if wage increase requirements are met)
- Rate: Within 2/3 (Within 4/5 if wage increase requirements are met)

### 3. Application Details
- Eligibility: SMEs with their head office or main business location in the prefecture that meet labor shortage or wage increase requirements.
- Application Period:
- Expert Dispatch: May 25, 2026 (Mon) to Feb 19, 2027 (Fri)
- Subsidy: May 25, 2026 (Mon) to July 17, 2026 (Fri) 16:00