Handling Period for "Special Loan for SMEs in Specific Areas" Due to Nuclear Accident Extended by 1 Year - Loan Applications Accepted Until End of March, Reiwa 9
The Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (SME Support, Japan) has extended the application period for the "Special Loan for SMEs in Specific Areas" by one year, until the end of March, Reiwa 9 (2027). This loan supports businesses in areas affected by the nuclear power plant accident, offering long-term, interest-free financing for business continuity and reopening.
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- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 19:00
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The Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (President: Masashi Miyakawa, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo), in cooperation with Fukushima Prefecture, has extended the handling period for the "Special Loan for SMEs in Specific Areas," a long-term, interest-free loan system for business continuity and reopening of SMEs with business establishments in areas affected by the nuclear power plant accident, by one year, and will accept loan applications until the end of March, Reiwa 9.
SME Support, Japan and Fukushima Prefecture have been implementing the "Special Loan for SMEs in Specific Areas" project since June 2011, utilizing the framework of SME Support, Japan's advanced financing, to provide long-term, interest-free loans for business funds necessary for SMEs with business establishments in areas affected by the nuclear power plant accident to continue or restart their businesses.
The handling period for this loan has been repeatedly extended until the end of March this year, but in consideration of the situation in the affected areas and requests from Fukushima Prefecture and related organizations, it will be extended for another year, and loan applications will be accepted until the end of March, Reiwa 9.
SME Support, Japan will continue to work with Fukushima Prefecture and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to support the business continuity and reopening of SMEs in the areas affected by the nuclear power plant accident, even 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Please refer to the attached "Outline of Special Loan for SMEs in Specific Areas" for an overview of the system (eligible borrowers, use of funds, limits, period, etc.).
SME Support, Japan and Fukushima Prefecture have been implementing the "Special Loan for SMEs in Specific Areas" project since June 2011, utilizing the framework of SME Support, Japan's advanced financing, to provide long-term, interest-free loans for business funds necessary for SMEs with business establishments in areas affected by the nuclear power plant accident to continue or restart their businesses.
The handling period for this loan has been repeatedly extended until the end of March this year, but in consideration of the situation in the affected areas and requests from Fukushima Prefecture and related organizations, it will be extended for another year, and loan applications will be accepted until the end of March, Reiwa 9.
SME Support, Japan will continue to work with Fukushima Prefecture and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to support the business continuity and reopening of SMEs in the areas affected by the nuclear power plant accident, even 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Please refer to the attached "Outline of Special Loan for SMEs in Specific Areas" for an overview of the system (eligible borrowers, use of funds, limits, period, etc.).