METI's "Eight Major Subsidies": The Latest on Support for SME Growth
kotai2003The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) offers many subsidy programs to support the growth and productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small businesses. This article gives an overview of the "eight major subsidies" that deserve particular attention. We hope this information helps you take on new challenges.
1. Monozukuri (Manufacturing) Subsidy
This subsidy supports capital investment by SMEs and small businesses when they develop new products or services. It is used in many fields, including manufacturing and services.
- Purpose: Supporting productivity improvement and sustainable growth
- Maximum subsidy: JPY 7.5 million to 40 million
- Subsidy rate: 1/2 for SMEs, 2/3 for small businesses
- Eligible expenses: Machinery and equipment, system development, transportation, outsourcing, expert fees, etc.
- Details: Official link (in Japanese)
2. New Business Expansion Subsidy
This subsidy supports business activities based on new market development and growth strategies. It is expected to revitalize regional economies and create new industries.
- Purpose: Productivity improvement, regional economic revitalization and new market development
- Maximum subsidy: JPY 25 million to 90 million
- Subsidy rate: 1/2 in principle (varies by project)
- Eligible expenses: Machinery and equipment, system development, advertising, expert fees, etc.
- Details: Official link (in Japanese)
3. SME Growth Acceleration Subsidy
This subsidy supports SMEs and small businesses expected to grow within three years, backing business activities aimed at solving their challenges.
- Purpose: Solving challenges and accelerating business growth
- Maximum subsidy: To be determined
- Subsidy rate: 1/2 for SMEs, 2/3 for small businesses
- Eligible expenses: Machinery and equipment, software, outsourcing, expert fees, etc.
- Details: Official link (in Japanese)
4. Labor-Saving Subsidy
This subsidy supports labor-saving investment aimed at improving the productivity of SMEs struggling with labor shortages. It is used as a way to address workforce shortages.
- Purpose: Promoting sales growth and productivity improvement
- Maximum subsidy: JPY 2 million to 100 million
- Subsidy rate: 1/2 in principle
- Eligible expenses: Machinery and equipment, software
- Details: Official link (in Japanese)
5. Business Succession and M&A Subsidy
This subsidy supports business succession and M&A to promote the sustainable growth of SMEs. Expenses related to PMI (post-merger integration) are also covered.
- Purpose: Supporting productivity improvement and sustainable growth
- Maximum subsidy: JPY 6 million to 11.5 million
- Subsidy rate: 1/2 (2/3 if specific requirements are met)
- Eligible expenses: Capital investment, training, expert fees, transportation, etc.
- Details: Official link (in Japanese)
6. Large-Scale Growth Investment Subsidy
This subsidy supports large-scale capital investment based on growth strategies. Investment aimed at relocating sites to regional areas or expanding employment is also covered.
- Purpose: Supporting growth that involves relocating to regional sites and capital investment
- Maximum subsidy: JPY 5 billion (FY2024)
- Subsidy rate: 1/3 to 1/2 (depending on requirements)
- Eligible expenses: Capital investment, construction, land acquisition, transportation, etc.
- Details: Official link (in Japanese)
7. Small Business Sustainability Subsidy
This subsidy is for small businesses and supports sales channel development and special business plans. Its distinguishing feature is its focus on sales promotion activities.
- Purpose: Supporting productivity improvement and sales channel development
- Maximum subsidy: JPY 0.5 million to 2 million
- Subsidy rate: 2/3 (3/4 if specific requirements are met)
- Eligible expenses: Sales channel development, advertising, website production, trade show exhibition, etc.
- Details: Official link (in Japanese)
8. IT Introduction Subsidy
This subsidy supports the introduction of IT tools aimed at improving operational efficiency and promoting digital transformation (DX).
- Purpose: Operational efficiency, DX promotion and security measures
- Maximum subsidy: JPY 4.5 million
- Subsidy rate: 1/2 to 2/3 (depending on the type of IT tool)
- Eligible expenses: Systems and IT tools, hardware such as PCs and tablets, etc.
- Details: Official link (in Japanese)
Subsidy Summary Table
| Subsidy | Purpose | Maximum subsidy | Subsidy rate | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monozukuri (Manufacturing) Subsidy | Supports capital investment and other costs needed to develop new products and services, aimed at improving the productivity and sustainable growth of SMEs and small businesses. | JPY 7.5 million to 40 million | 1/2 (SMEs) or 2/3 (small businesses) | Link (in Japanese) |
| New Business Expansion Subsidy | Supports business activities aimed at improving productivity through growth and expansion and at developing new markets, contributing to regional economies and the creation of new industries. | JPY 25 million to 90 million | 1/2 in principle (varies by project) | Link (in Japanese) |
| SME Growth Acceleration Subsidy | To help motivated SMEs and small businesses solve their challenges, supports SMEs pursuing business activities expected to grow within three years. | To be determined | 1/2 (SMEs) or 2/3 (small businesses) | Link (in Japanese) |
| Labor-Saving Subsidy | To boost the sales growth and productivity of SMEs, supports labor-saving investment by SMEs struggling with labor shortages. | JPY 2 million to 100 million | 1/2 in principle | Link (in Japanese) |
| Business Succession and M&A Subsidy | Supports capital investment related to business succession, aimed at improving the productivity and sustainable growth of SMEs, as well as expert fees for M&A and PMI. | JPY 6 million to 11.5 million | 1/2 (2/3 if specific requirements are met) | Link (in Japanese) |
| Large-Scale Growth Investment Subsidy | Supports large-scale investment, such as capital investment and employment expansion based on growth strategies that respond to current labor shortages, and capital investment for relocating to or consolidating at regional sites. | JPY 5 billion (FY2024) | 1/3 to 1/2 (depending on requirements) | Link (in Japanese) |
| Small Business Sustainability Subsidy | Supports sales channel development, special business plans and more, aimed at improving the productivity and sustainable management of small businesses. | JPY 0.5 million to 2 million | 2/3 (3/4 if specific requirements are met) | Link (in Japanese) |
| IT Introduction Subsidy | Supports the introduction of IT tools for operational efficiency, DX promotion and security measures. | JPY 4.5 million | 1/2 to 2/3 (depending on the type of IT tool) | Link (in Japanese) |
Use Subsidies to Introduce TOMOMI RESEARCH's AI Visual Inspection System
TOMOMI RESEARCH offers a visual inspection system that uses the latest AI technology. The system makes quality inspection in production processes more efficient, helping to address labor shortages and improve productivity. With the following subsidies, a substantial part of the introduction cost can be covered.
- Monozukuri (Manufacturing) Subsidy: Supports the machinery, equipment and system development costs needed to introduce an AI inspection system
- Labor-Saving Subsidy: Eligible as labor-saving equipment to address labor shortages
- IT Introduction Subsidy: Applicable to the introduction of IT tools as part of DX promotion
Using these subsidies can ease the burden of the initial investment and help you see results sooner. If you are considering introducing an AI visual inspection system, please check the subsidy details and make use of the one that fits best.
Contact us: TOMOMI RESEARCH contact page
