Tokyo Startup Subsidy: This week is your last chance to get ready!

4 consultations, not 10 (as designated by Tokyo Metro. Government)

This funding can be used for personnel expenses, equipment, and other business needs. To be eligible, companies must be registered in Tokyo and have been operating for less than five years.

While this subsidy offers substantial support to startups, applicants must also complete approximately ten consultations designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. A certificate of completion is required with the application. As consultations are typically conducted weekly, completing the full ten sessions could mean missing the application deadline.

However, if you are interested in the Tokyo Startup Subsidy but were hesitant to apply because of the ten consultations required, you might consider the 'Business Support Plan for Startups' (hereafter 'Plan'). This plan, supported by local municipalities, lets you fulfil the consultation requirement with approximately four sessions.

Small business under 5 years old? Secure your advantage

Municipalities offer the ‘Business Support Plan for Startups’, which helps small businesses under five years old meet a key requirement of startup subsidies, such as the one of Tokyo, on more favourable terms. Pre-establishment businesses can also benefit from reduced registration tax.

Small Business JapanYumiko Horie

It's cutting it close, but you can still meet the April deadline for the Tokyo Startup Subsidy if you start preparations this weekend using the 'Plan'. Keep in mind that the application requires a consultation completion certificate, which takes about a week to be issued.

We support your Japanese application in English

Small Business Japan's operating company, Posse Nippon is available to assist with two more applications. To take advantage of this service, you must apply and begin work by the end of this week (21 February).

The four consultations offered through the 'Business Support Plan for Startups' can provide valuable guidance on your application's content. Furthermore, the Plan requires significantly less time than the ten consultations mandated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. These four sessions will involve some homework (such as drafting and reviewing a simple business plan), but the tasks are manageable and offer a helpful exercise in concisely articulating your business strategy.

What we offer

We offer the following support services for your application:

1. Draft business plan and documentation: Assist in drafting your business plan and other required documents (all in Japanese).
2. Online application account setup: Assistance with setting up your online application account.*
3. Online application support: Support with completing the online application process*
4. Interpretation for consultation sessions (Optional)

*For items 2 and 3, we recommend leveraging existing Japanese language skills within your network if possible, as you must use your own account when applying. We can, of course, provide support if needed.

Important Note: The provider of the 'Business Support Plan for Startups' for Startups varies depending on your company's registered municipality. When you work with us, we ensure you connect with the appropriate provider for your region.

Pricing

• ¥100,000 (+tax) for items 1-3.
  We've reduced our pricing by leveraging generative AI and automated translation tools compared to the previous round.
• Interpretation services (item 4; optional): ¥6,500 (+tax) per hour.
  This includes assistance with related homework assignments.
• Upon successful application, we will charge a commission fee of 8% of the application amount. This fee covers all necessary assistance until the target project's launch, which is expected within a year.

Join our Q&A webinar

Wednesday, 19 February, at 6:30 PM JST.

Topics include:

• Details of application process and assistance.
• Will discuss the pros and cons of subsidy applications from an honest point of view based on Yumiko's, the publisher of Small Business Japan, experience helping with subsidy applications.
• Q&A

Fee: Free for Small Business Japan members. ¥1,000 (+tax) for non-members. Become a free member.

Book the webinar. Registration closes one hour before the event at 5:30 PM.

Also see the article below for an overview of the Tokyo Startup Subsidy, including application instructions and the pros and cons.

Tokyo Startup Subsidy for small businesses

The Startup Subsidy offered by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is to support new and small businesses less than five years old. This subsidy is highly competitive but applying can be worthwhile if you’re an (aspiring) entrepreneur tackling social challenges or have a very good business model.

Small Business JapanYumiko Horie