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Introduction
The IT Introduction Subsidy is a system administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry that subsidizes part of the costs incurred when small and medium-sized enterprises and small business operators introduce IT tools. The purpose of the introduction is to improve business efficiency and productivity, and also to promote DX (digital transformation).
What is the IT implementation subsidy?IT Introduction Subsidy 2025 Official Website
The IT Introduction Subsidy is a system administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry that subsidizes part of the costs incurred when small and medium-sized enterprises and small business operators introduce IT tools. The purpose of the introduction is to improve business efficiency and productivity, and also to promote DX (digital transformation).
Main changes and subsidy amounts for FY2025
Highlights of the 2025 grant program include:
- Regular slotSubsidy rate within 1/2, maximum subsidy amount 4.5 million yen
- Digital infrastructure introduction typesSubsidy rate: 2/3, maximum amount: 3.5 million yen
- Security measures promotion framework：Maximum subsidy amount increased to 1.5 million yen to strengthen cybersecurity
- Invoice system support: This also includes the introduction of IT tools that comply with the Electronic Bookkeeping Act and the invoice system.
The applicants are as follows:
[Normal slot]
Purpose: To support small and medium-sized enterprises and small business operators in improving their labor productivity by subsidizing part of the expenses incurred when introducing IT tools that meet the challenges and needs of their companies.
Subsidy amount and subsidy rate
(Quoted from IT Introduction Subsidy 2025)
[Invoice frame (invoice compatible type)
Purpose: The purpose of this subsidy is to strongly promote the adoption of the invoice system by SMEs and small business operators by partially subsidizing the costs of introducing software, PCs, hardware, etc. with accounting, ordering, and settlement functions that are compatible with the invoice system.
Subsidy rate and amount:
(Quoted from IT Introduction Subsidy 2025)
[Invoice frame (electronic transaction type)]
Purpose: When an ordering party in a business relationship introduces an IT tool (ordering and placement software) that is compatible with the invoice system and provides said IT tool to an SME or small business that is the recipient in said business relationship, the purpose of this subsidy is to promote productivity improvement and compatibility with the invoice system for SMEs and small business operators by partially subsidizing the costs of introducing said IT tool.
Subsidy rate and amount:
[Security response promotion framework]
Purpose of the subsidy: The purpose of the subsidy is to partially subsidize the expenses incurred by SMEs and small business operators in introducing IT tools to strengthen cybersecurity measures, thereby reducing the risk of cyber incidents causing difficulties in business continuity and other issues that could hinder productivity improvement, as well as reducing potential risks such as supply constraints and the resulting price hikes.
Specifically, when a service is introduced that is listed in the "Cyber Security Help Team Service List," is provided by an IT implementation support company, and is registered with the Secretariat, the service usage fee (for up to two years) will be subsidized.
Subsidy rate and amount:
[Multiple company collaboration IT introduction framework]
Purpose of the subsidy: In order to support efforts to achieve comprehensive digitalization, DX, and productivity improvement through collaboration among multiple SMEs and small business operators in supply chains and commercial clusters by introducing IT tools, a "multiple company collaboration IT introduction framework" has been established with a higher subsidy rate than the "regular framework." The objective of this framework is to support the introduction of IT tools to multiple companies, as well as to provide support including coordination costs for effective collaboration and honoraria for external experts who provide advice on the initiatives.
Eligible recipients:
- Commercial and industrial organizations (e.g. shopping district promotion association, chamber of commerce, chamber of commerce, business cooperative association, etc.)
- Small and medium-sized enterprises or organizations that can take on the role of driving urban development, commercial revitalization, tourism promotion, etc. in the relevant area (e.g., urban development companies, tourism area development organizations (DMOs), etc.)
- A consortium formed by multiple SMEs and small business operators
Subsidy rate and amount:
Eligible IT tools
The IT tools that can be introduced are limited to those that have been registered and certified in advance by IT implementation support companies. The tools that are eligible are as follows:
- Software aimed at improving business efficiency (accounting, labor, customer management, etc.)
- Cloud services (including subscription-based services)
- Hardware (POS registers, tablet terminals, etc., subject to certain conditions)
- Support costs (installation settings, operation guidance, etc.)
Application process
The application process involves the following steps:
- Selection of IT implementation support company
- Choose an IT vendor that suits your company and discuss the tools you plan to introduce
- Obtaining gBizID Prime
- This ID is required for application. It takes several weeks to obtain it, so please act early. Click here to create it.https://gbiz-id.go.jp/top/
- Declaring a SECURITY ACTION
- Declaration of information security measures to the IPA
- Preparation and submission of grant application form
- Work with support providers to create the content and submit the application online
- Grant decision and start of implementation work
- Contract and install IT tools after notification of decision. Advance purchase is not allowed.
- Reporting business results and requesting subsidies
- Report on usage and effectiveness and receive subsidies
Case studies
Case 1: Improving operations in the food and beverage industry
A chain of izakaya restaurants in Tokyo introduced a cloud-based POS register and reservation management system. By unifying sales management and customer data, the sales strategy for each store became clear, and sales increased by 20% compared to the previous year.
Case 2: Digital transformation for construction site management
A construction company in Osaka Prefecture introduced a cloud app that allows for unified on-site progress management and time clocking using smartphones. This has made it easier to share information between sites, and significantly reduced the time spent on administrative tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Who applies for the subsidy? A. In principle, the business owner applies, but the application will be handled in close cooperation with the IT implementation support company.
Q: When will the subsidy be deposited? A. After the grant is approved, payment will be made after implementation and performance reports are submitted, so it will take several months.
Q. Is it possible to install multiple tools? A. Yes, if you meet the conditions. However, all items must be eligible for the subsidy.
summary
The IT implementation subsidy is not just a cost reduction measure, but a very effective system that supports companies in improving their productivity and taking their first steps toward digitalization. In fiscal 2025, the scope of support and the subsidy rate will be expanded, making it easier for more companies to use.
If you are considering introducing IT, start preparations early to make effective use of subsidies.