By using
IT
introduction subsidies, you can reduce introduction costs while implementing IT in your company. Currently, the development of
cloud
services and software is progressing in many fields such as accounting, human resources, and sales, and introducing IT introduction subsidies will help reduce personnel costs and reduce operational errors.
In this article, we will explain the outline of IT introduction subsidies, how to apply, application schedule, and required documents. If you are a small business or a sole proprietor and would like to take advantage of IT introduction subsidies, or would like to know the application process, please refer to this article.
What is IT introduction subsidy?
IT introduction subsidies are a project that supports small and medium-sized enterprises and micro-enterprises to improve their business efficiency by covering part of the cost of introducing IT tools to optimize their businesses. Since the grant is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises and micro-enterprises, there are conditions on capital or number of employees depending on the industry and organizational form of the company receiving the grant.
IT introduction subsidies for 2022 will be awarded in the range of 300,000 to 4,500,000 yen, and there are the following types.
The application schedule differs depending on the slot, so be sure to have an idea of which slot you would like to apply for in advance.
Process of applying for IT introduction subsidy
In order to receive an IT introduction subsidy, you need to take various steps.
The process to receive the subsidy is as follows.
1. Understand the outline of IT introduction subsidies
2. Selection of IT tools
3. Selection of IT implementation company
4. Obtain gBizID Prime
5. SECURITY ACTION
6. Application for issuance
7. Use and payment of IT tools
8. Performance report
9. Subsidy receipt
I will explain each in turn.
Understand the overview of IT introduction subsidies
The small and medium-sized enterprises eligible for type A and B subsidies are as follows.
| Industry | capital | Number of full-time employees |
| Manufacturing industry, construction industry, transportation industry | 300 million yen | 300 people |
| Wholesale | 100 million yen | 100 people |
| Service industry (excluding software industry, information processing service industry, and hotel industry) | 50 million yen | 100 people |
| retail industry | 50 million yen | 50 people |
| Rubber product manufacturing industry (excluding automobile or aircraft tire and tube manufacturing industry and industrial belt manufacturing industry) | 300 million yen | 900 people |
| Software industry/information processing service industry | 300 million yen | 300 people |
| Inn business | 50 million yen | 200 people |
| Other industries | 300 million yen | 300 people |
Reference:
IT introduction subsidy (Small and Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation Organization)
When considering the introduction of cloud computing or software, check what IT introduction subsidies are and whether your company is eligible for them.
IT introduction subsidies have limits on capital and number of full-time employees depending on the industry. If either the capital or the number of employees is less than the number in the vote above, you can receive the subsidy.
In addition to the companies mentioned above, corporate businesses such as medical corporations and foundations, as well as specified non-profit corporations of chambers of commerce and industry are also eligible for the grant.
Selection of IT tools
Once you have confirmed that you are eligible for the grant, the next step is to consider which IT tools to implement.
The following are examples of IT tools that improve business efficiency and sales.
Tools other than those listed above are also eligible for subsidies if they lead to improved business efficiency and sales.
After introducing an IT tool and receiving a subsidy, you must report on what changes have occurred in sales and operations as a result of implementing the IT tool as a “results report.” Therefore, consult with your IT implementation support provider to determine what tools can help you carry out your work efficiently.
At this time, focus on whether the IT tools are necessary for your company’s business and whether your employees can use them properly, rather than buying expensive IT tools to reach the maximum subsidy limit.
Selection of IT implementation company
When introducing IT tools, an IT implementation company is essential.
By entering information such as region and industry on the ”
Search for IT Implementation Support Businesses and IT Tools
” section of the IT Implementation Subsidy Official Website, you can search for IT implementation support businesses that meet your criteria. If you find success with multiple companies, make your selection by getting competitive quotes or making inquiries.
In addition to supporting the introduction of IT tools, IT implementation support providers also assist with the procedures to receive IT introduction subsidies. Choose carefully, taking into account the company’s experience in dealing with your industry and support history for IT introduction subsidies.
Get gBizID Prime
A gBizID Prime account is required to apply for a subsidy. gBizID is a service that allows you to receive various government services, including IT introduction subsidies.
To obtain a gBizID, first open
the official website
and click “Create gBiz Prime Application Form” at the top. gBizID Prime takes about two weeks from submission of application to issuance, so please apply with plenty of time.
SECURITY ACTION
One of the requirements for applying for a subsidy is a “declaration of SECURITY ACTION.” SECURITY ACTION is a declaration by small and medium-sized enterprises that they will undertake information security measures themselves.
There are two types of SECURITY ACTION: “one star” and “two stars.” You can apply for IT introduction subsidies regardless of whether you declare one star or two stars.
Access
the SECURITY ACTION accident declaration page
, read the terms and conditions, and follow the steps to self-declaration. You will receive the SECURITY ACTION logo in about 1 to 2 weeks, so download it.
Application for issue
Once you have completed the gBizID Prime and SECURITY ACTION procedures, it is time to apply for the subsidy.
In order to apply for the grant, you need to be invited to the application page by the IT implementation support provider. Once you have been invited, you can apply for the invitation by following the instructions on the page and entering the necessary information and attaching documents.
Use and payment of IT tools
You will not be able to use the IT tools unless you receive a decision to issue them. If you sign a contract before the grant is decided, you will not be eligible for the subsidy.
After applying for the grant, do not contract or pay for the IT tools, but wait until you receive notification of the grant decision. After the grant is decided, start using the IT tools within six months.
Performance report
Once you have completed the contract and payment for the IT tool after the delivery decision has been made, you will need to submit documents proving the contract and payment. You can submit performance report documents from the page where you applied for the grant.
Subsidy receipt
Once the submitted performance report is approved, the subsidy will be issued. Even after receiving the subsidy, companies are obligated to report on the changes they have made as a result of implementing IT tools over a three-year period.
Since all you have to do is enter information such as sales and costs on the My Page that you use when applying for the grant, reporting your results will not be a big burden.
Documents required for IT introduction subsidy
The documents required for IT introduction subsidies differ depending on whether you are a corporation or a sole proprietor.
| Corporation |
● Copy of all certificates (issued within 3 months) ● Latest corporate tax payment certificate issued by the tax office (Part 1 or Part 2) |
| sole proprietor |
● A copy of your driver’s license (within the expiration date) or residence card (within 3 months of issue) ● Latest corporate tax payment certificate issued by the tax office (Part 1 or Part 2) ● Copy of previous year’s tax return B |
In the case of a corporation, a copy of a complete history certificate issued within 3 months is required.
A complete history certificate is a registration of a company registered with the Legal Affairs Bureau, and can be applied for online at any Legal Affairs Bureau counter nationwide or through the ”
Registration/Deposit Online Application System
.” Please note that issuance fees vary depending on the billing method.
How to make it easier to apply for IT introduction subsidies
Here are some things you can do to make it easier to apply for an IT introduction subsidy.
I will explain each in turn.
prepare in advance
In order to apply for and receive an IT implementation subsidy, you not only have to follow the schedule, but you also need to find and consult with an IT implementation support provider. When you want to introduce an IT tool, check the application schedule, prepare the necessary documents, and act with plenty of time to spare.
Additionally, there are some restrictions, such as a time lag before gBizID Prime and SECURITY ACTION declarations are approved, and IT tools cannot be used until the issuance decision is notified. Be sure to check these precautions in advance and proceed carefully while checking the steps until you receive the subsidy safely.
Properly understand the outline of IT introduction subsidies
IT introduction subsidies are a support project aimed at improving business efficiency and sales for small and medium-sized enterprises and individual business owners. Therefore, when using IT introduction subsidies to promote IT in your company, you need to understand the outline and act based on the philosophy of SECURITY ACTION.
After introducing IT tools, you will need to report simple results over a three-year period, so it is a good idea to conduct in-house training on how to use the IT tools or ask your support provider for support.
Collaborate with a support company with a proven track record
IT implementation support companies also provide support for applying for IT implementation subsidies, so if you have any questions or concerns, choose an IT implementation support company with a rich track record of applying for subsidies. That would be good.
The maximum subsidy amount is 4.5 million yen, but not all companies have to use the maximum amount to introduce IT tools. Depending on the industry and employees, tools may be difficult to use or may include features that are not necessary for the job.
Rather than a support provider that recommends applications up to the maximum limit, choose a support provider that will suggest tools that suit your company’s needs within the limits.
summary
In this article, we have explained the overview of IT introduction subsidies, how to apply, procedures and schedule, and points to note when applying.
For small and medium-sized businesses and sole proprietorships with limited budgets, receiving IT introduction subsidies can help promote IT implementation and improve operational efficiency. Please refer to this article and use it to apply for IT introduction subsidies.