Sanpo-yoshi Communication

President's Column] National 10 Billion Declaration Project

About a year and a half ago, we heard from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) that "the government will focus on fostering medium-sized enterprises.

Rarely large subsidies implemented accordinglyIt appears to be a "Small Business Growth Acceleration Grant."

The government seems to know from statistics that companies with more than 10 billion dollars contribute more to employment, tax payments, and wage increases, and that is why this policy is so important.

　Many of you may already know this, but to briefly explain again, a company with sales of more than 1 billion yen but less than 10 billion yen declares its goal of achieving 10 billion yen and registers with the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency. The company must clearly present its strategy story for achieving 10 billion in sales, along with a time line. Companies that are approved for registration will then be able to apply for the "Small and Medium Business Growth Acceleration Subsidy". What a surprise! The maximum amount of the subsidy is "500 million yen" (1/2 of the subsidy rate).

All you have to do is declare that you are aiming for 10 billion yen to get a ticket to apply for a huge subsidy, the likes of which you have never heard of. If this policy had been announced seven or eight years ago, we would be working hard to get this grant. We are confident that we would have been selected, no matter how fierce the competition. Now that it is clear that we are not eligible for this subsidy, we are eager to do our best to support our clients in their efforts to obtain this subsidy.

　Although details have not been announced as of this writing (as of March 5, 2025), I believe the key points for adoption are "feasibility" and "ripple effects on the local economy. It is only natural from the standpoint of the national government. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency) must surely want this project to produce a large number of 10 billion companies and stimulate the local economy, as they are struggling to find ways to use tax revenues and are willing to invest in such an expensive subsidy.

　In order to demonstrate the possibility of realization, we must show that we have the management capability, solidify our organizational structure, and present a clear strategic story in an easy-to-understand manner so that even you laypeople in the business world can understand that the probability of realization is high. (Highly probable ≒ High possibility of realization)

　In order to demonstrate the ripple effect, the company must first raise its own wages (this April will be a must), and be enthusiastic enough to obtain in advance all the policies, certifications, and declarations promoted by METI in recent years, such as fair trade with subcontractors, BCP initiatives, and women's activities (we have covered most of these). （In addition, it would be even stronger if the growth story includes collaboration with other companies in the region (business dealings are acceptable).

　We have experts who have PhDs in engineering and have obtained numerous grants as SMEs. (We have a somewhat overloaded case load, so we are limited in the number of clients we can support. I am not sure if there is a need, but if you are a young business owner who would like to "hit the wall" on a core strategic story, I and the border of the Corporate Planning Office may be able to help you.

We hope that even one more customer will make a big leap forward with this declaration and subsidy.