Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Implements Digital Transformation Support Program for Regional Businesses

The Small and Medium Enterprise Agency unveiled a comprehensive digital transformation (DX) support program targeting regional SMEs across Japan. The initiative provides subsidies covering up to 2/3 of implementation costs for digital tools, cloud services, and IT infrastructure upgrades, with a maximum grant of 4.5 million yen per company. The program specifically addresses the digital divide affecting regional businesses, offering specialized support for manufacturing, retail, and service sectors. Participating companies receive access to certified DX advisors who provide customized implementation roadmaps and ongoing technical support. The agency established regional DX support centers in all 47 prefectures, facilitating local access to expertise and resources. Priority areas include production management systems, e-commerce platforms, and remote work infrastructure. The program incorporates cybersecurity training and data protection measures as mandatory components. Initial results from pilot programs show average productivity improvements of 23% among participating SMEs. The initiative aligns with Japan's broader digital economy goals while addressing specific challenges faced by smaller enterprises in adopting new technologies.