METI Supports "Green Servicizing Business"

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has launched a new plan, the "Green Servicizing Model Business in 2005." This plan will support service-providing businesses that are expected to reduce impacts on the environment, the ministry announced on May, 16, 2005.

Applications for subsidies under this plan were accepted from 16 May 2005 through 10 June. In order to be eligible for subsidies, an applicant had to 1) provide business services that can greatly reduce environmental impacts, 2) be a relatively small company, a group of relatively small companies or a non-profit organization, 3) be able to continue its business when the subsidy expires, and be very likely to remain as an independent business in the future.

A subsidy of up to 4 million yen (US$36,363) is offered for the costs of consulting services, for example on marketing or for training by start-up experts.

METI listed examples of model businesses, including a car sharing system in which people share cars with others, home appliance repair, computer support and repair, toner recycling, repair or service of electric or electronic appliances, for example air conditioner cleaning, and the "Light and Trust Service," a service begun in April 2002 by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. in which fluorescent lamps are leased rather than sold and remuneration received for their lighting function only.


- Ministry Announces 2005 "Green Service" Model Business Winners (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/1202-e

Posted: 2005/09/29 09:01:47 AM
Japanese version