On 20^th May, 2021, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) started accepting applications for certified social firms. A social firm is a social enterprise in which people with difficulties in finding work, such as people with disabilities, the elderly, people with intractable diseases, single parents, people who have been shut-ins, or people who have left prison receive the support they need and work alongside other employees. The firm operates primarily on the basis of income from its business. The TMG supports the establishment and activities of social farms in accordance with the Social Firm Ordinance passed in December 2019.

Businesses that have been 'pre-certified' or 'certified' by the TMG will receive a subsidy from the Tokyo Shigoto Foundation. The requirements for certification of social firms are as follows:

1. It operates primarily using the income from its work
2. It employs a significant number of people who are deemed to be hard to employ
3. The people who have difficulties finding or continuing in employment work together with other employees in the workplace.　

This year, in addition to certification or pre-certification, the company must receive a prior decision from the TMG in order to receive the subsidy. The subsidy covers the costs of maintenance and renovation as well as the operating costs of the social firm. Those wishing to apply for the subsidy need to attend an information session, and documents need to be submitted by 31^st August, 2021. For more information, please visit the following website (Japanese only).

https://www.shigotozaidan.or.jp/koyo-kankyo/joseikin/social-firm.html