Have you given up, thinking, “I really want a soundproof room for my work, but since it’s a luxury item, I have no choice but to pay out of my own pocket…”?
If you are a sole proprietor (freelancer) and the introduction of a soundproof room is directly linked to the “expansion of your business sales,” there is a very good chance you are eligible for the powerful government support system known as the “Small Business Sustaining Grant (小規模事業者持続化補助金).”
In this article, we explain the application know-how required to appeal to the government that a soundproof room is not a “mere noise countermeasure” but a “powerful business investment,” aiming to secure hundreds of thousands (up to a scale of 2.5 million JPY) in baseline subsidies.
1. What is the “Small Business Sustaining Grant”?#
The Small Business Sustaining Grant is a system where the national government covers a portion (usually two-thirds) of the expenses incurred by sole proprietors and small corporations to carry out “sales channel cultivation (acquiring new customer segments)” or “productivity improvement.”
- Estimated Subsidy Amount: “Up to 500,000 JPY” in the standard quota, and “up to 2 million - 2.5 million JPY” if specific requirements (like the startup quota) are met.
- Eligible Expenses: Machinery and equipment costs, website-related costs, etc.
- Precaution: If you apply simply under the name “soundproof room,” you run the risk of it being rejected as a generic hobby item.
2. The Magic of “Converting the Primary Purpose” for a Successful Application#
The most crucial aspect is convincing the examiners that “the soundproof room is absolutely necessary for your work.” In the application, “defensive reasons (personal convenience)” such as “because I am afraid of complaints from the neighboring room” are a big NO. You must convert them into “offensive reasons (business growth)” as shown below.
Idea Examples for a Successful Business Plan (Application)#
- Transition to an Online Business
[Before]I only offer in-person music lessons, so my student base is limited to the immediate neighborhood.[After]By introducing a soundproof room (studio), I will develop “high-sound-quality online lessons capable of operating even late at night or early morning.” I will acquire students nationwide and increase sales by 30%.
- Cultivating New Clients by Upgrading Quality
[Before]Environmental noise bleeds into my home narration recordings, preventing me from receiving professional-level project orders.[After]Through a “pro-spec home recording soundproof environment with a low noise floor (by introducing Avitecs, etc.),” I will launch a high-quality voice recording service (such as audiobooks) for corporate clients, raising the average customer spend.
- Diversification of the Streaming Business (Streamer)
[Before]I can only stream during the daytime, missing out on English-speaking overseas viewers and the late-night primary viewer demographic.[After]By introducing a soundproof booth that allows 24-hour operation, I will newly cultivate a late-night live streaming business targeting the English-speaking sphere.
3. Creating Evidence so it isn’t Deemed a “General-Purpose Item”#
The key is to apply for the soundproof room as a “machinery and equipment” item dedicated to your business, so it isn’t seen as merely “a renovation for a comfortable lifestyle” or a “hobby room.”
- Presenting Evidence: Record it as an “expense for machinery and equipment, etc.” in the application, and be sure to attach the catalog and estimate.
- Pledging Business Use: Clearly state in the business plan that “this equipment is exclusively designed for business use and will not be used in any way for private (personal residential space) purposes.”
4. Always Get the “Chamber of Commerce” on Your Side#
This subsidy is not meant to be written up alone and dropped in a mailbox. It is an essential requirement to bring your business plan to a local “Chamber of Commerce and Industry (商工会議所)” or “Society of Commerce and Industry (商工会),” polish the contents together with them, and get a stamp of confirmation (Business Support Plan).
They are professionals who know everything about “how to write an application that passes the screening.” Go consult them with the enthusiasm of, “I want to start this kind of new business by installing a soundproof room!”
Conclusion: Your Soundproof Room is a “Business Investment”#
- A soundproof room can be eligible for the “Sustaining Grant.”
- Do not create a story of “noise countermeasures,” but rather “capital investment and new service deployment to achieve 130% sales.”
- Go consult the Chamber of Commerce early.
If a subsidy of several hundred thousand yen is granted, you can reach for a “high-performance soundproof room” like a Yamaha or Kawai, rather than compromising and buying a cheap, simple soundproof room. Wisely utilize the system to achieve a leap in your business.
