The real work begins after selection: A chronological guide to the procedures you must complete to receive your subsidy
"You've been selected!"—When that notification arrives, many people feel relieved and think it's over. But in reality, the real work begins after selection. In this article, I have organized the steps you need to take after selection in chronological order.
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## What to do immediately after receiving the selection notification
Once the selection notification arrives, these are the first three things you should do.
> ① Check the deadline for the grant application
> ② Check the start date of the project implementation period
> ③ Reconfirm the scope of eligible expenses
Selection does not mean the subsidy is guaranteed. You must complete a procedure called a "grant application" after selection, and if you do not complete this within the deadline, you will not be able to receive the subsidy.
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## Overall flow after selection
Selection notification → Grant application → Grant approval → Project implementation → Performance report → Subsidy payment
Keeping this flow in mind is of the utmost importance.
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## ❶ Grant Application
After selection, you first perform the "grant application." This is the procedure for submitting details of your business plan, cost estimates, schedules, etc.
> ⚠️ If you place orders, sign contracts, or make payments before the grant application is approved, they may be deemed ineligible for the subsidy. Please be sure to start moving only after the grant approval.
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## ❷ Project Implementation
Once the grant approval is issued, you finally implement the project. There are three things to keep in mind at this stage.
> ・Keep all documents related to estimates, orders, delivery, inspection, and payment
> ・Complete all payments within the subsidy project period
> ・Manage expenses so they are not mixed with non-eligible expenses
The golden rule for document storage is "don't throw them away, don't lose them." You will need everything for the performance report.
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## ❸ Performance Report
Once the project is complete, you submit a "performance report." This is the most time-consuming process.
> ・Report on project implementation details
> ・Evidence of expenditure (receipts, invoices, bank transfer statements, etc.)
> ・Results of project effectiveness measurement
You can also use AI to streamline the creation of this performance report. Just by telling it, "Please create a subsidy performance report based on the following implementation details," you will get a draft.
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## ❹ Subsidy Payment and Subsequent Obligations
Once the performance report is approved, the subsidy will be paid. However, it does not end here.
> ・Equipment and systems acquired with the subsidy cannot be sold or disposed of for a certain period
> ・You may be required to submit annual effectiveness reports for several years
> ・You have an obligation to keep ledgers and documents for several years
It is not "over once you are selected"; management over several years is required.
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## Managing post-selection with AI
AI can also help with document management and report creation after selection.
> "Please create a list of documents required for a subsidy performance report. The subsidy name is XX, and the project content is XX."
With just this prompt, a list of necessary documents and preparation points will be organized for you.
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## Summary
Selection is not the "goal" but the "start." By understanding the entire flow from grant application, project implementation, and performance reporting to subsequent management from the beginning, you can receive the subsidy without any trouble.
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Next time, I will publish "The difference between subsidies and loans and how to use them effectively."
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