Note 3-56

(56) The Japanese-version SBIR is a system based on the new business creation promotion law to vitalize small businesses with technology development capacity and assist unique business activities. It is modeled after the U.S. Small Business Innovation Research. Under the Japanese SBIR system, relevant government agencies cooperate in increasing opportunities for small businesses to receive subsidies and funding for development of new technologies leading to creation of new kinds of industry. In order to have such technologies commercialized, these agencies implement assistance measures including expansion of loan guarantees and non-collateral-backed or non-guaranteed loans.