Summary of Subsidies and Grants for Introducing E-Learning [2025 Edition]|The Latest Guide to "Subsidies for Supporting Human Resource Development" and "Subsidies for IT Introduction 2025" for Both Improving Business Efficiency and Human Resource Development
In recent years, driven by work-style reforms and the promotion of digital transformation (DX) in education, the adoption of e-learning systems and LMSs has been rapidly expanding among companies and organizations. The e-learning market is projected to reach 384.9 billion yen in fiscal year 2025 (*1), and many organizations are likely considering the implementation or replacement of an optimal e-learning solution. While the use of e-learning is gaining attention from the perspectives of operational efficiency and workforce development, implementation costs and operational burdens often pose challenges. This is where subsidies and grants provided by the national government and local municipalities come into play. There are a variety of programs available to support e-learning implementation, such as the “Human Resource Development Support Grant” and the “IT Introduction Subsidy 2025.” In this column, we’ll provide a detailed explanation of everything from the main types and overviews of grants and subsidies available for e-learning implementation to key points for selecting an e-learning system or LMS (Learning Management System), as well as systems that are compatible with these grants and subsidies. If you’re considering implementing e-learning using grants and subsidies, please be sure to read this article to the end. *The content of this article is current as of June 2025. (*1) Reference: Yano Research Institute Ltd., “Survey on the E-Learning Market (2025)” learningBOX compatible with both the “Human Resource Development Support Grant” and the “IT Introduction Subsidy 2025.” Get a free consultation with our expert staff. Click here for learningBOX materials compatible with the Human Resource Development Support Grant. Download now. What is the difference between grants and subsidies, and what are the benefits of using them? Grants and subsidies are funds provided by the national government or local municipalities that, in principle, do not need to be repaid. Here, we explain the differences between grants and subsidies, the benefits of utilizing them for e-learning and LMS implementation, and key points for applying. The Difference Between Grants and Subsidies: While both grants and subsidies are provided by the national government or local authorities to companies and individuals, they differ in purpose and nature. About Grants Grants are a system designed primarily to stabilize the working environment by providing financial support to businesses working to promote and maintain employment, develop human resources, and improve working conditions. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is the primary governing body, and the funding comes from employment insurance premiums. About Subsidies: Subsidies are programs through which the national government or local governments provide funds to companies and businesses to support new ventures, promote regional development, and advance public interest projects. To support new ventures, business startups, and employment stability, these programs are primarily administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), as well as other central government ministries and local governments. They are primarily funded by tax revenues. While grants are generally available to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements, subsidies have fixed budgets and a limited number of approved applications, so applying does not guarantee approval. Competition for subsidies is fierce, and applicants must effectively demonstrate the necessity of their project. Regarding Payment Amounts: Generally, grants range from several hundred thousand yen to, at most, several million yen, whereas subsidies are characterized by their large scale, with budgets sometimes reaching several billion yen. Grant and subsidy programs are frequently revised. Be sure to check the official websites of the relevant ministries and local governments for the latest information. Benefits of Utilizing Subsidies and Grants for e-Learning and LMS Implementation One major benefit of utilizing subsidies and grants for e-learning and LMS implementation is the ability to establish a state-of-the-art educational environment while reducing the financial burden. As a result, companies and organizations can implement high-quality systems within their budgets and effectively advance the skill development of their employees and staff. Furthermore, utilizing grants and subsidies lowers the barriers to implementation and enables rapid system deployment. Another major benefit is that receiving this support allows organizations to develop a competitive workforce while mitigating the risks associated with long-term investments in education. Key Points for Applying for Grants and Subsidies There are four important points to keep in mind when applying for grants and subsidies. 1. Confirm the Purpose of the Program: Thoroughly verify that the project you are applying for aligns with the purpose of the grant or subsidy program. Projects that deviate from this purpose are unlikely to be approved, so prior verification is essential. 2. Allow Ample Time for Preparation: It is important to allow plenty of time to prepare the necessary documents and meet application deadlines. If you miss the deadline, you cannot apply, and incomplete documents can lead to delays in the review process or rejection of your application. 3. Plan Your Funding Strategically: Since grants and subsidies are not typically disbursed in full immediately, you need to prepare your own funds and understand the timeframe until disbursement. Plan your funding strategy carefully to ensure you do not run out of funds during project implementation. 4. Fraudulent Claims Are Strictly Prohibited Fraudulent claims are severely penalized, so it is crucial to accurately understand the requirements and rules. If you have any questions, consult the grant or subsidy administration office or an expert. If you are unsure about the application or preparation process, it is also helpful to consult a certified social insurance and labor consultant. Receiving professional support improves the accuracy and speed of your application, which ultimately saves you time and effort. Major Grants and Subsidies Available for e-Learning and LMS Implementation The following are two major types of grants and subsidies from the national government and local municipalities that can be used for e-learning and LMS implementation. Human Resource Development Support Grant; IT Introduction Subsidy 2025. Each of these grants and subsidies will be explained in detail in the next section. Please feel free to contact us to find out how much funding you can receive by implementing learningBOX. Get a Free Consultation Return to Table of Contents “Human Resource Development Support Grant” The “Human Resource Development Support Grant” is a program provided by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to support corporate workforce development. As of April 2022, e-learning-based training has also become eligible for this grant. If you are considering a reskilling training program designed to utilize the “Human Resource Development Support Grant,” please be sure to refer to this information. Overview of the “Human Resource Development Support Grant” The “Human Resource Development Support Grant” provides subsidies for training expenses and a portion of wages during the training period when employers or other entities implement vocational training or similar programs according to a plan to help their employees acquire specialized knowledge and skills related to their job duties. The Human Resource Development Support Grant consists of the following six courses: Human Resource Development Support Course; Educational and Training Leave Grant Course; Investment in People Promotion Course; Business Expansion and Reskilling Support Course; Certified Training Course for Construction Workers; Skills Training Course for Construction Workers [Reference] Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, “Human Resource Development Support Grant” Courses Under the “Human Resource Development Support Grant” That Cover e-Learning The “Human Resource Development Support Grant” consists of six courses. Among these, e-learning is eligible under certain parts of the “Human Resource Development Support Course,” as well as the “Promotion of Investment in People Course” and the “Business Expansion and Reskilling Support Course.” Please note that for e-learning, only the expenses are eligible for the grant. Human Resource Development Support Course The “Human Resource Development Support Course” provides grants for training costs and other expenses when training is conducted according to a plan to help employees acquire knowledge and skills related to their job duties. There are the following three types of training: Human Resource Development Training, Vocational Training Combined with Certified Internships, and Fixed-Term Internship Training: Under “Human Resource Development Training,” e-learning-based training is eligible for subsidies. For “Vocational Training Combined with Certified Internships” and “Fixed-Term Internship Training,” only certain components may be eligible. For details, please refer to the “Guide to the Human Resource Development Support Grant (Human Resource Development Support Course).” Investment in People Promotion Course The “Investment in People Promotion Course” was established based on proposals from the public to accelerate investment in people. This is a time-limited grant program available from Reiwa 4 through Reiwa 8. There are five types of programs, all of which include e-learning training. Advanced Digital Talent Training / Training for Talent in Growth Sectors, etc. Certified Vocational Training Combined with Internships in the Information Technology Field, Fixed-Rate Training, Voluntary Vocational Skills Development Training, and Long-Term Educational Training Leave Systems. For more details, please refer to the “Guide to the Human Resource Development Support Grant: Promoting Investment in People Course (Detailed Version).” Business Expansion and Reskilling Support Course The “Business Expansion and Reskilling Support Course” covers training related to business expansion—such as launching new ventures—as well as training associated with DX (Digital Transformation) and GX (Green Transformation), which aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Training expenses and other costs are subsidized when an employer conducts training—in accordance with a plan—to enable its employees to acquire the knowledge and skills required in new fields. This is a time-limited subsidy available from Reiwa 4 through Reiwa 8. Training conducted via e-learning is also eligible for the subsidy. For more details, please refer to the “Guidance on the Human Resource Development Support Grant (Business Expansion, etc. Reskilling Support Course) (Detailed Version).” There are various requirements regarding which employers are eligible to use the “Human Resource Development Support Grant” and which training programs qualify for funding. Please review the latest information on the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare website and make the necessary preparations. What Kind of e-Learning System Meets the Requirements for the “Human Resource Development Support Grant”? First, it is important to understand what requirements are set for e-learning systems and LMSs (Learning Management Systems) for the specific grant you wish to apply for. In the case of the “Human Resource Development Support Grant,” there are no specific system requirements, so you can choose a system that best suits your company. Let’s take a look below to see what features are necessary. Some courses offered through flat-rate services are ineligible Please note that for the “Human Resource Development Support Course,” flat-rate services (subscription-based services) are not eligible for the grant. Training Progress Tracking and Proof of Completion Are Essential For e-learning training, the most important feature is the ability to prove that participants have actually completed the course. In addition to features that allow you to track participants’ progress and completion status, you’ll need functionality to issue certificates of completion and provide training history records after the course is finished. Ability to Track Training Hours: Since training must be conducted during employees’ working hours, it is necessary to manage training hours. Ensure you can prove that the training was conducted within working hours. Smooth Data Export: Required documents, such as subsidy application forms, must be submitted within two months starting from the day after the training completion date. Since you’ll also need to submit LMS data—including documents certifying course completion and training history—a system with features that allow for the smooth export of necessary data is highly beneficial. In addition to meeting application requirements, there are many features—such as those that verify the trainee’s actual participation and reduce operational workload—so please use this as a reference when selecting an e-learning system. To be sure, it’s best to inquire in advance whether the system or LMS you wish to implement is compatible with the “Human Resource Development Support Grant.” Click here for learningBOX materials regarding the Human Resource Development Support Grant. Download Now Return to Table of Contents “IT Introduction Subsidy 2025” The IT Introduction Subsidy is a government program that subsidizes a portion of the costs incurred by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small-scale businesses when introducing IT tools. Here, we explain the program overview and the “Standard Category,” which covers e-learning systems. Overview of the “IT Introduction Subsidy 2025” The IT Introduction Subsidy is a program designed to support the introduction of IT tools (such as software and services) to improve operational efficiency and promote digital transformation (DX), with the aim of enhancing labor productivity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small-scale businesses. IT tools (such as software and services) eligible for the “IT Introduction Subsidy 2025” are limited to those that have undergone prior review by the Secretariat and are registered and published on the official website (excluding the Multi-Company Collaboration IT Introduction Category). Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small-scale businesses wishing to apply for the grant must form a partnership with an “IT Implementation Support Provider” registered with the IT Implementation Grant Secretariat and submit their application jointly (excluding the Multi-Company Collaboration IT Implementation Category). For details on eligible businesses, please refer to the “Eligible Applicants” section on the Secretariat’s website for the “Subsidy for IT Implementation to Improve Productivity of Services, etc.” (IT Implementation Subsidy 2025). The “Standard Category,” which covers e-learning systems: The “IT Implementation Subsidy 2025” consists of the following five application categories: Standard Category, Invoice Category (Invoice Compliance Type), Invoice Category (Electronic Transactions Type), Security Measures Promotion Category, Multi-Company Collaboration IT Implementation Category. Among these, we will explain in detail the “Standard Category,” which covers “e-learning systems.” Examples of eligible “e-learning systems” include LMS (Learning Management Systems), educational management systems, online training platforms, and internal training content delivery systems. The “Standard Category” of the “IT Introduction Subsidy 2025” supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small-scale businesses by subsidizing a portion of the expenses incurred in introducing IT tools tailored to their specific challenges and needs, thereby helping to improve labor productivity. The subsidy rates and amounts are as follows. The subsidy amount varies depending on the number of processes (business steps). Subsidy Amount 50,000 yen to less than 1.5 million yen 1.5 million yen to 4.5 million yen or less Functional Requirements 1 or more processes 4 or more processes Subsidy Rate Up to 1/2* If the applicant demonstrates that, for at least three months, 30 percent or more of all employees have been employed at a wage of no more than the regional minimum wage plus 50 yen, the subsidy rate is up to two-thirds. Eligible Expenses: Software purchase costs, cloud service fees (up to two years’ worth of cloud service charges), Implementation-Related Expenses: Implementation-related expenses include not only costs for maintenance support and manual creation but also post-implementation “utilization support” aimed at promoting the adoption of IT. Regarding IT tool requirements, the software must support at least one type of business process shown in the figure below (software supporting only generic processes is not eligible). For details on the “Standard Category,” please refer to the “IT Introduction Subsidy 2025 Application Guidelines (Standard Category)” published by the Secretariat of the “Subsidy for IT Introduction to Improve Productivity of Services, etc.” (IT Introduction Subsidy 2025). Support from an “IT Implementation Support Provider” is required to apply for the subsidy. To apply for the “IT Implementation Subsidy,” the eligible company and the vendor providing the IT tool (IT Implementation Support Provider) must submit the application jointly. Furthermore, only IT tools that have been registered and certified by an IT Implementation Support Provider are eligible for application and subsidy. You can search for “IT Implementation Support Providers and IT Tools” that have been approved by the Secretariat under the “IT Implementation Subsidy 2025” using the “IT Tool and IT Implementation Support Provider Search” feature on the Secretariat’s website for the “Subsidy for IT Implementation Support to Improve Productivity of Services, etc.” (IT Implementation Subsidy 2025). When considering the implementation of a system that aligns with the objectives of the “IT Introduction Subsidy,” be sure to verify that the IT tool in question is eligible for the subsidy. We recommend selecting a partner (IT Implementation Support Provider) that has a robust support system in place to assist you thoroughly, from the application process to reporting requirements. Please feel free to consult with us regarding system implementation using the IT Introduction Subsidy. Get a Free Consultation Return to Table of Contents Let’s Implement the Optimal e-Learning System Using Grants and Subsidies In the previous sections, we introduced the grants and subsidies available for e-learning implementation. Now, let’s take a closer look at e-learning systems. We’ll cover typical cost ranges, ways to keep costs down, and recommended e-learning systems. Breakdown of E-Learning Costs Implementing an e-learning system involves various expenses. Let’s take a closer look at exactly what costs are involved. Initial Costs: These are the costs associated with system implementation and environment setup. Fees vary significantly depending on the type of system. Usage Fees: These are monthly or annual service fees that vary based on the number of learners and the duration of use. Customization Costs: These are the costs associated with adding features or modifying the design to meet your company’s specific needs. Optional Fees: These refer to costs associated with using additional features or support services. Course Material Costs: These include expenses for purchasing existing course materials, outsourcing production, or creating in-house materials (such as labor costs), and vary depending on the depth of content and the scale of production. It is important to consider all these factors comprehensively and choose the optimal plan. Average Costs for e-Learning Systems and 3 Ways to Keep Costs Down Do you feel that implementing e-learning costs more than you expected? Here are three specific ways to get started with e-learning smoothly while keeping costs down. 1. Implement a Cloud-Based Solution There are several types of e-learning systems and LMSs, including cloud-based systems (systems provided on online servers) and on-premises systems (systems built on your company’s own servers). Cloud-based systems have a shorter implementation time and can help keep costs down. 2. Choose a Plan That Fits Your Company’s Needs Wisely. E-learning system costs are typically based on a pay-as-you-go model, a fixed monthly fee, or an annual contract. For up to 100 users, the typical range is around 30,000 to 60,000 yen per month, and for 200 users, it’s around 50,000 to 80,000 yen per month. Calculated per user, this amounts to 250 to 600 yen per month. However, costs may vary depending on the service details and contract terms, so when considering implementation, be sure to thoroughly review the plan details and select the optimal plan based on usage frequency and the number of users. 3. Create Training Materials In-House By creating training materials in-house using tools like PowerPoint, you can reduce costs associated with outsourcing or purchasing materials. Additionally, this allows for the creation of flexible materials tailored to your company’s specific learning content and goals, and enables quick revisions and updates to the content. This enables efficient management of training materials while keeping costs down compared to outsourcing to a production company. Currently, many companies offer a wide variety of e-learning services, with a broad range of features and prices. As a result, many people may find it difficult to decide which service to choose. Before comparing numerous services, start by clearly defining your company’s requirements. By creating an implementation plan that meets your company’s requirements, you’ll have clear criteria for selecting a system, and internal proposals and explanations to other departments will proceed more smoothly. learningBOX is eligible for grants and subsidies | Comprehensive support for implementation and applications The e-learning system “learningBOX” meets the eligibility requirements for the “Human Resource Development Support Grant,” which covers e-learning-based training and meets the eligibility requirements for all three courses: the “Human Resource Development Support Course,” the “Promotion of Investment in People Course,” and the “Business Expansion and Reskilling Support Course.” Additionally, the “learningBOX” e-learning system has been certified as an eligible tool under the “IT Introduction Subsidy 2025.” We have established an application support system in collaboration with a specialized social insurance and labor consultant firm, so even first-time applicants can use our service with confidence. The “learningBOX” e-learning system is a Japanese-developed system with a proven track record of over 700,000 registered users and more than 1,500 participating companies (as of the end of March 2025). Even without specialized knowledge, you can easily create e-learning courses. In addition to reducing training operational costs and time, users are experiencing tangible benefits such as standardized training quality and the visualization and quantitative evaluation of learning outcomes. Check out the list of learningBOX features and pricing now! Click here to download the free 5-minute introduction to learningBOX. learningBOX Case Studies The e-learning system “learningBOX” is used by many organizations across all industries and sectors for employee training, training management, recruitment and promotion exams, knowledge sharing, and more. learningBOX is a system with a proven track record of successfully applying for “Human Resource Development Support Grants.” ■ Combining learningBOX with grants to launch a new reskilling initiative → Click here for the case study of chipper Co., Ltd. Success Stories in Employee Training ■ Reducing Time and Costs in Training Operations At companies—primarily listed firms—that provide support for the preparation and disclosure of statutory documents, replacing their existing e-learning system reduced the time spent verifying uncompleted courses by 97%. In addition, internal data shows that the administration of compliance training was reduced by 60 hours, resulting in cost savings of approximately 1.5 million yen. → Click here for the ProNexus Co., Ltd. case study ■ Widely used in areas such as in-house training, manual creation, and exam preparation → Click here for the No.1 Co., Ltd. case study. You can view other case studies on the use of the “learningBOX” e-learning system on the “Case Studies” page. Back to Table of Contents Summary We have introduced grants and subsidies that can be utilized for e-learning implementation. It is important to thoroughly verify the requirements and procedures for each program and effectively utilize the support that aligns with your company’s objectives. To accelerate operational efficiency and talent development, we encourage you to actively consider implementing e-learning. The “learningBOX” e-learning system features a comprehensive support structure and functionality compatible with both the “Human Resource Development Support Grant” and the “IT Introduction Subsidy 2025,” ensuring a smooth process from implementation to application. Make the most of these grants and subsidies to ensure the successful implementation of e-learning at your company. Please feel free to consult with us about implementing learningBOX using grants and subsidies. Free consultation with our expert staff. If you’re in a hurry, you can also consult with us via a web meeting. Schedule a time ▼ We also recommend! Related Articles Return to Table of Contents